Afternoon Gelato and Biscuits Cooking class in the heart of Florence

Difference Between Gelato and Ice Cream

Gelato is an artisanal product, often made in small batches with a focus on quality and fresh ingredients. It has more milk than cream, resulting in a lower fat content compared to ice cream. Gelato also contains less air, making it denser and smoother. It is churned at a slower speed and served at a slightly warmer temperature, which enhances its creamy texture and flavor intensity.

Ice cream, on the other hand, is typically an industrial product made in larger quantities. It has a higher fat content due to more cream, and contains more air, giving it a lighter and fluffier texture. The production process often involves more preservatives and artificial ingredients compared to the fresh, natural components used in gelato.

Making Gelato with your Chef

Gelato has a long and fascinating history from iced fruit to modern day gelato.  However, great Italian gelato is not as complicated as it might seem. Your chef will show you the importance of fresh, seasonal ingredients as your base and then you will create the gelato together, adding milk, cream, eggs and sugar in varying degrees or perhaps creating a fruit sorbet that is lactose-free. Your chef will explain the importance of avoiding chemicals during the process and also include unexpected ingredients like balsamic vinegar or farm fresh yogurt.
And no afternoon gelato break would be complete without some biscuits! Together with the chefs, you will also learn to make ‘biscotti di Prato’, also known as ‘cantucci’: crunchy, flavourful and simply delicious!

This class is perfect for children, teens and families in general. And the delicious combo of gelato and biscotti is sure to be a huge hit with even the pickiest eater.

Master gelato making and bake the best Italian biscotti

In a gelato and biscuits cooking class, you'll discover the art of making authentic Italian gelato and traditional biscotti. Key learning points include:

• Gelato Preparation: Use fresh, seasonal ingredients to create rich and creamy gelato, understanding the balance of milk, cream, eggs, and sugar.
• Artisanal Techniques: Avoid chemicals and incorporate unique ingredients like balsamic vinegar or farm-fresh yogurt.
• Biscotti Making: Craft 'biscotti di Prato' or 'cantucci', learning the secrets to their crunchy and flavorful texture.
• Hands-On Experience: Engage in a fun and informative environment perfect for children, teens, and families.

Some flavors and treats you may be creating as part of your gelato experience:

Duing your class you will prepare two different gelato flavours and one type of biscuit. Here are some examples:  (Please consider the exact menu is based upon the availablity of seasonal ingredients.)

• Classic Vanilla Gelato: Smooth and creamy, made with fresh milk, cream, and vanilla beans.
• Chocolate Gelato: Rich and decadent, using high-quality cocoa and chocolate.
• Fruit Sorbetto: Refreshing and dairy-free, featuring seasonal fruits like lemon, strawberry, or mango.
• Balsamic Gelato: Unique and tangy, incorporating balsamic vinegar for a sophisticated flavor.
• Classic Almond Cantucci: Crunchy biscuits with whole almonds, perfect for dipping in Vin Santo.
• Chocolate Chip Cookies: A modern twist with chunks of rich chocolate.
• Lemon Zest Cantucci: Light and fragrant, with a hint of citrus.
• Cialde: a light cruncy wafer do compliment gelato

An opportunity to meet new friends from around the globe

At Mama Florence, sharing around the table embodies the spirit of friendship, love, and creating lasting memories with people from around the globe. This philosophy reflects the essence of the real person behind Mama Florence, who is the soul of the place. The culinary experiences here are designed to connect individuals from different places and cultures through delicious food, heartfelt conversations, and cultural exchanges. Each moment is an opportunity to bond, celebrate togetherness, and build a sense of community, making every dining experience a cherished memory.

Savor your Gelato, Sorbetto and biscuits with Coffee, tea or juices

After crafting delectable homemade gelato and biscuits under the guidance of our expert chefs, sit down with your new friends to savor the culinary creations from the group class. This tasting experience will include:

• An assortment of two different gelato flavors
• A type of freshly baked biscotti
• Complementary accompaniments such as fresh fruits and sauces

Each treat is paired with Tea, cofee juices or soft drinks, enhancing the flavors and providing a truly social and immersive experience. Relish the opportunity to socialize and have fun with fellow food enthusiasts as you share this memorable tasting session, exchanging thoughts, travel anecdotes, and experiences. Enjoy the camaraderie around the table and celebrate your newfound skills together.

• Gorgeous, Spacious Air-Conditioned Gullo Kitchen: Enjoy cooking in our beautifully designed, comfortable kitchen.
• Hands-On Cooking Class: Learn from experienced and engaging professional chefs.
• High Quality, locally Sourced, Sustainable Ingredients: Use the finest ingredients for your dishes.
• Use of Aprons and Tools: Aprons and tools are provided (apron purchasable on-site at an extra cost).
• Preparation of an afternoon  3-Course treat:
  • Gelato
  • Sorbetto
  • Biscuits 
• Seated savouring of Prepared Dishes: Enjoy your creations with seated table service.
• Bevarage Pairings:
  • Coffee or tea
  • Soft drinks or juices
  • A glass of bubbly for the adults if they wish!
• E-Recipes: Receive electronic recipes of all the dishes you've prepared, sent to your inbox.
• Class Duration: 2 hours total, including the seated tasting.
• VAT Tax: Included in the price.

• Shared Kitchen and Tools: Our kitchen and tools are shared by participants. Cross-contamination is possible. Classes are NOT suitable for individuals with SEVERE or life-threatening allergies. Please prioritize safety before enrolling.
• Dietary Requirements:
  • Vegetarian Options: Can be easily accommodated.
  • Other Dietary Needs: For vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free requirements, please inquire prior to booking.
• Minimum Enrollment:
  • General: A minimum enrollment of 3 people (adults) is required for course activation.
  • Sundays: A minimum enrollment of 5 people is required.
  • Options if Minimum Not Met: If the minimum is not reached, you will have the option to:
    • Pay an additional fee to reach minimum
    • Make the class private
    • Change to another available date
    • Receive a full refund
• Special Requests: If a specific class is not listed on our calendar, let us know and we will try to activate it for your desired date.
• Seasonal Ingredients: We use fresh, seasonal ingredients from trusted local suppliers and farms. The cooking class menu will vary depending on what is available that day.
• Allergies and Preferences: It is essential to email us ahead of time with any food allergies or preferences so we can verify if we can accommodate them.
• Private Classes: If you would like to make this a private class for you and your group, please get in touch for details.