COOKING WITH FRIENDS IN TUSCANY!

For nearly 20 years, I have been an active member of the Organization of Women Executives (OWE) in Los Angeles. OWE is a members-only group of senior level executive women. Some of my closest friendships stem from this group.

One of our fellow OWE members went from developing shopping centers to owning a cooking school in Tuscany. Talk about a career transition! Since many OWE members are avid travelers and know of my travels, I was asked to organize a group to try this unique school in Montefollonico. Where???

It is a very small town near Siena, less than two hours by car from Florence. Since the hubby and I already had dates to be in Europe this year, I agreed to take the lead in putting together the group knowing the timing fit. We ended up being a group of 5 — a few others unfortunately could not attend.

Below, on day one — could we look any happier?  L-R, Wendy, Cindy, Lynn, Shauna & me

All guests of TWC stay at I Castigni, a beautifully restored property in the walled town of Montefollonico. To visualize the area, think of narrow cobblestone streets barely wide enough for cars. One half expects to encounter a Corleone family member there. Hosts Tim & Jan with their staff saw to our every need. There are beautiful terraces and gardens. Most all rooms have a spectacular view. And nothing gets locked up. There is a keycode to enter from the street. But once inside, my room was never locked. It is incredibly safe and lovely.  Below, I Castigni. 

Below, buongiorno from my balcony.  That view — amazing. 

The six nights and 5-1/2 days were essentially non-stop.  Cooking, learning, wine tasting, touring, shopping, and eating galore of the most delicious food (much of which we made) — all incredibly well planned. And FUN! Mind you, we’re all type A personalities at various stages of our careers who managed to pull off the most extraordinary time together. We said repeatedly, “I/we can’t believe we’re in Italy together!” Making pasta almost daily from scratch, grilling vegetables, making soups, peeling, chopping, cleaning, and eating! And learning from some incredbily talented people including the beloved “nonna’s” plus chefs, restaurant owners, terrific guides and vintners.  And even beekeepers!

Below, typical prep for us prior to cooking.  All the necessary ingredients for stuffed zucchini flowers, zucchini for slicing and frying, and a few ingredients for our tiramisu.

Serious pasta making here.  Not thin enough?  Try again!

Below, wearing the necessary garb prior to encountering the bees.  After, a beautiful and delicious honey tasting.

Did I mention we drank some wine?? The evidence of tasting 7 varieties below! We had several meals like this one …

It was a privilege to participate in the week. We learned, we laughed, we engaged, we shared, we tasted and, boy, did we ever cook. Bellisimo!

Below, with the inimitable Albo – proprietor of 13 Gobbi in Montefollonico – where we ate, cooked, and ate again during the week.  Like his homemade limoncello, “the best of the best!”

Talk about the “best of the best” — thank you to the amazing TWC leaders  (L-R) Aidan, Giacomo, owner Coleen, and Lorena. We owe our phenomenal experience to all! Grazie mille.

**The complete Tuscan Women Cook story, details and schedule can be found on their website.  Photos on this post are either mine or shared courtesy of Tuscan Women Cook.