CCR Mini Escapes: Cooking Weekend in Umbria - November 29-30, 2014

Here's another of the CCR's Mini Escapes, this time on the last weekend in November.

We'll be travelling to “La Chiusa Organic Farm” in Umbria, near Umbertide. Mascia, our talented hostess, will initiate us into the secrets of her cuisine by way of cooking lessons using fresh products from the agriturismo’s production. There will be plenty of hands-on experience in a delightful setting and our accommodations will be in a truly peaceful country setting.

The price for the week-end includes transportation, cooking classes, one night of lodgings, lunch and dinner on November 29, and breakfast and lunch on November 30. We will be back in Rome by 5 p.m. on the Sunday. 

Book now, as the number of participants is limited.

When: Saturday, Nov. 29 and Sunday Nov. 39, 2014
Where: La Chiusa, Umbertide in the Umbria region
Meeting point: 8:30 a.m. on Sat. Nov. 29, in central Rome (further information sent to confirmed participants)
Cost: €175 per person for CCR members, €200 for non-members.
RSVP: by Nov. 24, 204 to canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Marielle

Now You're Cooking - Cheesecake!!!!!

CCR President Diana Szyszka Pompei and CCR Paparazza Anna Ambrosini will be donning their baker’s garb to lead a home-style lesson on preparing and decorating cheesecakes.

As a cheesecake is prepared and baked during the lesson, the small group of participants will be let in on the simple secrets of making great cheesecakes. We will also learn a range of techniques for decorating cheesecakes (and other cakes) and savour the different cheesecakes previously prepared by our instructors. Everyone will receive a set of their treasured and well-tested recipes – not to mention a chance to eat their fill of delicious cheesecake!

Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday 19 March, 2011

Location: private home on Via dei Villini -
address and details will be provided to participants

Cost: €15 members €20 non-members

Number of participants: 10 maximum

N.B. You are financially responsible for your reservation.

Sign up for this fun morning at canadarome@gmail.com.

Cooking in the Countryside

January ended on a high note for 16 CCR members and friends who ventured out to Riano and Wendy Holloway's Flavor of Italy and a morning of cooking, laughter and conviviality. The menu was varied but dedicated to that seasonal wonder: the Carcofi!

In her fully equipped kitchen Wendy had set up stations with all the ingredients and recipes for the great pranzo menu she had planned for the day. We all choose something that interested us and focused on that part of the menu. However that didn't stop us from going around to each of the stations and giving a helping (?) hand. Everyone took a turn at preparing the artichokes - how do those little old ladies in the market do it so quickly? And most of us tried kneading the pasta dough to get the feel for consistency and texture.

After a morning of peeling, frying, kneading, sauting, rolling and cutting we sat down to a delicious lunch accompanied by wines from the region.

Wendy and the gang gather around to enjoy Sunday pranzo with that "home made" touch.

Plans are afoot for another one of these popular cooking events in the not to distance future.

More photos of our cooking foray will appear shortly.

An Event Reminder

COOKING IN THE COUNTRYSIDE

with
Wendy Holloway
Flavor of Italy

To follow on the heels of the success of our November cooking class at Flavor of Italy, CCR is pleased to present another weekend culinary delight. As well as preparing Sunday pranzo with Chef Wendy members and non-members will have the opportunity to spend a weekend at her delightful B & B, learn about sustainable food sources and enjoy some local specialties.

Sunday Pranzo

Wendy will focus on a seasonal favorite - Artichokes and has planned the following menu:

Deep fried artichoke wedges

Artichoke salad with shaved parmesan

Carciofi alla romana

But we'll also learn to prepare these favorite dishes:

Pumpkin Ravioli

Potato Gnocchi all'Amatriciana

Saltimbocca alla Romana

Chocolate Soufflé

Class starts at 10:00 am sharp on Sunday January 31, 2010.

45 euros for CCR Members
55 euros for non-members

Maximum participation: 15

Payment for the cooking class must be made upon reservation, not on the day of the class.
Space will be limited so please reserve now via our email: canadarome@gmail.com.

For those who would also like to make of this weekend a getaway in a spectacular setting just minutes from central Rome, Wendy offers a pampered stay in her Flavor of Italy B&B Saturday evening.

Saturday January 30, 2010

Arrival: Anytime after 2 pm

At 6 pm Wendy proposes a presentation and discussion on sustainable food while you enjoy a pre-dinner aperitivo, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.

75 euros per person double occuancy with breakfast
45 euros for dinner including wine
This wonderful package is available to a limited number of persons due to room availability.

Bookings for the Saturday night should be made directly with Wendy at Flavour of Italy through the reservations page.

Note: The Cooking Course can be booked independent of the overnight stay. Also please note that the course is booked and paid for through the CCR; B&B reservations should be booked directly with Wendy.