Maria is a retired architect with a passion for cooking and painting, who learned traditional Italian recipes growing up in Sardinia. She delights in hosting guests from around the world in her country house near Florence, teaching hands-on gluten-free pasta making while sharing family recipes passed down through generations. Maria loves connecting with people over food, making her classes warm, personal, and full of authentic Italian flavor.
Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.
In-home meal: (2-8 guests) Join Maria and her husband in their beautiful Tuscan countryside farmhouse to share stories and enjoy a home-cooked gluten-free Italian meal made from her grandmother’s family recipes. You may savor traditional dishes including gluten-free pasta such as black cabbage and ricotta ravioli, tagliatelle with ragu, or pasta with broccoli pesto or arrabbiata. End your meal with a classic dessert like panna cotta or gelato, paired with two glasses of local Tuscan wine.
Cooking experience:
(2-8 guests)
Join Maria, a passionate home cook and retired architect, for a hands-on gluten-free pasta cooking class just 20 minutes north of Florence. Your day begins with a scenic drive (included for groups of 2–6) from a central Florence meeting point to Maria’s 12th-century countryside home, where your immersive Italian culinary journey begins.
In this authentic Florence cooking class, you’ll learn to prepare traditional Italian dishes from scratch using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, including handmade gluten-free pasta (tagliatelle or ravioli), an appetizer, and a classic dessert. Maria shares family recipes passed down from her grandmother, along with stories, tips, and personal touches that make you feel like part of her family.
After the hands-on class, enjoy a meal featuring the dishes you prepared together, paired with two glasses of Italian wine. Perfect for couples, families, or groups of friends, this experience offers a true taste of Tuscan cuisine, Florentine culture, and local traditions.
Note for groups of 7 or more: Complimentary transportation is not included. Please arrange your own transport to Maria’s countryside home, a 20-minute drive from central Florence.
Market visit: (2-8 guests) Begin your immersive culinary journey in Florence with a guided walking tour of the vibrant San Lorenzo Market - a must-visit destination for food lovers. Meet your host, Maria, at a central Florence location and follow her through the bustling market as she introduces you to her favorite local vendors. Stroll past colorful stalls overflowing with seasonal fruits, vegetables, fresh meats, cheeses, olive oils, and regional specialties. Along the way, Maria shares fascinating insights into Tuscan ingredients and their role in traditional Italian cooking. You’ll also pick up expert tips on how to choose the best produce, knowledge passed down through generations in Maria’s family. After the market tour, Maria drives you 20 minutes north to her beautiful 12th-century countryside home, where your private, hands-on Florence cooking class begins.
Notes:
1. Please note that markets are closed on Sundays and public holidays.
2. Maria can accommodate lactose-free, vegetarian, and vegan diets upon request in addition to the gluten-free class. Please inform her of any dietary restrictions or allergies when booking your Florence cooking class online.
3. Round-trip transfers from the Florence city (Forno Sale Grosso) are included only for guests 6 or fewer as Maria's car can only accommodate a max of 6. Please include your WhatsApp number or local contact number in your booking so that it is easy to communicate, in case of traffic or other delays. For guests 7+ please make your own way to Maria's home and back.
4. Please note that, as is common in many Italian homes, this residence does not have air conditioning.
5. This home has a cat.
Languages spoken: English, Italian
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