Founder of GoLearnTo, Vanessa Lenssen, knows there’s no better way to immerse yourself in local life, than getting stuck in and learning directly from the people behind the places. And what better way to gain an insight into a new culture than through its cuisine?
The following post is by guest blogger, Vanessa Lenssen.
Love of food is the love of life and no one believes this more than Italians, a nation renowned for living life to the full. At the heart of every social interaction you will find food, punctuating daily life with delicious flavours.
On a cooking course, you get to hang out with the locals, explore the wonderful shops and markets for fresh, seasonal ingredients and cook up some fantastic local dishes under the guidance of talented Chefs who will let you in on a multitude of culinary secrets.
Every region of Italy has its own unique dishes based on local produce so to eat your way around Italy, take a look at our whistle stop tour for you as an anti pasti…
Tuscany and Umbria
Tuscany and Umbria are known for the spectacular verdant landscapes, olive groves, pretty villages and vineyards, all of which are reflected in the fine olive oil, wine, wild game, vegetables and truffles. Here you will enjoy parpadelle al lepre, long ribbons of pasta with a rich hare sauce, panzanella – or in Umbria; the mystical truffle, you can even have a go at hunting your own in this wonderful region. And don’t forget to finish your meal by dipping your cantucci in Vin Santo, divine!
Cooking Tip: Try using grated parmesan rind in risottos, using much less cheese that packs a bigger punch in flavour
Veneto
Veneto lies in the northeast corner of Italy with the Adriatic Sea to the east  and mountains to the north. With seven rivers and the lakes including Lake Garda, and rice fields galore it is the spiritual home of Risotto, and the world famous vineyards that produce Prosecco, so why not try combining the two in a parmesan and Prosecco risotto for a true venetian feast?
Cooking Tip: When leaving your risotto to rest cover with healthy slices of butter to preserve the creamy consistency
Rome
When in Rome, do as the Romans do and nibble throughout the day enjoying everything from a quick biscuit and espresso in the morning the saltimbocca alla romana (veal sautéed with sage), or the traditional Canneloni, sitting out on the pavement watching the wonderful mix of history and high fashion.
Cooking Tip: When you make pasta try gently frying some fresh sage leaves in a little butter to create a flavorful and simple sauce
Sorrento
The incredible Amalfi coast is the home to pizza and gelato producing over 56 million pizzas each week. Base yourself in Sorrento and take advantage of this fantastic location to explore the coast, the countryside and the archaeological site of Pompeii. Every flavour is intense and bursting with life, tomatoes dried in the blazing southern Italian sunshine, limoncello by trees randomly scattering volcanic slopes. Here the junk food is truly gourmet.
Cooking Tip: Never fry garlic in hot oil, always introduce the garlic to gently warmed oil to remove any bitterness
If you are feeling hungry, why not check out GoLearnTo.com’s delicious range of cookery holidays in Italy to tantalise your taste buds.
GoLearnTo.com also offer cookery holidays in France, cooking holidays in Spain, Island hopper breaks and cookery holidays in Greece and much more.
If Vanessa’s top culinary tips have pushed Italy to the top of your travel list, don’t forget to contact Tripbod for 1-to-1 tailored trip planning from one of our local Tripbod experts in Italy.
