Nestled in the picturesque Valsassina region, a renowned cooking class promises to guide guests through the art of traditional Italian cuisine. Participants will have the chance to learn the secrets behind crafting Pizzoccheri and Tiramisu, two beloved delicacies that have captured the hearts of foodies worldwide. With a professional chef leading the way, this immersive culinary experience offers more than just a meal – it’s a chance to explore the rich gastronomic heritage of the area. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a novice in the kitchen, this class promises to leave you with a newfound appreciation for the time-honored traditions that define Italian dining.
Key Points
- The cooking class is a 2-hour experience on Tuesdays or Thursdays, from 15:00 to 17:00, where participants prepare traditional Pizzoccheri and Tiramisu.
- The class is held at a dairy farm in Pasturo, Valsassina, where guests can enjoy a cheese tasting and explore the cheese-making process.
- The cooking class and tasting session are not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, vegans, or those with lactose intolerance due to the dairy-based dishes.
- Participants receive a 10% discount for purchases at the dairy farm store and complimentary shopping bags.
- The class and tasting session run from 15:00 to 18:30, allowing guests to enjoy the prepared dishes, including Pizzoccheri and Tiramisu, along with wine, water, and coffee.
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Activity Details
The cooking class experience in Valsassina allows participants to prepare a first course of traditional Pizzoccheri as well as the classic Italian dessert Tiramisu, under the guidance of a professional chef.
The 2-hour class takes place on Tuesdays or Thursdays, with participants arriving at 14:45 and the cooking session running from 15:00 to 17:00.
After preparing the dishes, guests can enjoy a tasting from 17:00 to 18:30, which includes the Pizzoccheri and Tiramisu they made, along with cheeses, compotes, wine, water, and coffee.
The class isn’t suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, vegans, or those with lactose intolerance.
Inclusions
The cooking class package includes a culinary experience with a professional chef, a cheese tasting at the dairy farm restaurant, and the dishes prepared during the class – cheeses with compotes, pizzoccheri, tiramisu, along with wine, water, and coffee.
Participants also receive a 10% discount for purchases at the dairy farm store and complimentary shoppers.
This allows guests to fully enjoy the local cuisine and culture, trying their hand at traditional dishes while savoring the flavors of the region’s renowned dairy products.
The class provides a well-rounded gastronomic adventure, from learning cooking techniques to indulging in the final delectable creations.
Restrictions
While the cooking class offers a rich culinary experience, it’s important to note that it’s not suitable for everyone.
Pregnant women, wheelchair users, vegans, and those with lactose intolerance won’t be able to fully participate in the class and tasting. The dishes prepared, including the pizzoccheri and tiramisu, feature dairy products that are essential to the recipes. Plus, the cheese tasting at the dairy farm restaurant wouldn’t be an option for those with dietary restrictions.
The organizers have chosen to focus on traditional Valsassina cuisine, which unfortunately excludes some participants. However, for those who can attend, the class promises an authentic and delightful exploration of the region’s culinary heritage.
Schedule
Guests can expect to arrive at the dairy farm in Pasturo, Valsassina, at 14:45 for the cooking class, which runs from 15:00 to 17:00, followed by a 17:00 to 18:30 tasting session. The class is offered on Tuesdays or Thursdays, providing flexibility in scheduling.
| Day | Arrival | Cooking Class | Tasting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 14:45 | 15:00 – 17:00 | 17:00 – 18:30 |
| Thursday | 14:45 | 15:00 – 17:00 | 17:00 – 18:30 |
This well-structured schedule ensures participants have ample time to learn, cook, and savor the delicious dishes prepared during the class.
Location
The cooking class takes place at a dairy farm located in Pasturo, within the picturesque Valsassina region. Ample parking is available on-site, and you will need to walk across a bridge to reach the restaurant where the class is held.
The dairy farm offers a unique setting for this culinary experience. Guests can enjoy:
- Panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and countryside
- A chance to explore the dairy farm and learn about the cheese-making process
- Convenient access to the restaurant, where the cooking class and tasting will take place
The location provides a perfect backdrop for immersing oneself in the local Valsassina cuisine and culture during this unforgettable cooking adventure.
Getting There
To reach the dairy farm in Pasturo where the cooking class takes place, participants can drive to the provided address. There’s ample on-site parking available, and from there, they’ll need to walk across a bridge to access the restaurant.
| Directions | |
|---|---|
| By Car | Driving directions provided upon booking |
| Parking | Free parking available on-site |
| Walk | Cross the bridge from the parking lot to the restaurant |
The route is well-marked, and the total walking distance from the parking lot to the restaurant is only about 100 meters. With the dairy farm’s picturesque setting and the Valsassina Valley as the backdrop, the short walk sets the stage for an immersive culinary experience.
Dairy Farm Tour
After crossing the bridge, participants get to explore the on-site dairy farm, where they’ll learn about the cheesemaking process and have the opportunity to sample the local cheeses. The tour provides an intimate look at the workings of a traditional dairy operation, offering a unique glimpse into the origins of the ingredients used in the cooking class.
The highlights of the farm tour include:
- A guided walkthrough of the facilities, including the cow barns and cheesemaking rooms
- A tasting of the farm’s signature cheeses, accompanied by compotes and chutneys
- The chance to purchase artisanal dairy products at the on-site store, with a 10% discount for class participants
This immersive experience sets the stage for the upcoming cooking demonstration, giving participants a deeper appreciation for the local culinary traditions.
Cooking Class Experience
Upon arrival at the picturesque dairy farm in Pasturo, participants gather for the hands-on cooking class led by a seasoned local chef.
The class begins with a cheese tasting, where guests sample the farm’s artisanal cheeses paired with delectable compotes.
Next, the group dives into preparing two signature dishes – Pizzoccheri, a regional first course, and Tiramisu, a beloved Italian dessert.
Under the chef’s expert guidance, everyone gets involved, kneading dough, layering ingredients, and mastering traditional techniques.
The 2-hour class culminates in a satisfying tasting of the homemade specialties, accompanied by wine and coffee.
With a 10% discount at the on-site dairy store, participants leave with newfound culinary skills and a taste of Valsassina’s gastronomic heritage.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Many People Can Attend the Cooking Class?
The activity doesn’t specify the maximum number of participants. However, it’s likely a small group class to allow for personalized instruction from the professional chef. The exact group size is not provided in the details given.
Can the Cooking Class Be Booked for a Private Group?
The cooking class can be booked for a private group. The dairy farm in Pasturo, Valsassina accommodates private bookings, allowing groups to enjoy the hands-on cooking experience and cheese tasting in an intimate setting.
What Is the Dress Code for the Cooking Class?
The cooking class has a casual dress code. Participants should wear comfortable, relaxed clothing that they don’t mind getting a bit messy during the hands-on cooking experience. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for safety in the kitchen.
Are There Any Photo Opportunities During the Class?
Yes, there are ample photo opportunities during the cooking class. The chef encourages participants to take photos of the cooking process, the prepared dishes, and the scenic dairy farm setting.
Can the Participants Take Home the Dishes They Prepare?
Participants can’t take home the dishes they prepare during the cooking class. The focus is on the experience of learning to make the recipes, not producing items to take away. All prepared dishes are enjoyed during the on-site tasting.
Recap
The Pizzoccheri cooking class in Valsassina offers a delightful opportunity to learn the art of preparing classic Italian dishes.
With a professional chef’s guidance, participants can craft traditional Pizzoccheri and Tiramisu, which they’ll then savor during a tasting session.
Though some restrictions apply, the class provides an immersive culinary experience, including a cheese tasting and store discount, making it a must-try for foodies visiting Lake Como.