COOKING SCHOOL PROGRAM

Magic Palette & Skillet Workshops

    This cooking program will excite the taste buds of every individual

who has a passion for excellent Italian cuisine.  It includes a multitude of directions that will take you down several paths of knowledge and excitement.

    Your Cooking School tour will begin on a Saturday and will continue for a choice of 1 or 2 weeks.  You will fly into Leonardo De Vinci airport in Rome.....arriving in the early morning.  You will transfer to a bus that will take you to Le Casacce.....our destination near Seggiano in the Tuscan hills.  Upon your arrival you will be met by the Le Casacce staff who will make you feel welcomed with a delicious Italian five course dinner and Italian vino.

    As with the Plein Air Painting program (on the same dates) you will be our guest for either 7 or 14 nights accommodations, 3 typical meals a day, the services of a professional guide, safe and  reliable ground bus transportation and professional instruction by CHEF ENRICO CASINI.

    During the period you are with us you will partake in several excursions (when not in the kitchen) that will take you to vineyards, wineries such as Fattoria dei Barbae and the famous winery of Banfi, to salamie factory, pecorino and goat cheese farm, a olive oil mill, honey producer and, of course, various produce markets.  In addition you will be transported to various small hill top towns in the Tuscan area.  These destinations will include Pienza, Montepulciano, Montecino, Castle de Piano, Montenaro and other towns in the immediate area.  We will also take a day to visit either Florence, Assisi and/or Siena.

A TYPICAL DAY IN THE TRENCHES

    The actual cooking program with Chef Enrico will either take place in the morning or late afternoon.  The classes will have a duration of approximately four hours and will include both demonstrations and "hands on" food preperations.  If you choose to attend a week only you will be in the kitchen 4 hours a day for 5 days.  If you desire a two week program you will spend 4 hours a day in the kitchen for eight days.  The remaining hours and days will be spent absorbing the local culture and making good use of the scheduled excursions.

    A typical day behind the stove will capture this kind of flavor.  You will rise at a reasonable hour,  have your continental  breakfast and proceed to gather in the kitchen.  You will be given your personal apron, a note book to take notes, and a menu for that day's project.  Chef Enrico will discuss the merits of the recipes he has chosen.  You will then learn the proper use of  knifes, cooking ware and all cooking utensils.  You will be assigned your kitchen tasks.....the chopping /grating  of vegetables. grating of cheeses and what cheese to use with a typical Italian selection:   perhaps the making of homemade bread and/or pasta, proper techniques in the handling of meats....their storage and usage.  If various sauces are a part of the menu for that day......you will learn the construction of the sauce and how it is to be used.  Generally speaking.....a full explanation will be available for every facet of the meal..

Your break-time will include the tasting of those wines that go best with the menu you are preparing.  During this session, you will set your own table and plate your creation for immediate consumption.  You may be cooking for other guests that may be residing at the estate.

TWO COOKING PROGRAMS ARE BEING OFFERED FOR 2009

  

  The NINA FRITZ WORKSHOP

            

             Cooking Classes beginning May 9 to May 16, 2009 ( 1 week )

                  Cost:  $2,175. per person - double occupancy

                            $400. single supplement extra ( if available

             Cooking Classes beginning May 9 to May 23, 2009 ( 2 weeks )

                 Cost:  $3,900. per person - double occupancy

                            $400. single supplement extra ( if available )

  

 

  Wanna see a typical Italian Menu that Chef Enrico will be teaching at his Cooking School??

CLICK

HERE

CULINARY ART PERSONIFIED

CHEF ENRICO CASINI

Le Casacce Culinary Staff

  In this kitchen you

will experience the

ultimate in Italian

cuisine!

  Chef Enrico will

guide you through

a culinary experience that you will find most complete, pleasing and unforgettable

Italian cooking is most delicious when cooked in the Tuscan tradition.  Wine plays an incredible role in Italian cuisine along with delectable cheeses, olive oils and honey.

Paired with the proper wines the local ingredients of the region will create ourstanding meals;  as diverse and unique as the Tuscan landscape.

The BOSS doing his thing !!