Italy Archives - InspiringKitchen.com

the landscape of Tuscany

Nonnas Teach Cooking Classes in Italy at Tuscan Women Cook

Posted by | Cooking, Culinary Event, Travel | No Comments
What could be better than learning to cook authentic Italian food from the grandmothers (nonnas) of Tuscany? One of my favorite ways to experience the lifestyle in different cities and countries is to explore their culinary world. From restaurants to home cooking to cooking classes to food markets and beyond, there are so many ways to immerse yourself in the culture. 
women cooking Tuscany
Located in the heart of Tuscany, Tuscan Women Cook celebrates the food and culture of the Italian region with their popular culinary vacation. Ensconced in the beautiful village of Montefollonico, Tuscan Women Cook offers an immersive cooking program to their guests.
Read more
Beach view Puglia Italy

Explore Puglia, Italy: Culinary and Landscape

Posted by | Food, Foods, Tourism, Travel | 6 Comments

My virtual suitcase is packed. Travel agenda is made. Excitement is high as I get ready to explore Puglia, Italy. 

The Puglia Landscape

Exploring the Puglia region, pronounced pool-ya, is one of Italy’s hidden gems. You may also hear it called Apulia, its Italian name.

map of Puglia Italy

Puglia is easily identified on the map, as it runs down the east coast of the country from the Gargano Peninsula all the way into the “heel of the boot”. Puglia borders the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea. Six provinces make up the Puglia region on the southeast coast of Italy.

    • Gargano and Daunia – the northernmost coast of Apulia where you will find an almost deserted beach.
Read more

Wine Tasting Around The World

Posted by | Travel, Wines | No Comments

Wine tasting and exploring three wineries from around the world including VIK from Chile, Ruffino from Italy and Kim Crawford from New Zealand.

How much fun would it be to travel the world touring wineries, tasting wine, learning about their history and operations and even talking food and wine parings? If you are a wine drinker, sampling wines from a variety of vineyards is part of the enjoyment you get from each glass. Having the opportunity to explore wines from around the globe just enhances not only the taste but the education on how each bottle is produced.

I recently had the opportunity to meet with 3 winemakers from Italy, New Zealand and Chile.… Read more

Parmigiano Reggiano: Understanding the King of all Cheeses

Posted by | Foods | 9 Comments

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between Parmesan and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese? I decided to do some research to better understand this storied and delicious cheese.

parmigiano reggiano

There are a number of characteristics that define Parmigiano Reggiano:

  • The only Parmesan – it means of/from Parma, Italy.
  • It is lactose free.
  • There are only a little more than 300 producers.
  • Rich in high quality, easily digestible proteins.
  • There are 900 years of tradition.
  • There are only three ingredients: raw cow’s milk, rennet, sea salt.
  • It has a PDO or Protected Designation of Origin.

The naming aspect makes total sense when you consider the history of this cheese.… Read more