Cooking in Assisi

In Assisi, Umbria, Susette treated us to an incredible experience: an Italian cooking class. Letizia Mattiacci was our guide and instructor. To begin the lesson, we gathered in a small specialty food store. As we filled our stomachs, Letizia filled our brains with knowledge about olive oil, Umbrian meats and cheeses (the wild boar sausage and pecorino cheese were especially memorable), truffles and balsamic vinegar. The production and usage of these foods are part of the area's tradition... I can't think of a better day than learning about the history and culture of a region while eating a byproduct of it! Next we drove up to the old farmhouse overlooking Assisi. The building maintained its rustic feel while upgrading the amenities required, such as the new kitchen. The property is also a B&B, which is also run by Letizia and her husband. It was a beautiful spot and definitely worth looking into if you ever plan to visit Umbria. In the kitchen we learned how to make two kinds of pasta, from the dough to the sauce, which we then enjoyed as a massive lunch overlooking the countryside. The lizards, bees, butterflies and ladybugs kept us entertained while we ate.

For a "photo-real" experience, click here.