Cooking Class of Our Dreams

After morning and afternoon classes by the pool, several students jumped at the chance to join a last-minute optional excursion; a hands-on cooking class led by a retired chef who once owned a restaurant in Pompeii!

We were warmly welcomed into the backyard of Valentina and her family, where we toured their incredible garden filled with tomatoes, eggplants, basil, oregano, rosemary, parsley, and even lemon and orange trees. 🌿🍋

Before getting to work, we were treated to homemade bruschetta and caprese salad skewers. Then it was time to cook!

Students learned how to make traditional gnocchi from scratch using 00 flour, boiled potatoes, and salt. After kneading the dough and shaping each piece by hand, we prepared a simple pomodoro sauce before giving the dish a true Sorrentine twist. The cooked gnocchi was placed into individual terracotta dishes, topped with fresh mozzarella, parmesan, and basil, then baked until golden and bubbling. 🍝

While dinner was in the oven, everyone made their own individual tiramisu (sampling along the way of course). ☕

When we finally sat down to eat, we were blown away by how delicious everything tasted. More than anything, though, it was Valentina and her family’s warmth and hospitality that made the evening so special. By the end of the night, it felt like we were sharing dinner with old friends.

As a parting gift, Valentina presented each of us with a cornicello (the traditional Italian spicy pepper, a symbol of protection) to take home… a perfect reminder of an unforgettable evening in Sorrento. ❤️🇮🇹

Natasha Fletcher (activity coordinator)