Cooking Vacations - Follow Me To Italy With Lauren

Music in the kitchen, almonds toasting and a busy oven that is always baking – this is Marie Lucia’s recipe for biscotti pratesi. Coming from a family of pastry makers in the sleepy town of Prata Sannita, she keeps her Italian heritage alive through cooking, baking, music and family. As she tells me about recipes from her grandmother’s cookbook, she takes a moment to rotate the pans of anisette biscotti that are baking in the oven. She is exquisite and dainty, and her dark brown eyes match her thick, brown hair. Marie Lucia, who’s named after her grandmother, is my mother.

Sfusato lemons which grow on terraced land along the Amalfi Coast are the protagonist in cooking in this region. Discover their history, importance in cooking and secrets in the Mediterranean diet as you travel from Capri to Positano, Amalfi and Ravello.

Nestled on the Spiaggia Grande, the main beach, in Positano, the Tre Sorelle restaurant has been dazzling guests since 1950 with the likes of John Steinbeck, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton to Diego Maradona, Italy’s legendary soccer player. Join us at Tre Sorelle as we dine and speak with Luigi and Alfsono Piscane, owner of Tre Sorelle.

Join as we visit Montalcino. Montalcino, a dreamy hilltop town once ruled by kings, queens, and noblemen, is a UNESCO Heritage Site in the province of Siena. Famous for its Vino Brunello di Montalcino, the small village, beckons wine enthusiasts from around the world. Follow us as we visit Montalcino and stroll through its cobblestone streets – no cars allowed – and to Piazza del Popolo, the main square and up into Palazzo dei Priori for a breathtaking view over the infinite Val d’Orcia. Discover the Fortress of Montalcino, the 14th century bastion and a shining palazzo of military architecture – now a fancy wine tasting room and shop. Stroll through cobblestone streets lined with artisan shops and wine bars owned by locals who are passionate to share their craft and where you can sip and swirl Vino Brunello di Montalcino and other precious wine of the region.

Bologna’s piazza dazzles – it’s like stepping into an old-fashioned storybook filled with ancient palazzos and bell towers, cobblestone walkways while the scent of Bolognese lasagne is everywhere. Join Rino and Lauren as they travel through Bologna, share their knowledge on local cuisine, where to dine and shop and how to drive a Ferrari.

Under the tutelage of Michelin-Star Chef Massimo Botturo, Chef Lopez is wowing guests from around the world with her delicate delicious creations. Click to listen to our podcast.

Rolling Tuscan hills, the scent of grapes permeating the air and the sleepy town of Panzano in Tuscany. Meet world-famous Dario Cecchini in his butcher shop Antica Macelleria Cecchini as we travel to Tuscany. A welcoming door is left open and the song Volare by Domenico Modugno plays on. Inside, a small crowd has already gathered. There’s a party atmosphere, everyone is sipping Chianti wine, and it’s only 10am on a Sunday morning. Dario sings as he cuts the Chianina Bistecca, Tuscan steak! Experience Tuscan food and wine of a lifetime!

Walk along cobblestone pathways, cross the Ponte Vecchio, discover Renaissance Florence and Catherine Medici in the City of Art! Enjoy a creamy Florentine gelato – something else that Florence is famous for! Bring your sketch pad and imagination and let’s go to Florence!

Love to cook? Join us in our Italian kitchen and learn how to prepare antipasto, fresh pasta, main courses and delicious desserts. Cooking Vacations offers hands-on cooking classes and cultural tours in Italy’s 20 regions designed by Lauren. earn to cook traditional Italian recipes with excellent Chefs, local expert cooks, Nonnas, pastry artisans, and bread and pizza makers. Our Italian culinary holidays include market, vineyard and cultural landmark tours. We are Italian and share our love for cooking in our culinary vacations with you.