Mastering Italian Cooking: un Pugno di Sale Does It! (Mar 22, 2011)

If you catch on to the concept un pugno di sale (or “small fistful of salt”), you’re on your way to mastering Italian cooking. Kathy and Steve’s late March Washington D.C. cooking class quickly became experts at judging the salt quantities needed in each dish.
Their class was the last one on this marvelous 7-week U.S. coast-to-coast cooking lessons/lectures tour – and what an enthusiastic group! Our Umbrian feast came together rapidly and smoothly as guests teamed up in their “work stations”: some working on the tuna/cream/brandy/mushroom paté, while others chopped sage and butternut squash for the pasta or rucola for a bruschetta topping. The “tiramisu team” came up with a winner, topping it off with generous mounds of coconut. At our dinner, we all raised our wine glasses in SALUTE!, toasting each other and our hosts – and the wind-up of a winning U.S. tour. Kathy and Steve, what a winning finish. Tantissime grazie con molto affetto!

…and here is a note from my host, Kathy:
“Delightful, as I totally expected. Great food, great company, great cooking. Looking forward to next year!” – and from her husband, Steve: “From Spello to D.C… it’s always a joy to see you, even if I don’t cook!” And here’s a word from daughter Carolyn: “It was great having you a guide in Spello – and cooking with you, too!”

More comments:
“The most fun I have ever had cooking! I will definitely use the recipes! Thank you.” Laurie
“Thanks for the great food and great stories…!” Naomi