Cooking is communicating
(and see more photos below!)
If there was any central theme to the 2012 U.S. tour (my fourteenth annual winter tour!), it had to be “communication”.
Above all, through cooking – but not only: in Denver, I shared “Memoirs of Rural Life” with over 400 persons through my Power-pointed lecture. Another lecture in Denver, “Italians, HANDS ON!”, encouraged participants to communicate with Italian gestures. A few Italian gestures also slipped into my Umbrian rural cuisine cooking classes in private homes from Los Angeles to Washington, DC.
At these U.S. cooking classes, communication happened above all while slicing and dicing, stirring and mixing together as we prepared feasts of Umbrian rural cuisine. Before each class, I introduced our recipes with a short talk on the Mediterranean diet and foods as communication, quoting my inspiration, Nadia Marconi, Umbrian classics professor and appassionata culinary historian: “Let us communicate over food. Aromas, flavors and colors all transmit messages. Let us educate our children to the flavors of food as communication.”
Nadia adds, “You have to put your soul into food”. My cooking students got it – as the photos show.
And the many warm and appreciated comments from cooking class participants let me know that far more than culinary lore was learned.
When I opened my computer this morning, this note was awaiting (such a good start to the day):
Ciao Anne,
This is Marc the chopper guy from your event in Bethesda (late March)…Thank you for doing that: around here it is easy to be caught up in the drone of life, and forget the simple joys of conversation, cooking, and company. I was inspired by that event and had my first real Italian lunch at my house, it was great sitting eating and chatting while kids were running around doing what they do.
Thanks again for reminding me about what is important.
Grazie Mille,
Marc U.
Washington, D.C
Enjoy the comments and photos below
Click here for my 2012 US itinerary
Click here for my 2013 itinerary
Click here for more on my LECTURES
Click here for more on Nadia’s wisdom, culinary and not
Clck here for more on the Mediterranean diet
A FEW 2012 COOKING CLASS COMMENTS
“Annie …more than a cooking class – so much about attitudes and feelings and what our lives are really about…” Anellina M, San Clemente, CA
“You inspired me by your passionate affirmation of family and food as the central focus of a healthy, happy life. Every course tonight was special – emotional and memorable. ” Darellyn M, Laguna Niguel, CA
“Anne, you are a delight and entertainer. Brilliant. I am so impressed. You have inspired me to be in the kitchen and to trust. Trust.” Judine, Laguna Niguel, CA
“You’re right: cooking together and sharing our bounty is a sign of love.” Monica K
“Thank you for your many lessons: both culinary and about life.” Emily B., Laguna Niguel, CA
“You are marvelous: we enjoyed the best dinner in southern California tonight!” Cynthia B
“Another wonderful meal in northern California….hopefully, next year, we’ll be hosting!” Sandra G
“Communication tonight was THE BEST. Can’t wait for next time.” Ian M, El Dorado Hills, CA
“Thanks so much for helping us host such a great event. This was the first time many of my co-workers have been together outside of work. All had a great time: they made new friends and had an evening they won’t forget.” Mike R El Dorado Hills, CA
“Anna, I loved your style, enthusiasm and love of food and of Italy. I learned alot, ate alot and look forward to duplicating tonight’ s dishes.” Anni F, Seattle, WA
“Thanks so much for the food and your Italian passion.” Blair, Seattle, WA
“Thanks so much for bringing the life and love and food of Umbria into our home. Until next year…” Patti M, Seattle, WA
“I love your spirit and joy. What a gift you have..to remind us of what is important.” Melissa, Seattle, WA
“Annie, thanks so much for an amazing memorable evening of a fun, intersctive meal of cooking and eating.” Sydney B, Seattle, WA
“Your energy and lovely way of sharing all that is Italian is most special.” Katie and Bart, Denver, CO
“Grazie for a wonderful evening filled with colors, flavors and love through your teaching.” Veronica, Evergreen, CO
“A wonderful enlightening evening – thanks so much for sharing your life and your story.” Melissa, Victoria, TX
“We were deligthed to have you in our home to share your love of food and Italy!” Peggy P, Milwaukee, WI
“I am having the BEST time! The food is fabulous and WE cooked it!” Helen, W. Palm Beach, FL
“You make food sing. I loved all that was prepared.” Bernadette, Winchester, MA
“More, please, of all: Italy, friendship, food and conversation.” Nancy H., Winchester, MA
“Thank you for such a wonderful and enlightening evening of friendship and the sharing of food – and I learned so much about the Italian way of cooking and eating.” Mary Anne, Winchester, MA
“This one night has totally enhanced our understading of Umbrian cuisine.” Randy and Mary, Boston, MA
“Many thanks for an amazing evening! Your recipes are equal to your stories in richness, depth and love.” Jennifer R, NY, NY
“Two years in a row starts to be a tradition! I’m already looking forward to next year!” Don R, Washington, DC
“An absolutely wonderful experience! GREAT food, the fun of preparing it, great fellowship. Superb.” John C., Washington, DC
“One of your biggest fans. So happy to have had a chance to cook with you. You are amazing.” Francesco C., Washington, DC
