Friday, February 26, 2010

Where it all started....

Happy Anniversary to us!  Today is the 6th anniversary of our first date.  And what better way to celebrate than to return to where it all started!

For Christmas, Andrea and Allison gave us a very generous gift:  cooking demonstration with an Tuscan chef at Apron's Cooking School.  I'm not sure if they (the girls) knew the concidence of the date, but it worked out perfectly!
We arrived early and the room was already about half full (room for 40 people).  Keep in mind, this is like one of the Food Network kitchens where we could see what the Chef was doing, but the audience is seated at tables.
We weren't sure what to expect, but we knew were weren't going to cook this time.  There were 3 Publix Chefs and the guest Chef, Gina Stipo.   All the recipes had been prepared and she demonstrated each course before it was served.  Not only did we have a fabulous four course meal, we learned all sorts of Tuscan history and culinary traditions along with some very tasty wines with each course. 

The meal started with Timbale de Gorgonzola over arugula with roasted pears and shallots.  (They were like little savory souffles with yummy pears)  Next was Zupa de Funghi (mushroom soup with homemade croutons).   The entree was Roasted Pork Loin and potatoes with steamed kale.  And dessert was a delicious, light strawberry crostada (tart).   And did I mention the wine pairings?

All the food was wonderful and it was a delightful way to spend the evening and celebrate another year together.   And we are inspired to try the recipes in Gina's cookbook as well as plan a trip to Tuscany for one of her week-long culinary tours. 

Thank you Andrea and Allison!



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