Pasta and gnocchi are some of the most satisfying and versatile Italian staples to learn to make at home. They can be used for a classic family meal or elevated to take centre stage for a dinner party.
Begin the day with learning how to make basic dough for all the pasta shapes that will accompany the recipes that are selected for each class according to the season – each pasta class features slightly different recipes, with more substantial, filling, warming recipes for autumn and winter and lighter, fresher sauces for spring and summer.
Once everybody has made their own dough by hand following Valentina’s method, you will move on to making all the sauces and the fillings for the individual recipes. When all these are ready, we will all go back to the dough, which will have had time to rest so that the gluten has relaxed, and then we will roll, cut and shape it all according to the individual recipes. Today you will be filling ravioli with pumpkin and a walnut pesto and making an Arezzo style rabbit sauce to go with maltagliati before covering pappardelle with a porcini mushroom sauce.
Gnocchi are versatile Italian dumplings which can be baked, fried or boiled. Once you have mastered the method for making these soft pillows of goodness, Valentina will take you through the recipes for gnocchi sauces, today will include Roman style gnocchi and a moreish sage butter.
You will be preparing all you your recipes before sitting down to feast on your dishes with a well earned glass of wine!
You will emerge from this class armed with knowledge, skill and plenty of tips for cooking, making and serving these quintessential Italian specialities.
Valentina is our regular Italian tutor and has taught at the Kitchen for many years. She is a noted and much loved authority on Italian cooking and author of over 20 books on Italian cookery including Pasta Galore. She appears regularly on TV, including her own series Italian Regional Cookery.
The class will finish at approximately 3.30/4pm. Finish times can vary, but this is a good guide.
