Cooking Class and Meal at Our Family Olive Farm (The Cretan Vibes Farm)!

Enjoy the authentic flavors of Crete at the family olive farm’s cooking class. Craft a delectable menu of traditional Cretan specialties, learning time-honored techniques from the mother-daughter hosts as you cook alfresco amid the olive trees. Depart with cherished recipes, photos, and a deeper appreciation for the island’s rich culinary heritage. It’s an opportunity to not just taste the flavors, but to truly experience the traditions that have been passed down for generations on this legendary Mediterranean island.

Key Points

• Hands-on cooking class at the Cretan Vibes family olive farm, offering a sociable culinary experience to create traditional Cretan dishes.
• Participants craft a diverse menu of 5 authentic Cretan specialties, including starters, mains, and desserts, using the farm’s organic produce and family recipes.
• Learn traditional cooking methods from the mother-daughter host team while enjoying free-flowing local wines, juices, and bottled water in an idyllic alfresco setting.
• Depart with cherished recipes and digital photos, allowing you to recreate the Cretan dishes and relive the sensory experience of the olive farm.
• The cooking class is held at the picturesque Cretan Vibes farm near the Panagia Kaliviany Monastery, surrounded by the family’s organic olive groves.

Overview of the Cooking Class

The cooking class at the family olive farm offers a sociable culinary experience where participants create a selection of traditional Cretan dishes using the farm’s own organic produce and family recipes.

Hosted by a mother-daughter team, the class takes place outdoors amidst the picturesque olive trees. Guests will learn to prepare five Cretan specialties, such as dolmadakia, graviera saganaki, and lamb dishes, using time-honored techniques.

Throughout the class, attendees will enjoy local wine, homemade juices, and a friendly atmosphere. At the end, they’ll receive the recipes and photos to recreate the dishes at home.

This hands-on cooking experience provides an authentic taste of Cretan life and cuisine.

Highlights of the Experience

Although the cooking class offers a sociable culinary experience, its true highlights lie in the picturesque outdoor setting amidst the olive trees and the hands-on preparation of traditional Cretan dishes using the family’s own organic produce and time-honored techniques.

Guests will:

• Cook in an idyllic alfresco space, surrounded by the family’s centuries-old olive grove
• Craft a diverse menu of 5 authentic Cretan specialties, from starters to desserts
• Learn traditional cooking methods from the mother-daughter hosts
• Enjoy free-flowing local wines, juices, and bottled water throughout the experience
• Depart with cherished recipes and photos, to recreate the flavors of Crete at home.

Sample Menu for the Meal

The sample menu for the cooking class and meal at the family olive farm features a diverse array of traditional Cretan dishes, from starters to desserts.

Guests can expect to create Cretan dolmadakia, graviera saganaki, and Cretan dakos for starters. For dessert, they’ll whip up sarikopites, a delicious Cretan pastry.

The mains include vegetarian giaxni, lamb dishes, Cretan stifado, and snails with xondros.

Throughout the experience, you will learn to use traditional cooking techniques to bring out the rich flavors of the family’s organic produce. With each dish, guests will gain a deeper appreciation for the culinary heritage of Crete.

Inclusions in the Package

Along With the cooking experience, the package includes:

• Bottled water, local wine, and homemade juices to accompany the meal.
• Cooking equipment and personal aprons for the class.
• Digital copies of the recipes and photos taken during the event, which are provided via email.

The inclusions in this package ensure a seamless and enjoyable culinary adventure.

Participants also receive:

• Pick-up services.
• Picturesque outdoor setting between olive trees.

This comprehensive package allows guests to fully enjoy the Cretan culinary tradition and bring home memories and mouthwatering recipes from their experience.

Location and Meeting Point

The cooking class and meal takes place at the Cretan Vibes farm, located on the National Road 97 near the Panagia Kaliviany Monastery.

Guests will meet at this convenient meeting point to begin their culinary adventure.

The farm, surrounded by the family’s organic olive groves, provides a picturesque outdoor setting for the cooking class.

From the meeting point, you will be guided to the charming cooking area amidst the olive trees, where they’ll learn to prepare traditional Cretan dishes using the family’s own produce.

With the scenic monastery in the background, this idyllic location sets the stage for an immersive, authentic Cretan cooking experience.

Cooking With the Family

Upon arrival at the Cretan Vibes farm, guests embark on an immersive cooking experience with the hosting mother-daughter team. Together, they’ll craft a delectable 5-course Cretan feast using the family’s own organic produce and traditional techniques.

The cooking class features:

• Hands-on instruction in preparing classic Cretan dishes like dolmadakia, saganaki, and stifado
• Mastering traditional cooking methods, such as preparing snails with xondros
• Learning how to create the perfect sarikopites, a beloved Cretan pastry
• Discovering the flavors of the family’s signature vegetarian giaxni and lamb dishes

Enjoying local wine, homemade juices, and bottled water throughout the cooking and dining experience.

Traditional Cretan Techniques

During the Cretan cooking class, guests can expect to learn traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations. They’ll master the art of preparing snails with xondros, a signature Cretan dish featuring a hearty grain and savory seasonings. Using time-honored methods, you will also create vegetarian giaxni, lamb dishes, and the iconic Cretan stifado stew.

Technique	Description	Application
Dolmadakia Rolling	Tightly wrapping grape leaves around a flavorful rice filling	Cretan Appetizer
Saganaki Frying	Searing and melting a block of traditional Greek cheese	Cretan Appetizer
Xondros Simmering	Slowly cooking snails in a fragrant broth with a coarse grain	Cretan Main Dish

The cooking class offers a unique opportunity to take in Crete’s rich culinary heritage, ensuring guests leave with not just a full belly, but a deeper appreciation for Cretan food culture.

Photos and Recipes Afterward

Guests receive a set of mouthwatering recipes via email following the cooking class, allowing them to recreate the Cretan dishes they learned at home.

Plus, the organizers provide participants with a collection of photos capturing the memorable experience on the olive farm. These keepsakes serve as a reminder of the joyful cooking session and the picturesque setting among the olive trees.

Participants can use the recipes to:

• Impress friends and family with authentic Cretan cuisine
• Recreate the sociable atmosphere of the cooking class
• Experiment with traditional techniques and ingredients
• Relive the sensory experience of the olive farm
• Share the cultural traditions learned during the experience

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Cooking Class?

The maximum group size for the cooking class is not specified in the information provided. However, it appears to be a sociable, hands-on experience, so a relatively small group size would likely be ideal for an intimate, personalized cooking session.

Are There Any Vegetarian or Vegan Options Available?

Yes, the menu includes vegetarian options like vegetarian giaxni. Vegan alternatives may also be available upon request. The hosts aim to accommodate various dietary needs to ensure an enjoyable experience for all participants.

Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated?

Yes, the cooking class can accommodate dietary restrictions. The hosts work with guests to create vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options using their organic produce and traditional Cretan recipes.

Is There an Option to Take the Cooking Class Without the Meal?

Yes, there is an option to take the cooking class without the meal. The cooking class can be booked separately, allowing participants to focus solely on the hands-on cooking experience without the included meal.

Can Children Participate in the Cooking Class?

Yes, children can participate in the cooking class. The experience is family-friendly, and the hosts welcome kids to join in the hands-on cooking and learn about traditional Cretan cuisine alongside the adults.

Recap

Enjoy Cretan culinary delights at the family olive farm’s cooking class.

Learn authentic recipes and techniques from the mother-daughter hosts as you craft a menu of traditional specialties.

Depart with cherished memories, recipes, and a deeper appreciation for the island’s rich food heritage.

An unforgettable experience for food lovers seeking to connect with Crete’s vibrant culture.