Tuscan Cooking Class

Today was a truly relaxing day. Started off with a jog around a fortress, pastry and fruit breakfast on the terrace (my new happy place), a nap, and a wander through the Duoomo (super ornate, and has a small statue by Michaelangelo and one by Donatello; Bernini did a side chapel--likely the bigwigs contributed because the Pope in Rome at the time was from Siena). Also tried a deadly Gelatto flavors combo of raspberry, lemon, and really rich chocolate. The flavors rivaled the pear I had last night. DELICIOUS. At 5:30 Courtney and I joined with 4 other adults for a wonderful cooking class at the local school. As we waited to begin, we hung out on a balcony looking out at Tuscany and listening to students belting opera well. Magic. We cooked a full 4-course meal with a caprese appetizer, homemade pasta with a vegetable sauce, chicken wrapped in mint/parsley flavored crust, and a chocolate souffle. And I have the recipes!!! Delightful, and our chef was a full-on Italian who used gestures more than words to communicate. We were so satisfied that we didn't even stop for gelatto on the way home, which is saying something!