{"id":14528,"date":"2024-01-13T16:00:44","date_gmt":"2024-01-13T16:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/?p=14528"},"modified":"2024-01-19T21:49:15","modified_gmt":"2024-01-19T21:49:15","slug":"tuscan-women-cook-a-cooking-course-and-book","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/winter-2024\/tuscan-women-cook-a-cooking-course-and-book\/","title":{"rendered":"Tuscan Women Cook \u2026 A Cooking Course and Book"},"content":{"rendered":"

I<\/span>f you have ever considered visiting, cooking, and eating in Tuscany, the book Tuscan Women Cook: Nonnas. Memories. Recipes<\/a><\/em> is the first step toward making your dreams come true. Inspired by her visit to the immersion course, Tuscan Women Cook<\/em><\/a>, author Coleen Kirnan takes you inside the village of Montefollonico to share over 50 recipes from the grandmothers or \u201cnonnas.\u201d The family recipes have been passed down through the generations.<\/p>\n

Coleen Kirnan, based in Southern California, acquired the culinary immersion course in 2016 after numerous visits as a guest. She reinvented her career and followed her passion for cooking, travel, and her love of Italy. The book offers you a taste of the cooking course.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

According to Kirman, \u201cMost of these dishes were created centuries before we ever tasted them, refined by each generation of family cooks who adjusted the ingredients to the agricultural and technological changes that inevitably took place with each new branch of every family\u2019s tree.\u201d<\/p>\n

The author\u2019s goal is to transport you to Italy, and they succeed, especially with the personal notes preceding each recipe. This is the kind of book you curl up with in a comfy chair or on a couch in front of the fire.<\/p>\n

And then you might think about booking your trip to Tuscany and a weeklong course with Tuscan Women Cook. Learn more about the course below from Trina Kaye, Trina Kaye, a publicity specialist focused on food and travel.<\/p>\n

And, take a taste of the cookbook Tuscan Women Cook<\/em> by trying some of the recipes from the book . . .<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Ribollita, or Bread and Vegetable Soup<\/strong>, perfect for a winter day or evening, uses stale (or day-old, dry) bread as an ingredient, popular in Italian recipes and exemplifying their regard for leaving nothing to waste. The hearty vegetable soup combines beans, carrots, celery, tomatoes, Swiss chard, cabbage, and your favorite vegetables. It even tastes better the following day as the bread absorbs the flavors and makes the soup even creamier.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Filetto di Maiale con Prugne e Pistacchi or Pork Tenderloin with Plum Sauce<\/strong> is an easy yet impressive recipe for friends and family. The pork tenderloin is stuffed with a dried prune and pistachio mixture and cooks in just 15 minutes.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>The authors call Sformato di Patate or Potato Flan<\/strong> \u201ctasty two-bite wonders\u201d and tout them as alternatives to mashed potatoes. These delightful sides, baked in ramekins or custard cups, are a combo of potatoes, spinach, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Tuscan Women Cook — Immersion Course in Tuscany<\/h3>\n

By Trina Kaye<\/em><\/p>\n

Have you ever wanted to learn to cook in Italy? Tour the beautiful Tuscan countryside? And return home with recipes handed down over generations? Then, meet Tuscan Women Cook, the unique and popular culinary vacation located in the heart of Tuscany, which began in 2000 and celebrates the Italian region’s food and culture nestled in the beautiful village of Montefollonico.<\/p>\n

During each day of the week-long program, guests cook together and eat like the locals one day and at Michelin-starred restaurants on another. A group of 16 participants learn to cook authentic Italian recipes from some of Italy’s best cooks, the grandmothers or nonnas of Montefollonico. These extraordinary women share family recipes in hands-on lessons.<\/p>\n

The owner and host of Tuscan Women Cook, Coleen Kirnan, works closely with the businesses in Montefollonico, creating new experiences and activities for her guests, such as visits to wineries, cheese makers, ceramic and metal artisans, and beekeepers.<\/p>\n

For wine lovers, Tuscan Women Cook is located in the Orcia DOC in the heart of Brunello de Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano country and borders on the Chianti wine region. This region is the center of the new Italian wine renaissance and a dream locale for a getaway with family and friends.<\/p>\n

Wine connoisseurs plan the ultimate bucket list trip here to sample new wines and visit the spectacular vineyards. Coleen provides exclusive introductions to renowned Tuscan vintners and opportunities to purchase their award-winning wines.<\/p>\n

\u201cTuscan Women Cook is proud of our deep relationships forged with the residents and businesses of Montefollonico. We\u2019ve been here since 2000 and feel deeply connected to this community,\u201d Coleen said. \u201cThe warm welcome our guests receive from the residents and the personal ties we have with the very best vintners, restaurateurs, and, of course, our cherished nonnas, gives our guests unparalleled, exclusive access to a true Italian culinary experience.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tuscan Women Cook guests stay at the beautiful I Castagni residence located within the walls of Montefollonico. Perched at the very top of the historic town, guests enjoy spectacular views of the Chiana Valley and the picturesque village from their suites and I Castagni\u2019s well-appointed expansive outdoor terrace.<\/p>\n

\u201cFamilies, friends, couples, and solo travelers of all ages from around the world join us every spring and fall for this life-changing experience,\u201d Coleen states. \u201cJoin a group of accomplished cooks, the culinary curious, and grateful, happy eaters who may very well become your new foodie friends for life. Where better to launch a new friendship than relaxing with a glass of Super Tuscan wine while admiring the breathtaking view of the Tuscan countryside?\u201d<\/p>\n

And after a day of cooking, eating, and wine tasting, participants are taken on shopping and sightseeing trips in Tuscany’s many beautiful villages and towns.<\/p>\n

Tuscan Women Cook\u2019s week-long program runs during the months of May, June, September, and October. Put on your apron, gather around the old farmhouse table, get wrist-deep in pasta dough, and learn Tuscan cooking from the source.<\/p>\n

For more information, visit www.TuscanWomenCook.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Photos: Used with permission from Tuscan Women Cook<\/h5>\n
[vc_text_separator title=”View Recipes In This Issue” title_align=”separator_align_center” border=”no” el_class=”in-this-issue-headline”]\n
\n