LEARNING THE ROPES

What better way to get a taste of local culture than a hands-on cooking class followed by a delicious lunch? Season your stay in Syracuse with this fun gastronomic experience and learn how to create a meal in true Sicilian style. A passionate chef and food blogger will invite you into her home and share her culinary secrets with you.

You begin your day soaking up the sights, scents and sounds of Syracuse’s bustling food bazaar. Here, as you weave in and out of shops, past colourful market stalls, you will gain a glimpse of the city’s food-centred way of life. Hear noisy hawkers loudly proclaim the quality of their wares to encourage passing trade; admire stands brimming with a tempting assortment of produce that will make your mouth water; feast your eyes on crisp green vegetables, juicy fruits, delicious cheeses, the freshest of fish; watch bargainers as they haggle for the best deal. Your host will point out her favourite haunts and show you how to select the seasonal ingredients needed for the cooking lesson. Although she will have a rough idea of the menu she would like to make with her guests, nothing is fully decided until she sees what looks best on that day and receives advice from her trusted vendors.

Later, head for the kitchen and let your culinary education begin. As your chef guides you through the preparation of typical Sicilian dishes, you will discover traditional recipes, try out infallible cooking techniques and pick up tricks you can use to wow your friends back home at the dinner table. Depending on the season and day of the week mouth-watering highlights might be ravioli with cuttlefish sauce, fried artichokes, swordfish rolls stuffed with breadcrumbs, herbs and citrus, figs topped with prosciutto, pasta with mussels and clams, wild asparagus omelette, eggplant parmesan, cannoli and so much more!

After the cooking class take a seat in the dining room and enjoy the meal you just prepared… compliments to the chef!