Chef Paolo Monti's Cucina Italiano

Cucina Lucchese e Toscana

(The Tuscan Cooking Class)

Last week we welcomed the arrival of my sister, Leslie who joined Jeannie and I in Lucca for a month!! The three of us spent an incredible day this week with Chef Paolo at his cooking school!  We prepared a four course typical Tuscan meal, using only fresh ingredients from local farms.  We had hands on experience making each dish including homemade pasta and biscotti!! (can you believe I actually cooked!) Our elegant menu also included special wine pairings. We topped the day off by sitting down at a lovely table and enjoying the fruits of our labor!  

E stato Fantastico!!

And, we begin.......

OUR MENU

ANTIPASTI (Appetizers)

Panzanella

Tuscan Bread Salad

 Crostini alle Melanzane

  Toasted Bread with Eggplant Topping

Crostini ai Fegatini

 Toasted Bread with Chicken Liver and Caper pate

PRIMI (First Courses)

 Tordelli alla Lucchese

  Spinach and Swiss Chard Ravioli with Special Meat  Sauce

Ragu di Carne alla Lucchese
Aromatic Meat Sauce from Lucca

SECONDI (Main Dishes)

  Arista di Maiale alla Toscana

   Roasted Rack of Pork with Pancetta, Rosemary and Sage

 Patate Arrosto

   Roasted Potatoes

DOLCI (Desserts)

Cantuccini Biscotti di Prato

   The Famous Biscotti

Always start with fresh ingredients!

Baked eggplant ready to mix for crostini topping

Fellow students from Brazil and Pennsylvania

Trying my best to be a good student!  LOL! 

Leslie and Jeannie's pasta making!

Spaghetti, fettuccini, ravioli......OH MY!!!

Chef Paolo at work

Yummy Tuscan Bread Salad!!  Molto Buono!

Leslie with fresh spaghetti!  

This was "to die for" roasted pork tenderloin wrapped in pancetta!!

Ahhh.....all done!

Bon Appetito and a presto!!!

Donna, Jeannie, and Leslie