12 Online Cooking Classes for Travelers Dreaming of Italy
From how Michelangelo ate to an eggplant-intensive course, there’s one for everyone
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For those of us missing Italy, sipping Chianti or gesticulating with Duolingo might soothe withdrawals, but a cooking class led by an Italian professional could work even better. Here are a dozen virtual food and drink experiences — from a course about Michelangelo’s eating habits to a two-day eggplant intensive — that bring a bit of Italy to you.
1. Pasta and preservation with Domenica Cooks
The multi-part Pasta with Domenica Cooks series, taught by Virginia-based Italian cookbook author Domenica Marchetti, is well underway, with workshops on stuffed, hand-pulled, and whole-wheat pastas, plus more. Some classes have sold out as of this writing, but the series will restart later in the fall or winter (and you’re free to join in the middle). In the meantime, learn about preserving fruits and vegetables, inquire about a private lesson, or check the schedule for updates, such as a sweet and savory baking class to be added later in the fall.
2. Sicilian flavors with Anna Tasca Lanza
Spend the weekend in rural Sicily with cooking school Anna Tasca Lanza, where classes spotlight specialties from the island. This month, kids can try almond thumbprint cookies and cavatelli with tomato sauce, while adults can spend two days learning all about the eggplant, from how to preserve it in oil to transforming it into dishes like caponata and pasta alla Norma. Check the calendar periodically for updates. If you miss a class, you can buy a downloadable recording to access any time.
