Ormina Tours proudly works with a network of home cooks across Italy to give our travellers a unique local experiences that immerses them in the traditional Italian culture.
Here we speak with Juanita from Bari in Puglia about their journey cooking with guests from all over the world.
How did you become part of the home cooking community?
I started just because I wanted to try it out… It turned out to be a great choice! I was sitting on the sofa flipping through the newspaper, and saw an article about an association of Italian home cooks that told the stories of their families and regions through food. As I love cooking and am very attached to my local cuisine, I sent an application… And was overjoyed to become part of this huge “family” that is spread out all over the country.
Enjoy a unique local cooking experience on our Enchanting Puglia Tour.
Which are your most requested Italian recipes?
My guests want to learn all about Italian cuisine. I know what they want to try when they come to my region, but the most requested Italian recipes in general are fresh pasta with tomato sauce, tortellini, lasagna, tiramisù, pizza and focaccia.
Which local recipe do your guests enjoy making in your cooking classes?
One of their favourites is definitely orecchiette with cime di rapa (turnip greens), the focaccia barese (from Bari), ‘braciole’ chops with tomato sauce, ‘sporcamuss’ (a pugliese cream puff) and tarallini (tiny ring-shaped crackers).
Did you cook during the lockdown? If so, what did you make?
I’ve been cooking all sorts during the lockdown, from sweet to savoury: fresh pasta, bread, brioche, tarallini, biscuits, tarts, timbales, panzerotti, lasagna, focaccia… I’ve made such a mountain of things to eat that I can’t even list them all!
Which recipe would you like to share with us today?
Spaghetti all’assassina (literally: murderess spaghetti, the origin of the name is unclear!) – click here for the full recipe.
Enjoy a cooking class experience from your own kitchen
Participate in a live cooking class with one of the cooks in this at home cooking community and enjoy making traditional Italian recipes with a local from your own kitchen.
Use the code: ORMINATOURS to get 10% off.
Click here for more information.
