The SiChef school, known for its welcoming and professional environment, is located in an area renowned for its vineyards and culinary history.
The school building, a restored old farmhouse, overlooks hills covered with vineyards and olive groves, offering a serene and inspiring environment. The classrooms are equipped with modern equipment but maintain a rustic charm that reflects the essence of the Italian culinary tradition.
The class begins with a theory session, during which students are introduced to the history and importance of gnocchi and gelato in Italian culture. The evolution of these dishes over time and the influence of different Italian regions on their variations are discussed.
The instructors, professional chefs with years of experience, share anecdotes and practical tips, creating a link between theory and culinary practice.
Next, we move on to practice, with a focus on potato gnocchi. Students learn how to select the right potatoes for making gnocchi, a crucial aspect of ensuring the ideal texture. The lesson covers every step of the process: from cooking the potatoes, to turning them into a soft, workable dough, to forming the gnocchi themselves. Emphasis is placed on manual dexterity and the ability to “feel” the dough, skills that only direct experience can teach.
In parallel, the course focuses on the preparation of Italian ice cream, a classic loved around the world. Here, students discover the science behind creating creamy, flavorful gelato, learning how to balance ingredients such as milk, cream, sugars and natural flavors. Emphasis is placed on the technique of whisking, which is essential to achieving the perfect ice cream texture. The course offers the opportunity to experiment with different flavors and ingredients, encouraging creativity and innovation.
Recipes will be provided to you after the class, ensuring that you can recreate these two simple treats at home as well.
Your dietary needs are not a problem for us: our classes are also vegetarian, vegan, gluten and/or lactose-free upon request and always with local, fresh and seasonal ingredients.
The perfect day of play, cooking and laughter in the picturesque setting of a beautiful villa in the Tuscan hills.
