The Art of Hands-On Italian Cooking by the Lake

About

Join me for a hands-on culinary experience where you'll learn how to make authentic Italian risotto from scratch. You'll be welcomed with a refreshing drink from Lake Garda and enjoy a relaxed, convivial atmosphere throughout the class.

We’ll explore the secrets to perfecting risotto—starting with how to select the ideal rice from various Italian grains. You’ll learn how to combine ingredients harmoniously, cook each phase to perfection, and finish with the final “mantecatura” then the risotto will be ready when it is at the wave (in italian we say “all’onda”), it means it makes a slight wave around the spoon. 

On weekends, the experience continues with homemade tricolore gnocchi, where you’ll also learn to prepare fresh basil pesto right in your own kitchen.

This class is open to everyone, including complete beginners. Vegan options are available upon request, and for those interested, there is an optional (paid) tasting of different varieties of high-quality Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

We’ll cook together in my home kitchen, enjoy our meal in the cozy living room, and you’ll have the chance to relax on the terrace afterward. The location is just a short walk from the beach and nature park, with free parking available nearby.

Let’s experience true Italian authenticity—together!

Menu

Each day offers a different regional specialty, with all dishes available in a vegan version upon request.

Monday:
Radicchio Risotto – With red radicchio, Asiago, and Parmigiano Reggiano

Tuesday:
Pumpkin Risotto – Featuring sweet pumpkin, creamy Taleggio, and Parmigiano Reggiano

Wednesday:
Zucchini or Asparagus Risotto – Seasonal vegetables paired with capers from Lake Garda and a touch of Garda lemon zest

Thursday:
Mushroom Risotto – Made with mountain porcini mushrooms, organic Italian saffron pistils, and Parmigiano Reggiano

Friday:
Franciacorta Risotto – A luxurious dish with sparkling Franciacorta wine, cream, and Parmigiano Reggiano

Saturday & Sunday:
Tricolore Gnocchi – A colorful trio of homemade potato gnocchi served with:

• Classic tomato sauce

• Homemade Genovese basil pesto (with or without garlic)

• Creamy Gorgonzola sauce

Note: All risottos and gnocchi can be prepared vegan upon request.

Schedule

Risotto Class (Monday to Friday)

12:00 PM – Welcome with a refreshing drink from Lake Garda
12:15 PM – Introduction to the class: ingredient overview and how to choose the right rice
12:30 PM – How to prepare the perfect broth for risotto
12:45 PM – Cooking the risotto step by step
1:20 PM – Enjoy the dish together
2:00 PM – End of the cooking class

Gnocchi Class (Saturday & Sunday)

12:00 PM – Welcome with a refreshing drink from Lake Garda
12:15 PM – Introduction to the class and selecting quality raw ingredients
12:30 PM – Let’s make homemade gnocchi
12:50 PM – Preparing the Tricolore – three traditional gnocchi condiments
1:10 PM – Cooking and tasting
1:25 PM – Enjoy the dish together
2:00 PM – End of the cooking class