Discover all the secrets of the sublime Art of Italian cooking in this personalized cooking workshop.

In the warm atmosphere of her Italian home, Raffaela takes you on a journey to discover and taste the authentic ingredients and to combine them to create a simple but tasty meal.

Skill level is of no consequence as the classes are small and we guide you from start to finish. At the end of the lesson you are able to sample your handiwork with a matching glass of Italian wine. All ingredients are handpicked, seasonal and largely organic.

MONTHLY COOKING APPOINTMENTS

Saturday 28th August 2010 : Spring Feast Gnocchi Making with wild herbs from the garden
Gnocchi is a staple of Italian cuisine: belong to the peasant tradition and its beginning dates back hundreds of years.
Every region and every family has a different recipe or use a special ingredient. We have a special "cuoca" or the occasion Valli from Veneto region. Her potato gnocchi are the best of New Zealand (so far..) and she will share her secrets with us. But we have other gnocchi surprise for you.
And of course great food, good wine and amazing company at Villa Romantica

Saturday 25th September 2010 : Aperitivi, Antipasti and Contorni side dishes
Aperitivi nibbles is for Italians a way to welcome friends and chat while waiting for the dinner. Antipasti e contorni were traditionally part of formal meal but now they are often a way of entertain friends in a more relaxed way.

Saturday 30th October 2010 :Fresh pasta making Spring Menu: Tagliatelle, Tagliolini, Lasagne and Ravioli
Hands on making three pasta dough, roll it out into ravioli with borage and ricotta, spinach lasagna "Carnevale" with our own special Italian sausages and saffron tagliolini with asparagus and lemon.

Saturday 13th November 2010 : Gluten Free and Vegan Festive Menu with Laurinda Erasmus, author of "Benessere" cook book. Laurinda is a good friend and a great and creative cook. Her book contains over 500 recipes: revisited traditional dishes from all over the world, new twist to simple vegan ideas and many Italian specialties vegan style. She master the use of fruits and herbal teas so well that you won't know there is NO SUGAR in any of the delicious cakes and dessert.

Saturday 20th November 2010 : Italian festive menu for New Zealand Christmas
It is not easy to move away from stereotype, especially with Italian food and its perception outside Italy. But in this class we will surprise you. We will prepare a selection of delicacies that will have both Italian flair, Mediterranean taste and fresh, organic New Zealand ingredients.

Session length: 3,30h hours 10.30am - 2pm
Venue: "Villa Romantica" Long Bay - North Shore - Auckland
Options Available: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten free menus available on request

For further information please email us your request and we will be in touch.