Private Gelato and Biscotti Cooking Class

Making Gelato at MaMa Florence

Join the fun of making gelato at MaMa Florence with our expert chefs and friendly staff. Under their guidance, you'll learn the art of crafting authentic Italian gelato using fresh, seasonal ingredients. The chefs will walk you through each step, from selecting the finest ingredients to perfecting the balance of flavors and textures. Our welcoming team ensures a delightful, hands-on experience, making the process enjoyable and educational. Create delicious gelato and make lasting memories in our beautiful, well-equipped kitchen.

Our gelato-making class at MaMa Florence is perfect for kids due to its short (2h total) and simple process. Guided by our expert chefs and supported by our friendly staff, children will have a blast learning how to make this delicious Italian treat. Using fresh, seasonal ingredients, they'll create gelato in a fun, engaging environment. The hands-on experience is designed to be both educational and enjoyable, making it an ideal activity for young culinary enthusiasts. Watch your kids delight in making and tasting their own gelato creations!

Italy's Most Common Biscotti and Cialde

Learn about the different types of biscotti and cialde that pair well with gelato. Make one type during class

• Cantucci: Originating from Tuscany, these almond biscuits are twice-baked for a hard texture, perfect for dipping in Vin Santo.
• Biscotti di Prato: Similar to Cantucci, these Tuscan biscotti are crisp and typically enjoyed with coffee or wine.
• Lingue di Gatto: Known as "cat tongues" for their shape, these delicate, thin cookies are buttery and crisp, often served with tea or as a garnish for desserts.
• Cialde di Montecatini: Thin, wafer-like biscuits from Montecatini Terme in Tuscany, made with flour, sugar, and egg whites, flavored with vanilla or anise.
• Necci: Chestnut flour wafers from Tuscany's mountainous regions, usually served with ricotta or honey.

These traditional Tuscan treats highlight the region's rich culinary heritage, offering a delightful taste of Italy's sweet delights.

Learn about Artisanal Gelato vs. Industrial Ice Cream

Artisanal Gelato:

• Ingredients: Made with fresh, high-quality ingredients such as whole milk, fresh cream, and natural flavorings.
• Production: Handcrafted in small batches, ensuring attention to detail and quality.
• Texture: Denser and creamier due to lower air content (around 20-30% air).
• Flavor: Richer and more intense flavors because of the higher ingredient quality and lower fat content (usually 4-8%).

Industrial Ice Cream:

• Ingredients: Often includes artificial flavorings, preservatives, and stabilizers.
• Production: Mass-produced with less focus on ingredient quality.
• Texture: Lighter and fluffier due to higher air content (up to 50% air).
• Flavor: Generally milder, with higher fat content (around 10-18%) which can mask flavors.

Artisanal gelato offers a more authentic and flavorful experience compared to the more processed and airier industrial ice cream.

What You'll Do in the Gelato-Making Class

In the gelato-making class at MaMa Florence, you'll embark on a delightful culinary journey with our expert chefs. Here's what you can expect:

1. Introduction to Ingredients: Learn about the importance of using fresh, seasonal ingredients for making authentic Italian gelato.
2. Mixing and Preparing: Follow step-by-step instructions to mix milk, cream, eggs, and sugar, and understand how to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
3. Creating Flavors: Experiment with various ingredients, including fruits and natural flavorings, to create your unique gelato flavors.
4. Freezing Techniques: Discover the techniques to properly freeze and churn the gelato to get the ideal creamy texture.
5. Tasting and Enjoying: Finally, taste your homemade gelato and enjoy the fruits of your labor with your classmates, making it a fun and memorable experience for everyone involved.

• 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
  • Biscuites
• Seated savouring of Prepared Dishes: Enjoy your creations with seated table service.
• Bevarage Pairings:
  • Cofee 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.

Allergies and Cross contamination

• Cross-contamination in shared space: Our kitchen and tools are shared by participants. Cross-contamination is possible or likely.
• Classes are NOT suitable for individuals with SEVERE or life-threatening allergies. Please prioritize safety before enrolling.

Other Dietary needs

• Vegetarian Options: Can be easily accommodated.
• Other Dietary Needs: Vegan, or dairy-free requirements, please inquire prior to booking.
• Gluten-free for celiacs: only a Gluten Free cooking class for all participants is suitable for guests with celiac desease
• Gluten-free intolernace: If cross contamination is not an issue then different participants can make different doughs.

Special requests

• 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.
• 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.