To catch up on the trip if you are here for the first time:
- Part 1: Bike Fitting and Wine
- Part 2: Finding Our Way Around
- Part 3: Gelato of the Day
- Part 4: Getting Lost is a Good Thing
After our 5th day of riding, we all met on the second floor of the hotel for appetizers and wine before we were picked up for…



our group activity for the night: an Italian cooking class!! This lovely class was taught by a spunky Italian environmental architect who also happened to be a great cook: Chicca!!!!





Can you believe Steve was in the kitchen more than the other guys, and he did not spill one drop of tomato sauce on that white shirt? All I can say is that I wore red for a reason.






My poor hubs!! His allergies were killing him!!


Surprisingly, there really wasn’t a lot of meat and dairy on this trip. Most Americans are so used to eating at Olive Garden or Macaroni Grill where everything has animal products with it. In Italy, it is simply not this way. They don’t have meat with every meal, and they don’t eat dairy with every meal. Everything in moderation. They are healthier than most Americans, AND they eat pasta!

Chicca even thought ahead and bought some gluten free pasta for me!! The thing about these trips is that if you have any dietary restrictions, they are graciously accommodated. There was a vegetarian in our group, and she had plenty to eat!

After dinner when the sun went down, this field was filled with fireflies (my night pics sucked and that is why they aren’t featured here). The field looked like the night sky was down there with everyone– the sparkling stars surrounding us. The hubs and I (also the youngest and most immature of the group) went out into the field and started catching the fireflies. It was sooooo cool!

No, I’m not done yet. There are more parts to come!! Click here for the next one!
Ever taken a cooking class before? Did you like it? Did you learn anything?







Matt September 10, 2010 at 6:31 am
I love cooking classes! I have always wanted to take an Italian one!
Julie @SavvyEats September 10, 2010 at 6:49 am
This is making me so, so excited for our trip in a few weeks!!
Nicole September 12, 2010 at 10:59 am
I’m so excited for you!!
Erica September 10, 2010 at 8:33 am
fantastic! I love that there were options for all. Looks delicious. I have taken a gnocchi and risotto class- it was so fun!
Theresa September 10, 2010 at 9:45 am
I love your pictures…it looks like an amazing honeymoon. I was just in Italy for 3 weeks, I absolutely love it there! We took a cooking class as well and made pasta in the cutest Italian woman’s home in the hills of Tuscany. It was such an amazing experience, and fresh pasta is so amazing! I can’t wait to recreate it at home!
Heather @ Side of Sneakers September 10, 2010 at 2:15 pm
This sounds more than amazing! I can’t believe all this awesomeness you’re experiencing!
Pure2raw Twins September 10, 2010 at 5:19 pm
I have taken a few cooking classes, but yours looks like so much fun! And all that food looks great!!!!!! YUM
Nutritious Foodie September 11, 2010 at 6:27 pm
I just had fun catching up with your blog…
I have taken a few different cooking classes… but my favorite one was the date night cooking class
Nicole September 12, 2010 at 11:00 am
I would absolutely love to take a date night cooking class. I have never heard of those before! Great idea! Now, I have to start looking for some in Spokane.
Mar September 12, 2010 at 10:33 pm
I am a vegan and it is cool that there is gluten free pasta in your servings. I want to have pasta in my menu too.
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