I'm not a Buddist... but I think I was Italian in a previous life ....

I have just come back from the most amazing Foodie Holiday in Tuscany - In 4 days I soaked up the Italian Winter sunshine, breathed in the fresh Tuscan air, consumed the most delicious, fresh, simple Tuscan fare complimented by chilled Prosecco and Chianti ... and most importantly solidified old friendships with my London mates and made some brilliant new friends.

It was only a short break - a getaway with four of my good 'fellow trailing spouse' friends in London - But it turned out to be four days of therapy for my soul. I left feeling completely lifted by indulging in two of my great passions ... cooking and travel.

Varramista Vines

Travelling with a group of '4 Super Stylish Foodie Devotee Aussies' we landed in Pisa where we were quickly whisked off on a mini bus (driven by an Italian Stallion called Diego) to Varramista Estate. Upon arriving, we wove our way through the estate passing vineyards and run down old villas up a winding hill to our beautiful Villa, and home for the next four days, 'Podere Frasca'.

Our Villa - 'Podere Frasca'

We were welcomed by our lovely host Livia and our resident chef Leo who met us with  a glass of Prosecco and we had a chance to get to know our other fellow guests.

Our Host Livia and Tuscan 'My Region' Master Chef Leo

Varramista is located just outside of the small village of Capanne. The Estate dates back to the 1300s and its the country residence of the Piaggio Family (designers of the Vespa Scooter). We bunked down in twin rooms with views of the Tuscan hills. I shared with my friend Lindsaye and we woke up to sunshine steaming through our window - what a way to wake up!

We were joined by 6 Brits, a lovely couple from Manchester , Two girlfriends from outside London and a Mother and Daughter travelling team. Food and wine is a such a binding influence - taking 12 strangers who love food and cooking and putting them in the Tuscan countryside with free flow Prosecco and wine and you're destined to see friendships develop ... turning in to a 'pseudo family' though was just a bonus!

 
We did a wine tasting tour of the vineyards at Varramista on the first night, escaped on a day trip to Florence on the second day and then hung out at the villa cooking (and dancing) up a storm. I spent four days smiling!

On our Florence day trip, Livia showed us the hidden delights of Florence, we explored the Doma, drank proper Italian 'stand up' coffee and had a nice long 3 course lunch in a trattoria hidden in the back streets. I love the way Italians indulge with food. Ingredients are always fresh and presented simply - its pure and authentic and everything is washed down with a cheeky vino. I realise how misinterpreted (or more accurately 're-interpreted') Italian food in the UK and Australia is.

FLORENCE: The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore - The Doma

FLORENCE: Replica 'David'

 We explored the San Lorenzo Market soaking up the aromas and tasting olive oil and balsamic vinegar. I bought a special Parmesan grater mounted in a special catch box made of olive wood and a supply of sun dried cherry tomatoes. What a find the market was - The storekeepers were passionate about their food and I loved seeing the little old men and ladies out buying their daily supplies.

FLORENCE: Conti Deli at San Lorenzo Market

After our day trip we went home to the Villa to start our first cooking lesson. Our (sometimes frustrated) Tuscan Chef Leo dealt well with his 'super keen' students - with cries of 'pay attention' and 'its ok, its good' as the only feedback, we had a lot of laughs.

In our classes we learnt how to make Fresh pasta 'heels' with Italian sausage and truffles, Fresh ricotta and spinach ravioli with butter and sage, Guinea fowl with polenta and Stewed pork ribs with black olives and pine nuts - Then to satisfy our sweeter side, we made Cantucci (almond biscotti) and Tiramisu ... my mouth is watering at the sight of the dish names.... mmmm

It seemed that the Tuscan Cooking Secret was to cook using only the freshest ingredients - ingredients that are true to the region of Tuscany (Leo's Region) - onion, garlic, rosemary and sage ... and then allowing the dishes to simmer and bubble away, only taking them off the stove when they have reached perfection!

The other secret (and it was an important one) was only popping the Prosecco after the 'hard work' had been done!

The finished product

Cooking Time .... Guinea Fowl

Ravioli!

Leo keeping a watchful eye

Then after our hard work cooking, we'd sit down to share the meal together - it felt like a 'pseudo family'. Each meal time we'd change spots around the table allowing us to all get to know each other and build a bond - The food was superb, the company outstanding and the conversation and laughs geared on by the free flowing Italian wine - we stayed up late each night sharing stories and bonding. The people really made the trip so much richer an experience.

Dinner Time

The whole Italian cooking experience was 'rustic' ... 'authentic' We mixed pasta with a fork on a wooden chopping board and then rolled it with a rolling pin - we used what was traditionally considered peasant cuts of meat, stewing them until they were succulent and we made sure we used fresh, local ingredients - pulling sage leaves from the stems and finely chop, chop, chopping everything before adding it to the warming good quality extra virgin olive oil. The whole vibe of the holiday demystified Italian cooking - you don't need fancy equipment, you just need good ingredients and a sense of adventure!

On the last night we shared a 'last supper' - We spent the afternoon cooking, then had free time during which I read my book and drank wine watching the sunset - Tuscan solitude.


Then the guys came back from their walk, we cracked some Prosecco and danced to 80's tunes on the front lawn joined by Leo and our new British friends - I'll never forget it!

Under a Tuscan sun...set

The take away from this trip was to 'take my time' in making the dish and then, take my time again, when enjoying the dish. Carve out time in your day to indulge and enjoy meals and back away from short cuts and ready made meals.

It was a perfect escape from the London cold - it warmed my heart, I learnt new cooking tricks, ate great food and made new friends. It was worth every cent!

My new 'Italian sister' Livia told me she's coming to London to visit and we're going to cook together in my kitchen. That will definitely give me more blog material!

My Lovely Spouse Friends