MEMORIES OF ITALY FOUND IN A COOKING CLASS

Sounds like something you would read in the headlines....

This just in....Memories of Italy Found in a Cooking Class.

But it's true! I recently took a cooking class with my Mom at Seasons Find Foods in Napanee. Our hostess/chef/teacher, Pat is a gold mine of kitchen tidbits and advice. 

Her shop holds a wide variety of products, local, organic, gourmet, gluten  free - whatever you need. 

I could have perused around in there for quite some time but there was cooking to be done in the back kitchen.

Our theme for the evening was Italian and when we arrived Pat had a number of stations set out for us 5 would-be chefs to try our hand at.

We paired up (except for my Momma who managed on her own)
and each prepared a dish.

Mom's was the appetizer: salad consisting of fresh arugula lightly dressed with the BEST olive oil you can get your hands on, a ball of bocconcini, paired with prosciutto and pancetta. 

A simple salad full of flavour!

Next up was a genoa salami and tomato dish. The salami was marinated in the BEST olive oil (Pat made it clear to us the importance of excellent olive oil) with garlic, flat Italian parsley, lemon zest and seasonings. 

This dish would be great to bring to summer get togethers when tomatoes are at their peak of freshness.

Finally, the main course, made by myself and partner Jean.

Meatballs with artichokes and fresh sage - Mama Mia!!

Pat ended our night with a nip of Limoncello and prettily wrapped individual Italian macaroons.

It was the Limoncello that sent me over the edge and back to Italy. Our family took a trip there about 6 years ago and one of our meals was in Sorrento. The meal, to be honest, was mediocre but the view was drop dead gorgeous.

Much like my daughter, Randi. In fact due to the messed up meal and my drop dead gorgeous daughter, we had nearly every male waiter in the restaurant fawning and plying us with LOTS of Limoncello!  We gave most of it to Sheldon and happily stumbled him out of there. 

The cooking class was a great experience and I learned quite a lot. I would recommend it for an evening out for sure. You can go check it out yourself at Seasons Fine Foods in Napanee or find them on Facebook. 

And thanks Pat! Not just for all the great tips but the great trip back to Italy!