Happy Valentine's Day

Imagine strolling through picturesque vineyards, indulging in intoxicating local cuisine at star-studded restaurants, savoring the charm of hilltop villages, and cooking up a storm together with the local nonne. A vacation in the spring or fall with Tuscan Women Cook is the perfect getaway. We offer a blend of culinary experiences, special excursions, and a boutique inn to unwind, making it an ideal destination for anyone seeking a getaway in Tuscany.

Our all-inclusive culinary vacation is not merely about exquisite food and wine; it's an experience that fosters discovery and connection. So, pack your bags and let the delights of this captivating region weave a personal love story with Italy that will last a lifetime.

Say YES! to the best gift you will ever give yourself, your family, a special friend, a loved one—a glorious week with Tuscan Women Cook!

As Valentine's Day approaches, there's a perfect opportunity to create an unforgettable experience for you and your friends or significant other right in the comfort of your own home. Below we offer ideas to turn any evening into a vibrant red celebration of amore that goes beyond the traditional dinner party or date.

— Your Tuscan Women Cook Team

Una Bella Cena per San Valentino

This year, why not celebrate Valentine’s Day in Tuscan Women Cook fashion, with a lovingly prepared meal? Start as most Italians do with an assortimento di antipasti (our recipe here), an assortment of simple small items such as bruschetta with diced tomatoes (Tuscan Women Cook cookbook, page 11). Tuscans may offer fegatini bruschetta, the characteristic chicken liver spread heavily flavored with herbs and pepper. Or even shrimp with oregano, an Italian-American favorite.

Echoing the color of red roses and amore, roasted red peppers make a tempting centerpiece on the platter. Fresh mozzarella comes in many sizes from the fresh ball sliced in Caprese salad to perlini, tiny pearl-sized pieces that are perfect for adding to salad. Bocconcini, bite-sized portions, work well on short skewers when paired with grape tomatoes. (Cut the grape tomatoes diagonally in half. Reposition the two pieces to form tiny hearts.)

For a pleasing yet light course, our friends in Montefollonico might prepare pici pasta with tomato garlic sauce or gnocchi. You will find the recipes for each in the Tuscan Women Cook cookbook, page 34 and page 57.

And to finish the meal, a refreshing custard such as tiramisù or panna cotta. Consider layering the tiramisù with fresh raspberries or strawberries like they do at Ristorante 13 Gobbi, a Tuscan Women Cook favorite. We have added a layer of strawberry purée to the Panna Cotta (Tuscan Women Cook cookbook, page 99 and here) and served it with tall glasses of chilled prosecco. (We are partial to Centinari, Ardea Herodias Satèn Brut and Guido Berlucchi ’61 Franciacorta Brut made from the Glera grape.) To add to the holiday spirit, consider a quality Lambrusco, a sparking red wine, that is gaining popularity in the United States.

Then raise your glasses with a toast. Amo te oggi e sempre. Buon San Valentino.

("I love you today and always. Happy Valentine's Day.").

Red Delights for Valentine's Day

Who says pizzas can't have a sweet side? Valerie Bertinelli, a Tuscan Women Cook friend and alum, captures our taste buds with this delightful creation that will win hearts—Cherry Cheesecake Pizza Pie. Blending classic dessert elements with the comforting appeal of pizza, Valerie created a dessert layered with unexpected flavors. Find the recipe and video from "Valerie's Home Kitchen" here.

Soda fountain dreams and happy hours collide with this recipe for a Raspberry & Aperol Ice Cream Soda courtesy of Gelson's, SoCal's gourmet food market and deli.

Every Tuscan Women Cook guest takes a turn making an Aperol Spritz at our al fresco class at Bar Sport 2.0 in Montefollonico. This refreshing drink combines Aperol, prosecco, and soda water, and garnishes like orange slices. Add ice cream and two straws for a romantic date.

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