Week long Italian Culinary Program at Mama Florence

Local Product
Yes
Duration
40:0 Hours
Professional Chef
Yes
Languages
Italian and English
Rating

 

Why Choose Mama's Week-long Culinary Program?

  • Authentic Italian Experience: Immerse yourself in genuine Italian cooking techniques and traditions.
  • Expert Chefs: Learn from experienced Italian chefs with backgrounds ranging from traditional home cooking to Michelin-starred dining.
  • Comprehensive Curriculum: Cover a wide range of Italian dishes, including appetizers, pasta, main courses, and desserts.
  • Culinary Basics to Advanced Techniques: Suitable for enthusiasts with basic skills, the program covers everything from foundational techniques to more sophisticated preparations.
  • Culinary and Cultural Exploration: Enjoy visits to local markets, vineyards, and historical sites, enriching your understanding of Italian food culture.
  • High-Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create authentic Italian dishes.
  • Fun and Entertaining: The program is designed to be enjoyable, combining education with the joy of cooking and socializing.
  • Beautiful Location: Experience the charm and beauty of Florence and Tuscany while learning to cook.
  • Wine Pairing: Learn about Italian wines and how to pair them with various dishes, enhancing your overall dining experience.
  • Relaxed Atmosphere: Enjoy a friendly and welcoming environment, making it a perfect culinary vacation.
  • Personalized Attention: Benefit from small group sizes ensuring personalized instruction and a more intimate learning experience.
  • Memorable Vacation: Combine a love for food with travel, making it a unique and memorable vacation experience.

 

Who is Mama’s Week-long Cooking Program for?

Food Lovers who love Cooking and Exploring

Our culinary week program is the ideal training for enthusiastic food lovers with basic cooking skills who want to delve deeper into Italian cuisine. It focuses on authentic Italian cooking techniques and ingredient selection, providing insights into using fresh, high-quality ingredients and traditional methods to craft delicious meals.

Combining fun and entertainment with a vacation in Tuscany, the program is based in Florence and immerses you in rich culinary traditions. Expect a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where learning is paired with laughter, exploration, and the joy of sharing great food.

Whether you're a home cook or a passionate food lover, this program offers an enriching experience. Enjoy the beautiful Tuscan landscape, visit local markets, and explore vineyards while learning to prepare authentic Italian dishes. This culinary week is about experiencing the Italian way of life, making it a perfect travel and vacation concept for anyone eager to immerse themselves in Tuscany's flavors and culture.

The Spirit of Mama Florence's Culinary program

At Mama Florence's School, we believe in creating an environment that embodies the warmth and joy of Italian culture. Our culinary week program is infused with the spirit of community, hospitality, and a genuine love for food. Our goal is to make every participant feel like part of our extended family, sharing not just recipes but also stories, traditions, and the true essence of Italian living. This unique approach ensures that your experience is not only educational but also deeply personal and memorable. Each group has a maximum of 12 participants.

Who Teaches at Mama’s Culinary Training Week?

Our program is led by Italian chefs with years of experience, ranging from traditional home cooking to fine Michelin-starred dining. These expert instructors bring a wealth of knowledge and a passion for Italian cuisine, ensuring that participants learn from the best. Their backgrounds encompass a variety of culinary settings, allowing them to teach both classic recipes and sophisticated techniques. Whether you're learning to make rustic pasta dishes or gourmet entrées, our chefs will guide you through each step with expertise and enthusiasm, making the learning process both informative and enjoyable.

 

Mama’s Culinary Training week focus: The Traditional Italian Menu

Antipasto, primo, secondo e dolce!

Italian cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors, diverse ingredients, and deep traditions. This culinary program is built around the focus point of the traditional four course menu. A traditional Italian meal starts with an appetizer (antipasto) to stimulate the palate. This is followed by the first course (primo), typically featuring pasta, risotto, or soup. The second course (secondo) focuses on protein such as meat or fish, accompanied by a side dish (contorno) like vegetables or salad. The meal concludes with a dessert (dolce), providing a sweet end to the culinary journey. Each course complements the others, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.

Fine Wines compliment each dish and the Menu

Wine is an integral part of Italian culture. It is consumed moderately and only with melas making it a valuable addition to the menu.  Our culinary program includes daily wine pairing sessions in tasting measures. Each day, participants will learn about different Italian wines and how to pair them with various dishes. Our experts will guide you through the nuances of wine selection, enhancing your meals with the perfect wine pairings. From robust reds to crisp whites and elegant sparkling wines, you'll explore the diverse world of Italian wines, learning how to complement and elevate the flavors of your culinary creations. This hands-on experience will enrich your understanding and appreciation of wine, making your dining experiences even more delightful.

 

Culinary Week Program Details

Overview of the Week’s Training Program

Throughout the culinary week, participants will prepare a full traditional and seasonal Italian menu each day to master not only the preparation techniques of single dishes, but the Italian menu structure concepts. Our Mornings or afternoons are dedicated to a four-hour cooking session, crafting a comprehensive classic Italian meal menu that includes:

  • Appetizer
  • First course
  • Second course
  • Side dish
  • Dessert
  • Wine pairing

After enjoying the lunch or dinner they have prepared, the rest of three half days is reserved for organized visits to:

  • local markets and Florentine gourmet pit stops
  • Vineyard tour
  • Olive oil mill
  • Historical sites. 

Three other half days are free for participants to explore the city or region on their own. This structure immerses participants in hands-on culinary education while allowing them to experience the rich cultural and gastronomic heritage of the region. Overall the program covers about 40 hours between clases and tours

Italian Culinary Week Daily Schedule

Day One - Meet & Greet, Aperitivo and Welcome dinner 

  • Participant arrival in Florence 
  • Early afternoon: Meet and greet
  • Afternoon Introduction to Italian cuisine and program.
  • Evening: Aperitivo tour & Welcome dinner prepared by Mama chefs.

Day Two - Food Market & Cooking Training

  • Morning: Ingredient Selection: Visit to Sant'Ambrogio food market.
  • Morning: Prepare a full menu featuring 4 to 7 dishes at School
  • Lunch: Enjoy a wine paired tasting lunch of the prepared dishes.
  • Afternoon and evening: free for personal activities or tours.

Day Three - Cooking and free time on own

  • Morning: Prepare a full menu featuring 4 to 7 dishes at School
  • Lunch: Enjoy a wine paired tasting lunch of the prepared dishes.
  • Afternoon and evening: free for personal activities or tours.

Day Four - Cooking and Visit to winery in Chianti Classico region

  • Morning: Prepare a full menu featuring 4 to 7 dishes at School
  • Lunch: Enjoy a wine paired tasting lunch of the prepared dishes.
  • Afternoon: Chianti Classico wine tour.
  • Evening: free for personal activities or tours.

Day Five - Cooking and free time on own

  • Morning: Prepare a full menu featuring 4 to 7 dishes at School
  • Lunch: Enjoy a wine paired tasting lunch of the prepared dishes.
  • Afternoon and evening: free for personal activities or tours.

Day Six - Cooking and Olive Oil Mill visit

  • Morning: Prepare a full menu featuring 4 to 7 dishes at School
  • Lunch: Enjoy a wine paired tasting lunch of the prepared dishes.
  • Afternoon: Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) tour to Tuscan olive mill with expert.
  • Evening: free for personal activities or tours.

Day Seven - Cooking and Farewell dinner

  • Morning: free  for personal activities or tours.
  • Afternoon: Prepare a full menu featuring 4 to 7 dishes at School
  • Friendly Final test of acquired culinary skills.
  • Evening: Farewell grand final dinner with prepared dishes.

 

Culinary Week Starting Dates

Culinary Training Program Dates 2025

Below you will find the culinary program start dates. To sign up, select your preferred date in the calendar on the right.

  • November 24th 
  • January 26th
  • February 23rd
  • March 30th
  • April 27th
  • July 27th
  • August 24th

Minimum Enrollment & Important Notes

  • 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: This prigram is suitable only for Omnivorous Eaters. Vegetarians are welcome to paricipate but at leats 1 meat preparation will be on the daily menu.
  • Minimum Enrollment:
    • General: A minimum enrollment of 6 people is required for course activation.
    • Options if Minimum Not Met: If the minimum is not reached 60 days before start date, you will have the option to:
      • Pay an additional fee shared among enrolments recieved to reach minimum
      • Change to another available date
      • Receive a full refund
  • 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

 

Sample dishes prepared during the culianry week

Tuscan Appetizers and Side Dishes

Bread-Based Appetizers: Key to Italian cuisine, Bruschetta features toasted bread with garlic, tomatoes, basil, and olive oil, while Crostini offers endless creative toppings. Panzanella, a bread salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, exemplifies the Italian ethos of not wasting food. Marinated Artichokes, soaked in olive oil, lemon, and garlic, provide a simple yet flavorful option.

Vegetable Dishes: Essential in Italian cuisine, Caprese Salad combines tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a fresh starter. Arancini, Sicilian rice balls filled with ragù and mozzarella, offer a delightful texture contrast. Stuffed Zucchini Flowers, filled with ricotta and herbs, showcase fresh produce. Caponata, a sweet and sour eggplant dish, highlights Southern Italy's rich flavors.

Cheese, Egg, and Meat Appetizers: Carpaccio features thinly sliced raw beef with olive oil, lemon juice, capers, and Parmesan, creating a delicate, flavorful dish. Frittata, an Italian omelet with various fillings like vegetables, cheeses, and meats, is versatile and can be served hot or cold.

First Courses: Pastas, Gnocchi, and Rice

Fresh Pasta: Fresh pasta dough comes in many forms and techinques, made from eggs and flour,  or without egg, colored and with different fours changing the texture and ability to absorb sauces.

Flat Pasta: Lasagna Sheets create lasagne with béchamel, meat ragù, and cheese. Pici, Pappardelle, talgliatelle. Fettuccine pairs well with creamy sauces, holding thick sauces with its broad surface.

Filled Pasta: Ravioli, typically stuffed with ricotta and spinach, and Tortellini, filled with meats or cheeses, are delightful when served with butter sage, tomato sauce, or in broth.

Dry Pasta: Spaghetti Carbonara, Penne Arrabbiata, and Fusilli with Pesto are pantry staples known for their shelf life and versatility, capturing and holding sauces well.

Gnocchi and Similar: Gnocchi, made from potatoes, flour, and eggs, have a soft texture and are delicious in dishes like Gnocchi alla Sorrentina. Similar dishes include Malfatti (spinach and ricotta dumplings) and Strangolapreti (bread-based dumplings).

Learning to Make Risotto: Master risotto using Arborio or Carnaroli rice, sautéing onions, toasting rice, and gradually adding broth while stirring. Techniques for Risotto alla Milanese and seafood risotto highlight the importance of timing and technique in creating this creamy, flavorful dish.

Second Courses: Meats, Poultry, Vegetarian, and Fish

Meat Dishes: Osso Buco, Stufati stews, Arista roasted pork loin, and Polpette meatballs showcase traditional techniques and high-quality meats in Italian cuisine.

Poultry Dishes: Pollo alla Cacciatora, simmered with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and bell peppers, and Pollo al Limone, cooked with lemon juice, white wine, and rosemary, offer robust flavors.

Seafood Dishes: Branzino al Forno, a baked sea bass stuffed with herbs and lemon, and Cacciucco, a Tuscan seafood stew, highlight Italy's fresh seafood.

Game Dishes: Coniglio alla Cacciatora, featuring rabbit slow-cooked with tomatoes, olives, and herbs, and Cinghiale in Umido, a Tuscan wild boar stew, provide rich, distinctive flavors.

Vegetarian Main Courses: Eggplant Parmesan, Risotto Primavera, Stuffed Peppers, and Gnocchi with Sage Butter highlight fresh, seasonal ingredients and simple, yet flavorful preparations in Italian vegetarian cuisine.

Italian and Tuscan Desserts

Creamy Desserts: Tiramisu, Panna Cotta, Zabaione, and Ricotta Cheesecake offer rich textures and flavors.

Pastry Desserts: Cannoli, Torta della Nonna, and Sfogliatella are delicious and visually appealing, showcasing Italy's talent for pastry.

Frozen and Cold Desserts: Gelato and Semifreddo are refreshing and satisfying, made with dense, intense flavors.

Baked Goods: Canticcini, twice-baked cookies from Tuscany, are perfect for dipping in vin santo, offering a satisfying crunch and touch of sweetness to conclude an Italian meal.

 

Italian Culinary Week Program Inclusions and T&C

What’s included in the cots of the Culinary Week?

  • One introductory seminar to Italian Cuisine
  • A signature welcome dinner
  • Six four-hour Cooking Classes
  • Cooking Apron
  • Use of kitchen spaces and tools
  • E-Booklet of recipes
  • A Market food tour in Florence 
  • An aperitivo tour in Florence
  • Transportation for wine tour in Chianti Classico 
  • Visit and tasting in Chianti Classico winery
  • Visit and tasting in Tuscan olive oil mill
  • VIsit to two Tuscan villages
  • A farewell dinner

What’s not included in the cots of the Culinary Week?

  • Any other good or service not listed above
  • Accomodation (available on request)
  • Transportation within the city
  • Perosnal expenses or tastings that are not part of the program

Accomodation

Accommodation is not included, however, we would be happy to assist you in finding a place to stay. We can help you locate well-situated accommodations in your desired category or put you in touch with other participants who may be interested in sharing a space. Just let us know!

Cancellations and changes:

Withdrawal from Week-long Italian and Tuscan Cuisine Culinary Program at Mama Florence

  • Cancellations form the time of booking up to 60 days prior the class: 60%
  • Cancellations form 59 days up to 30 days prior the starting date of the class or programme: refund 30%
  • Cancellations form 29 days or less before the starting date of the class or programme: no refund.

If you are traveling we highly recommend you buy travel insurance to cover for costs created by possible travel issues.

 

 

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