ellisfamilyabroad: May 8th - 15th, Cooking school in Tuscany

After hearing about this fabulous cooking school in Tuscany, my good friend Micah and I had decided to go for it. I am so glad I went. I learned to cook some great dishes, enjoyed a week away, saw at least ten hill top towns, and enjoyed some unique experiences and tours that are only a part of this school. My friend Bevin went with us and she brought her lovely mother. It was a great group.

The villa we stayed in. There were ten of us in the class. It was a nice group.

The beautiful town of Cortona. We went here and then we went to see Francis Mayes house which was beautiful (from the street of course).

After Francis Mayes house, we drove to this beautiful Fransiscan monastery, Le Celle.

Bevin and her mom (Ann) at Le celle.

Cooking!

One of the stores in Deruta where we bought pottery.

Pino was our guide for Montepulciano and Pienza. Both towns were so beautiful.

random things

Cesare Mazzetti is one of the few coppersmiths left who are true artists of the trade. He does everything by hand. He was so sweet and showed us his shop and his technique. It was so nice to meet him.

Wine and a tour of the Contucci cellars.

Pienza.

A vineyard in Montalcino. We drove here to see the town and meet the people who make and sell the famous Brunello.

Perugia.

Gubbio, an adorable town that I would LOVE to come back to and bring Bill.

We toured an olive grove owned by a family friend of Faye. The owner later came to the villa and did a olive oil tasting with us. We were able to buy some of the best olive oil I have ever tasted in my life!

Faye and one of the owners of Bonci. Bonci is a factory that makes these cakes that are infused with a local wine, Vin Santo. This place is owned by three brothers and they invited our class to learn to make focaccia bread, tour their factory and have dinner with them. It was a blast, they are so sweet and dinner was a hoot!