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An Unforgettable Experience in a Tuscan Home Kitchen
I am a born and bred Tuscan home cook: I learnt to cook thanks to my grandma, and to feed the people I love thanks to my mum. I’ve been writing professionally about Tuscany for 10 years, teaching classes for more than 12 years and cooking for all my life, standing on a stool in the kitchen next to my grandma and mum.
You’ll visit my family house in the Sienese countryside. Here, you will roll up your sleeves and wear an apron, as you will learn traditional recipes passed down from generations and sit for a family-style meal. My husband Tommaso will take care that your glass is never empty and he will gladly share our homemade limoncello.
Choosing a class with us means escaping for a day to the slower-paced countryside, far from the charming buzz of big, touristic cities. Slow down and be ready to live a day as a local: hearty homemade food is included.
Every meal will be an excuse to travel through Tuscany thanks to local recipes, memories and stories.
Choose your FOOD EXPERIENCE
Market to Table Cooking Class
A market visit is a shortcut to discovering a country’s culture and food traditions.
In the early morning, we will meet for an Italian breakfast at a local café: we will get to know each other chatting over a selection of pastries, and enjoying a cappuccino, espresso, or macchiato.
Then, we will shop together at the local market for fruit and vegetables, and we will visit the local butcher. This will give us the chance to create the menu together, picking just the freshest local ingredients. You will learn how to choose and use the best seasonal products.
After the market, we will drive to our kitchen studio in the countryside, where we will cook together a Tuscan seasonal feast, working on a traditional menu, from appetizers to desserts.
The class will end with lunch, that according to the weather, will take place in our olive garden or in the studio.
Class Highlights
- Italian-style breakfast at the bar
- Shopping at the local market and at a family-run butcher shop
- Half-day hands-on cooking class in a traditional home kitchen
- A relaxing Italian-style lunch, with local Chianti wine (and homemade limoncello to end!)
- An uncountable amount of fun and laughter in the kitchen
Price: From €180 per person. Price may vary according to requests and customizations.
If you have any question make sure to check our FAQs below or you can email us through the form below or at info@julskitchen.com for more information. Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements when booking.
Tuscan Country Cooking Class
A half-day hands-on cooking class in the Tuscan countryside.
We’ll meet in the morning in our kitchen studio, located in our family house in the Tuscan countryside.
The menu is market-inspired, based on the season’s offerings, We will cook a full meal from scratch, from appetizers to dessert, using only the freshest seasonal ingredients. Every dish will be introduced by a family story or a local tradition. You will learn to cook as Tuscan grandmothers and mums do every day in their kitchens for their families. It will be a chance to get to know better local ingredients and to work on your kitchen repertoire adding reliable Tuscan recipes.
Curious about fresh pasta? We’ll make it together from scratch.
The class will end with lunch, that according to the weather, will take place in our olive garden or in the studio.
Class Highlights
- Half-day hands-on cooking class in a traditional home kitchen
- A relaxing Italian-style lunch, with local Chianti wine (and homemade limoncello to end!)
- An uncountable amount of fun and laughter in the kitchen
Price: From €160 per person. Price may vary according to requests and customizations.
If you have any question make sure to check our FAQs below or you can email us through the form below or at info@julskitchen.com for more information. Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements when booking.
Three Day Seasonal Cooking Masterclass
A deep dive into Italian cuisine
Embark on a tantalizing journey through the flavours of Italy with our immersive three-day seasonal cooking masterclass. With more time on our hands, we will be able to make recipes that require a longer preparation and that usually are not included in the one-day experience, we will bake bread or focaccia, try traditional torte da credenza (pantry cakes), jams, and preserves, cook our beans from scratch, learn our way with leftovers and the practical aspects of Italian cooking.
On Wednesday, we’ll plan our menus for the three days based on seasonality and on your preferences, and we will shop at the local market and butcher.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a passionate home cook, this experience will ignite your passion for Italian cuisine and leave you with a newfound culinary repertoire.
Each class will end with a relaxing Italian-style lunch.
In the afternoon you’ll have time to explore the surroundings, following our foodie guide.
Masterclass Dates 2024-2025
12-14 February 2025: Comfort Food for Winter
26-28 March 2025: Spring Flavors
7-9 May 2025: Fresh Pasta Masterclass
11-13 June 2025: Early Summer’s Bounty
2-4 July 2025: Tuscan Summer
24-26 September 2025: Harvest Season
29-31 October 2025: Tuscan Autumn
17-19 December 2025: Christmas in Tuscany
Class Highlights
- Three-day hands-on Tuscan cooking class in a traditional home kitchen
- Shopping at the local market and at a family-run butcher shop
- Three breakfasts together, one at a local café, two at the studio
- Three relaxing Italian-style lunches, with local Chianti wine (and homemade limoncello to end!)
- It is suitable for solo travelers (read the FAQs below)
- An uncountable amount of fun and laughter in the kitchen
- Free time to explore the surroundings in the late afternoon after classes
- A pdf guide to our surroundings with our favourite spots for dinner.
Price: €800 per person
If you have any questions make sure to check our FAQs below or you can email us through the form below or at info@julskitchen.com for more information. Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements when booking.
Tailored Cooking Class
A private course to share with your family and friends.
An experience designed for larger groups and available on reservation. Contact us to organize a class with a tailor-made menu, full of seasonal surprises, to share with your group of friends.
After the class, you’ll sit down at the table and enjoy the delicious food we have made together.
Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements when booking.
Class Highlights
- Designed for larger groups, 4 to 8 guests
- Half a day hands-on cooking class in a traditional home kitchen
- A relaxing Italian-style lunch, with local Chianti wine (and homemade limoncello to end!)
- An uncountable amount of fun and laughter in the kitchen
Price: From €200 per person. Price may vary according to requests and customizations.
A photographer can be hired for the day to capture the most significant moments of the class.
If you have any question make sure to check our FAQs below or you can email us through the form below or at info@julskitchen.com for more information. Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements when booking.
Virtual Italian Cooking Class
Bring the Taste of Italy to Your Home
Indulge your senses in the culinary delights of Italy with our Virtual Italian Cooking Class! Perfect for couples or small groups, immerse yourself in the art of Italian cuisine from the comfort of your home. Our two-hour sessions offer a hands-on approach to crafting delectable Italian dishes, customizable to your taste preferences. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned chef, join us for a unique opportunity to connect with loved ones virtually and savor the joy of cooking together, transcending distances.
Class Highlights
- Intimate sessions for two, perfect for couples or friends
- Customizable courses tailored to your taste preferences
- Explore the secrets of authentic Italian flavors and culinary techniques
- Ideal for both beginners and seasoned chefs
Price: €160 for two people. For larger groups, simply drop us an email.
If you have any question make sure to check our FAQs below or you can email us through the form below or at info@julskitchen.com for more information.
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Location: the countryside of Colle di Val d’Elsa
Venue: Juls’ Kitchen Studio
Starting time: 9:00 am (8.30 am for the market class)
Duration: approx. 6 hours (including the final lunch)
Number of participants: minimum 2 – maximum 8 (if you’re a bigger group send me an email)
Classes are available on Wednesday and Thursday (send me an email for other availability)
Contact us for longer cooking experiences.
Since we are in the countryside, you’ll need a car – or a driver – to fully enjoy the class.
You’ll join a group of enthusiast food lovers. You’ll meet strangers from breakfast and by lunchtime, you’ll have new friends. We will still keep this a small party, though – not more than a total of 8 people will attend the class – as we like to have everyone involved in the cooking part.
If you are part of a bigger group, contact us to verify the availability for a class.
The masterclass is suitable for solo travelers but will be confirmed only upon reaching a minimum of 4 participants (maximum 8).
There is no set schedule; each masterclass will be different, based on the seasonality and tastes of the guests.
This is just a sample of the schedule:
- On the first day, we will meet for an Italian breakfast at a local café: we will get to know each other chatting over a selection of pastries and enjoying a cappuccino, espresso, or macchiato.
Shopping at the local market for fruit, vegetables, and cheese, we’ll plan our menus for the three days. We’ll stop at my favourite butcher too.
After the market, we will drive to our kitchen studio in the countryside: while we cook, drink wine, and eat together, you will be learning how to create an Italian cooking repertoire. - On the second and third days, we will be able to make recipes that require a longer preparation and that usually are not included in the one-day experience, we will bake bread or focaccia, try traditional torte da credenza (pantry cakes), jams, and preserves, cook our beans from scratch, learn our way with leftovers and the practical aspects of Italian cooking.
- Each class will end with lunch that, according to the weather, will take place in our olive garden or in the studio.
- In the afternoon, after the class, you will have free time to explore the surrounding area, following our food guide.
We require a deposit of 30% upon booking to confirm your attendance; the remainder should be paid before the masterclass starts.
The booking deposit is non-refundable unless we are notified at least 60 days beforehand of a cancellation.
The price includes taxes, all the food and wine, shopping at the market, snacks, and lunches.
The cost does not include flights, accommodation, travel insurance, or transport to/from Colle di Val d’Elsa and our kitchen studio.
We will be happy to recommend you the best accommodation to enjoy your stay.
Yes, it is suitable for children of all ages.
We will prepare dishes that will delight both young and adults.
Children up to 3 years old join for free.
These are just a few options, menus will vary according to your preferences and the season. If you opt for the market class, we’ll choose the menu together during the morning shopping.
Appetisers: Cheese board with homemade jam, local charcuterie board, chicken liver crostini, fried sage leaves or fried zucchini blossoms, chickpea cake, seasonal bruschetta, homemade focaccia, stuffed grilled peppers, prosciutto e melone, panzanella.
First Course: Fresh homemade pasta like tagliatelle, tagliolini or maltagliati, stuffed pasta like tortelli or ravioli, hand pulled pici, lasagne, pillowy potato gnocchi. The first course will be served with a seasonal dressing. If you prefer, risotto or a seasonal soups such as pappa al pomodoro or ribollita can be prepared instead of pasta.
Main Course: Roasted pork loin, roasted turkey breast stuffed with prosciutto and cheese, beef meatballs, veal involtini with cheese and prosciutto, beef stew, fried Tuscan chicken, chicken cacciatora, veal carpaccio, fried cutlets stewed in tomato sauce, omelette in tomato sauce.
Side dishes: Roasted seasonal vegetables, grilled vegetables, vegetable stews, fresh salads and rich flans.
Desserts: Almond biscotti, zuppa inglese, olive oil cake, ricotta crumb cake, olive oil apple cake, chestnut cake, pastry cream, mascarpone cream with wine poached pears, fresh fruit salad, tiramisù.
Tuscan cooking is simple and essential, so the quality of the ingredients we use is paramount. We only use Italian extra virgin olive oil for cooking, and a favourite local extra virgin olive oil for dressing: we’ll have the chance to taste it together. We use Italian stone ground flour for our pasta, bread and focaccia.
Fruit and vegetables. We buy seasonal fruit and vegetables at our local market. It’s our favourite ingredient, as we take pride in showing you how delicious vegetables can be when local, in season, and doused in extra virgin olive oil. When in season, we will use herbs and vegetables from our vegetable garden.
Meat. We buy meat at our local butcher. It’s an interesting and fun experience, so we hope you can join us on our market tour. They have local organic beef and veal, free-range pork, chicken and turkey. At the butcher, they also make and cure their own charcuterie products: fresh and dried sausages, prosciutto, salame, crumbly finocchiona with fennel seeds, cured pork cheek, and pancetta.
Fish. Fish recipes are not as typical as meat ones in the hills of Tuscany, though when we go to the market we’ll also have the chance to buy fresh fish from the fishmonger stall. We’ll prefer local and sustainable fish such as sardines, anchovies, mackerels, sea bream, sea bass, clams and mussels.
Yes, we can tailor the cooking class to your dietary restrictions.
However, in the kitchen, we cannot guarantee that foods are not contaminated. Some foods may still contain traces of allergens.
We can cater for gluten free diets, but unfortunately, this class is not suitable for gluten allergic people.
Please mention your allergies when you book the cooking class.
Yes, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available on request. Don’t hesitate to contact us regarding your dietary requirements.
Unfortunately, our classes are not suitable for gluten allergy.
Send us an email using the form below and we will book the day for you.
For the one-day classes, we require a deposit of 50% upon booking to confirm your attendance, you’ll be able to pay the balance on the class day.
For the three-day experience, we require a deposit of 50% upon booking to confirm your attendance.
The cooking classes are held in our Kitchen Studio, located, in a traditional country house in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, between Siena and Florence. You’ll meet my family, our dogs Noa and Teo, and our cats Wolfi and Pelù, and if the weather is good you’ll get the chance to eat outside in our garden underneath the olive trees.
Since our Studio is located in the countryside, you’ll need a car – or a driver – to fully enjoy the class. A private driver can be arranged on request for pick-up and drop-off (price not included).
We are one hour from Florence and about 30 minutes from Siena. Many of the best tourist destinations in Tuscany such as San Gimignano, Montalcino, Volterra, Pienza, Lucca, Montepulciano and Greve in Chianti are very close to us. We always give our guests the very best directions so they can locate us easily. We’re on Google Maps, too.
To cancel a class, you must notify us via email at info@julskitchen.com.
To confirm a class, a 50% down payment is required.
The down payment is refundable net of bank charges if you cancel the class within 7 days prior to the class date. The balance can be paid after the class.
For the Three-Day Masterclass, the down payment is refundable net of bank charges if you cancel the class within 30 days prior to the class date. We reserve the right to cancel a class if we do not reach the minimum number (4 guests) and in this case, deposits will be fully refunded.
the CUCINA POVERA cookbook
With more than 100 recipes, Cucina Povera celebrates the best of the Italian resourceful, thrifty and inventive cooking tradition. Cooking this way transforms ingredients into hearty meals that are more than the sum of their parts. Discover more about the Cucina Povera cookbook.
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Check available dates and spots for my open Food Experiences in the calendar above (swipe for the upcoming months) and send us an email through the contact form below.
Note: free time slots will be booked quickly. Reservations are taken first come first serve, so early bookings are strongly advised.
We update the calendar manually, so apologies for any delay!
If you wish to be added to the waiting list, just send us a message through the form below.