Cucina Class Offerings

Click on the class name for menu and details. Although seasonal classes are designed to use a ingredients readily available during that time of year, any class may be conducted year round.

• Risotti Four Ways

  This versatile grain is made into four very different delicious items.

  We begin this class by making a classic risotto with porcini mushrooms and spicy arugala. We then take this simple dish and turn it into some interesting side dishes. 

   

  Arancini from the southern part of Italy makes for a wonderful appetizer. The risotto balls are stuffed with cheese and then lightly fried and served with a marinara sauce. 

   

  We then make patties of risotto that can be part of a brunch or lunch menu; topped with an egg and a salad we have a full meal. 

   

  Riso Sartu can also become a main course meal. The Italian rice is formed into dome-shaped molds, stuffed, baked and served with a delicious Bolognese sauce.

   

  Cost: $50 per person

   

  Email Carmela or phone her at 952.929.9583 to set up a class.

• Dinner at Mama's

  Learn Carmela's family recipe secrets and enjoy a traditional Italian dinner.

  In Italian families Sunday dinner at Mama's is tradition. No one can make a Sugo (sauce) like she does. Get your group together and make a traditional Sunday dinner.

   

  Carmela will includes family recipes and secrets that have been handed down for three generations and originate in her Southern Italian village. 

   

  And, it is not just about the food, Carmela will share costumes and stories about growing up in an Italian-American family.   

   

  Menu

   

  • Antipasto of Gorgonzola and Honey Crostini

   

  • Glass of Prosecco

   

  • Mama's Sunday Sauce with Pasta, Meatballs and Steak Rolls

   

  • Mixed Green Salad in Frico Baskets

   

  • Nutella Ravioli  

   

   

  We begin our Sunday feast with a crostini of creamy Gorgonzola cheese drizzled with honey, a nice dry sparkling Prosecco will accompany this course. 

   

  Mama's sauce is a thick and rich "sugo" which cooks for hours and has both steak rolls and meatballs as it's foundation, a southern Italian recipe that is a little spicy and perfect with rigatoni pasta.

   

  With our pasta we will enjoy a mixed green salad in a frico basket of crisp Parmeasan cheese. 

   

  Dessert features a favorite of Italians, Ravioli with Nutella. Ravioli is stuffed  with a creamy chocolate and hazlenut filling, dusted with powdered sugar and garnished with a dollop of whipped cream. Accompany with a cup of coffee and it is the perfect ending to the meal.

  Cost: $50 per person

   

  Email Carmela or phone her at 952.929.9583 to set up a class.

• All About Marinara

  Learn new ways to use this popular sauce that is the base for many favorite dishes.

  This class will show you many ways to use this easy, versatile and delicious sauce. 

   

  Marinara sauce is the base for many pasta dishes and for fish, meat and chicken as well. Made with Italian plum tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil and lots of fresh basil Carmela will demonstrate the different ways to use this quick sauce and how you can adapt it in your own kitchen. 

   

  The class will include an antipasti, salad and dessert.

   

  Cost: $50 per person

   

  Email Carmela or phone her at 952.929.9583 to set up a class.

   

• Tuscan Pot Roast

  A favorite this time of the year. Fill your home with warm and the wonderful smells of Tuscan cooking.

  Learn to prepare a meal that will fill your home with the smell of Tuscany. Keep your kitchen warm and cozy and satisfy your family and friends with this perfect winter meal.

   

  • Crostini with White Beans and Sage

   

  • Pot Roast prepared with creamy Polenta

   

  • Green beans with onions

   

  • Torta di Noci - Walnut Tart

   

  You'll know why the Tuscans are know for their love of beans when you sample the delicious first course of Crostini.

   

  We will braise the Pot Roast, we will braise the roast with carrots, onions, tomatoes, spices, broth and a splash of red wine. Once the roast has simmered and absorbed the flavors, we will pour a creamy Polenta over it, add a side of green beans with onions and call it bellismo.

   

  We will conclude our Tuscan meal with Torta di Noci, a Walnut Tart, baked in a short bread crust filled with honey and walnuts, with a dollop of whipped cream.

   

  Cost: $50 per person

   

  Email Carmela or phone her at 952.929.9583 to set up a class.

• Carnevale

  A wonderful menu for a night of amore or any celebration!

  This festive dinner is perfect for a night of “amore” (love) or for any special occasion.

   

  • Polenta and goat cheese hearts topped with sun-dried tomatoes

   

  • Pasta al Erbe (pasta in a rosa sauce with fresh herbs)

   

  • Chicken with prosciutto and fontina on a bed of escarole and roasted fresh asparagus

   

  • Insalata Mista (mixed green salad))

   

  • Pizzelle with apricots and raspberry sauce topped with a dollop of whipped cream. This dessert represents the nature of the carnevale!

   

  At home, you can add a nice bottle of sparkling Prosecco and make this a truly memorable meal. Cost: $50 per person

   

  Email Carmela or phone her at 952.929.9583 to set up a class.

• Italian Soups

  A perfect time of the year to think about warm soups. These Italian soups are a delicious way to answer the call for comfort foods!

  This class is a great way to answer your call for comfort food. These soups will please the whole family!

   

  • Stracciatella

   

  • Italian Wedding Soup

   

  • Italian Tomato Soup with vegetables & herbs

   

  • Small cheesecakes

   

  Stracciatella is a traditional Italian soup which is a great starter for an evening meal. We begin with a rich chicken stock and lightly beaten eggs, and top with grated Parmesan cheese and a garnish of parsley.

   

  Italian Wedding Soup is a delicious soup that is served at Italian weddings, on holidays or any special occasion in the family. This heirloom recipe begins with chicken stock base and is filled with chicken meatballs, small pasta and spinach. With a hearty bread and salad, this soup could be a meal in itself.

   

  The Italian Tomato Soup is filled with vegetables and Italian herbs, with a secret ingredient that makes this a family favorite. It can be made ahead and reheated or frozen for the cold days ahead.

   

  We complete our soup buffet with small cheesecakes.

   

  Cost: $50 per person

   

  Email Carmela or phone her at 952.929.9583 to set up a class.

   

  This class is available September through December.

• Grazietta's Farm House Dinner

  This is one of my favorite meals. I learned to prepare the menu when I was studying under Grazietta Chellini at Fattoria LaQuercia in Italy. I know you'll enjoy it as much as I do!

  This is a favorite menu of mine, discovered when I was studying Italian cuisine in Tuscany. I was a student of Grazietta Chellini of Fattoria La Quercia.   The Tuscans love this meal, and you will, too!

   

  We will be preparing and enjoying the following dishes:

   

  • Bruschetta topped with spinach, mushrooms, onions and parmesan cheese, baked to perfection

   

  • Pasta con Erbe (pasta in a rosa sauce with fresh herbs)

   

  • Sage-stuffed chicken breast

   

  • Insalata Mista

   

  • Torta cioccolata

   

  Cost: $50 per person

   

  Email Carmela or phone her at 952.929.9583 to set up a class.

   

  This class is available September through December.

• Manicotti

  A lighter version of traditional manicotti, this recipe is made using crespelle (crepes). A favorite dish made even better!

  In the convents of Italy, you see the sisters wearing manicotti - white muff like sleeves - to protect their black habits while working in the kitchen and making pasta. I prefer to eat my manicotti recipe, and you will, too!

   

  In this class, we will make a lighter version of manicotti using crespelle (crepes). We will prepare a delicious filling using ricotta and mozzarella. We will also create a light tomato sauce with a hint of fresh basil. We'll roll the filling in the crespelle, and bake them in the sauce.

   

  In addition, we will be preparing a favorite Italian antipasti of meats, olives and mushrooms. To conclude the meal, we will make a fall compote, using the freshest of the season's fruits.

   

  • Manicotti

   

  • Antipasti of cheese, olive and mushrooms

   

  • Fall Compote

   

  In Italian families, manicotti are reserved for special occasions. You will want to make them for your next special occasion as well. This traditional crepe can be made ahead and frozen for a future dinner party.

   

  Cost: $50 per person

   

  Email Carmela or phone her at 952.929.9583 to set up a class.

   

  This class is available September through December.

• Summer Spree

  This menu is perfect for spring and summer when fruits and vegetables are plentiful.

  This menu is perfect for spring and summer when fruits and vegetables are plentiful.

   

  You'll love this truly delightful summer meal that consists of:

   

  • Portobello mushroom crostini and antipasti

   

  • Homemade manicotti with ricotta and vegetable filling

   

  • Marinated and grilled shrimp

   

  • Mixed green salad

   

  • Zuppa Inglese using pound cake, custard and raspberries.

   

  Cost: $50 per person

   

  Email Carmela or phone her at 952.929.9583 to set up a class

• Dinner al Fresco

  This class is a returning favorite and is a perfect menu for picnics, family reunions or summer parties.

  The people, the place and the food are the essential ingredients for a Dinner Al Fresco. A wonderful dinner consists of dear friends or family, a spectacular setting and delectable food and drink. You choose the companions and I will provide you the recipes and ideas for the food and presentation for your memorable evening.

   

  We will prepare:

   

  • Bruschetta with tomatoes, basil and cheese

   

  • Chicken breast stuffed with ricotta, spinach and summer herbs

   

  • Pasta with pesto sauce stuffed in a fresh tomato

   

  • Tomato stuffed with pasta pesto

   

  • Salad of crisp baby field greens

   

  • Jam tart made with the fruits of summer and a rich short bread

   

  Cost: $50 per person

   

  Email Carmela or phone her at 952.929.9583 to set up a class.

• Catering Your Own Event

  Graduations, showers, brunches...Here's a way to have fun and save money by catering the event yourself! 

  Is there a big event coming up in your family?  Have fun and save money by catering the event yourself! This class will provide easy recipes and tips to make your event memorable.  The best part is that the menu is completed ahead of time, so you are free to enjoy the party!  This menu can be scaled down for Mother's Day or a special occasion brunch.

   

  Your guests will enjoy:

   

  • Mini Calzones

  • Shrimp and Spinach Crostini

  • Roasted Olives

  • Antipasto Misto

  • Prosciuttio Wrapped Asparagus Spears

  • Frittata

  • Mini Quiches

  • Polenta with Goat Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

  • Miniature Cheesecakes

  • Personalized Cookies

   

  Cost: $50 per person

   

  Email Carmela or phone her at 952.929.9583 to set up a class.

• Shrimp Boil for Summer

  A fun, casual and easy way to entertain, perfect for summer celebrations.

  My SHRIMP BOIL is made in a huge lobster pot and consists of shrimp, sausage, new potatoes, corn on the cob and many other treasures.

   

  Entertaining has never been so easy.  We will begin our meal with a special antipasti designed for this class, then make our easy and delicious main course.

   

  We enjoy a summer salad and end with a refreshing cool dessert, Raspberry and Ginger Semi-Freddo.  You will love this ice cream-like dessert and will want to make it for family and friends.

   

  This dinner would be perfect for a Father’s Day, Fourth of July party or any other summer celebration that you might be hosting.

   

  Email Carmela or phone her at 952.929.9583 to set up a class.

• Italian Brunch I

  This brunch is a wonderful make-ahead menu that enables you to enjoy the event as much as your guests do!

  Be prepared for your next brunch with a quick, make-ahead menu that will be unforgettable. This simple feast is just what you need to make the morning festive and it will still be enjoyable for you!

   

  You'll learn to prepare a buffet of the following delicious dishes:

   

  • Frittata of eggs, mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes

  • Prosciutto wrapped asparagus

  • Insalata di Pomodori - grape tomatoes and feta cheese

  • Salad of citrus fruit

  • Torta di Limone (lemon cake with berries)

   

  Cost: $ 50 per person

   

  Email Carmela or phone her at 952.929.9583 to set up a class.

• Italian Brunch II

  This class is perfect for a graduation party or other large gathering.

  This brunch is sure to please anyone who is invited to your table.

   

  It is perfect for Mothers or Fathers Day, First Communion, Confirmation brunch or a bridal shower, it can even be taken on a picnic.

   

  We will prepare the following delicious menu items:

   

  • Berry, granola and yogurt parfait

   

  • Ricotta and Tomato Tart

   

  • Italian Baked Chicken Salad

   

  • Focaccia (simple to make - put the kids in charge!)

   

  • Chocolate Dipped Fruit

   

  Cost: $50 per person

   

  Email Carmela or phone her at 952.929.9583 to set up a class.

• Endless Pastabilities I

  Tour Italy through its cuisine with these popular dishes from different parts of the country. Each dish has a unique flavor that is representative of its region in Italy. Buon appetito! 

  We'll tour Italy through its cuisine as we create dishes from different parts of the country. You won't want to miss this class!

   

  Taste the fragrant basil Liguria is known for when we prepare a wonderful pesto sauce of basil, pine nuts and olive oil. We will use onions, pancetta, tomatoes and Romano cheese to make Pasta Amatriciana, a favorite in Rome.  Sardina's uncooked tomato, basil and cheese sauce comes alive when hot linguine pasta is added. You'll want to save some room for the salad and cheesecakes that complete the meal! 

   

  Explore the different regions of Italy as we enjoy:

   

  • Pasta al Burro e Salvia (Tuscany)

   

  • Creamy pesto sauce (Liguria)

   

  • Pasta Amatriciana (Lazio)

   

  • Linguine with tomatoes and basil (Sardinia)

   

  • Mixed green salad

   

  • Small cheesecakes

   

  Cost: $ 50 per person

   

  Email Carmela or phone 952.929.9583 to set up a class.

   

• Endless Pastabilities II

  Enjoy favorite pasta dishes with the wonderful taste of Italy.  These easy to prepare dishes will be favorites among friends and family.

  From a simple, classic pasta dish that is fragrant and flavorful, to a Fusilli pasta with a rich, creamy sauce, you'll want to make these dishes part of your weekly menus. We use select cheeses in these recipes that create tantalizing flavors.  We include an Insalta Mista and fruit dessert to complement these tasty dishes.

   

  The flavors of Italy never tasted so good  - come hungry! We will prepare:

   

  • Fettuccine with roasted garlic and peperocini

   

  • Fusilli with onion and bacon

   

  • Gemelli pasta with four cheeses

   

  • Penne with carrots and chevre

   

  • Insalta Mista

   

  • Torti di Lemoni (lemon torte)

   

  Cost: $ 50 per person

   

  Email Carmela or phone her at 952.929.9583 to set up a class.

• Il Mulino

  Take a break from the fast lane with a relaxed dinner reminiscent of a Tuscan country farm.  The flavors of this meal are fabulous!

  Bring your imagination as we travel to a cozy Tuscan farmhouse. This class features a fabulous menu that is reminiscent of a relaxed Italian country dinner.

   

  We will be preparing and enjoying the following dishes:

   

  • Frittata Arrotolata (rolled omelet with spinach)

   

  • Warm Foccacia bread with paper-thin prosciutto

   

  • Aristi di Maiale (herb-rubbed roast pork prepared Tuscan style)

   

  • Verdure al Forno Con Balsamico e Olivie (roasted vegetables with balsamic vinegar and olive oil)

   

  • Potati Arrostiti (roasted potatoes)

   

  • Salad all’ Mulino

   

  • Bigne ai lamponi (cream puffs with raspberries)

   

  Cost: $50 per person

   

  Email Carmela or phone her at 952.929.9583 to set up a class.

• Fattoria Gambaro

  This menu comes from Carmela's culinary tour while working iwth Chef Lido Martini of Fattoria Gambaro.

  This menu comes directly from my culinary tour to Italy. We spent an afternoon and evening cooking with Chef Lido Martini of Fattoria Gambaro. Located high in the hills of Tuscany, Lido's cucina is a warm and welcoming place to prepare an Italian meal.

   

  Here's what we'll learn to prepare:

   

  • Bruschetta di Fagioli - a Tuscan bean salad on toasted bread

   

  • Pasta with Aromatic Sauce (made of onions, peppers, capers and olives)

   

  • Involtini di Pollo - chicken breast rolled up with an olive filling and simmeredin a rich tomato sauce

   

  • Vegetable terrine

   

  • Creamy rich Creme Caramel for dessert

   

  This meal is delicious and is a wonderful way to escape to Italy, even when you can't be there.

   

  Cost: $50 per person

   

  Email Carmela or phone her at 952.929.9583 to set up a class.

• Kids in the Cucina

  Kids love this combination of stories, cooking and games. Great for parties or as a vacation camp!

  AGES: 8 to 12

   

  PLEASE NOTE: This "camp" can be adapted to become a birthday party and/or be made into a shorter class. Inquire with Carmela for more information.

   

  This three-day camp will explore the food and culture of Italy through the eyes of children. The class includes meals, recipes, stories and games. Italian is the favorite language among our young “chefs.” Join us for a journey into the Italian foods they love so much.

   

  DAY 1: Spiedini, foods on a stick and Minnesota’s favorite- Chicken Spiedini, with Marinara Sauce, Tortellini Spiedini with Pesto Sauce, Fresh Fruit and Orange Cake Spiedini with Cioccolato Sauce.

   

  DAY 2: Everyone’s favorite “pie” – Pizza. We will make herbed Foccacia, Calzones, Personal Pizzas, Insalta Mista and for dessert, Pizzelles from Venice with a gelato bar and ice cream toppings .

   

  DAY 3: Pastachiena- pasta rules the day with rigatoni, hand rolled meatballs, filling and cheese all baked to perfection. We will roast some vegetables and bake cheesecakes to celebrate the conclusion of our culinary week.

   

  Cost $100

  To make a reservation phone Carmela at 952-929-9583

• Kids in the Cucina II

  A new Italian menu for young chefs! We'll explore breakfast, lunch and dinner - Italian style and kid style!

   

  AGES: 8 to 12

   

  PLEASE NOTE: This "camp" can be adapted to become a birthday party and/or be made into a shorter class. Inquire with Carmela for more information.

   

  This all-new camp is designed to teach 8-12 year olds easy Italian cooking that they can prepare for themselves with some adult help. We will also cover basic food handling in the kitchen. In this participation class, kids will learn to have fun in the cucina and will come home with recipes that will delight the whole familiga.

   

  Day 1: Breakfast (Colazione)

  We begin our morning with a  refreshing Orange Julius Caesar. We will make homemade granola that can be used as a cereal, snack or parfait.  The class will make yogurt parfaits using the granola and fresh fruit. It wouldn’t be breakfast with out eggs; we will make ours in individual casseroles using Italian herbs and seasonings. To accompany the eggs we will make a giant baked pancake puff with apples and maple syrup.

   

  Day 2: Lunch (Pranzo)

  Today we are going to focus on soups and panini, the Italian sandwiches of Italy. If your camper likes pizza, they are going to love Pepperoni Pizza Soup, it will become a family favorite.  Our second soup is Italian Wedding Soup. This soup is so delicious it is reserved for special occasions in Italian families.

   

  Participants will be busy chopping vegetables and chicken for the soup, rolling out meatballs and enjoying the results of their labors. We will make a selection of panini to go with the soups. Our dessert will include peanut-butter apple rings and a no-bake classic snack mix that the kids are sure to love.

   

  Day 3: Dinner (Cena)

  Our class begins by making individual meatball pizzas, which will become a favorite with your camper. We then make 2 pastas, first a ravioli that will be served with a sage butter sauce and then potato gnocchi that we will serve with a rich tomato sauce. We will enjoy a typical Italian salad and wrap up the week with something chocolate, Black-Bottom Cup Cakes.

   

  Cost $100

  To make a reservation phone Carmela at 952-929-9583

• Healthy Eating - Italian Style

  Learn how to eat a healthy diet that promotes the right kinds of ats and carbs. You won't feel deprived on this eating plan!

  This class will show you how to rely on the right fats and the right carbs to lose weight and eat healthy.

   

  Our menu features:

   

  • Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms

   

  • Brodo di Pomodori (a light tomato broth)

   

  • Grilled Rosemary Salmon

   

  • Broiled Tomatoes with Pesto

   

  • Italian Style Spaghetti Squash

   

  • Sweet Pear Roll-ups

   

  Interested in more? See the Healthy Eating II class menu.

• Healthy Eating II- Italian Style

  More healthy eating - Italian Style!

   

  A continuation of Healthy Eating, this class will show you how to rely on the right fats and the right carbs to lose weight and eat healthy.

   

  Our menu features:

   

  • Tuscan Bean Salad

   

  • Italian Stracciatella Soup a

   

  • Balsamic Chicken Breasts

   

  •  South Beach Mashed Potatoes

   

  •  Oven Roasted Vegetables

   

  •  Vanilla Ricotta Cream

   

  •  Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

• Just Desserts

  Prepare and enjoy Carmela's favorite Italian dessert recipes. From simple to elegant, they are guaranteed to please!

  Carmela presents five of her favorite simple and elegant Italian desserts. Relax while Carmela prepares Tuscan Bread Pudding with warm Amaretto Sauce and Zuppa Inglese, the popular dessert known as English Soup or Trifle. Enjoy Zepolle ai Lamponi, cream puffs with an almond creamm filling garnished with raspberry sauce and fresh raspberries and Torta Ciocolata, a dense chocolate cake and Crostata di Marmellata, a tart filled with apricot preserves, complete this delicious dolci.

   

  Relax while Carmela prepares:

   

  • Tuscan Bread Pudding with warm Amaretto Sauce and Zuppa Inglese, the popular dessert known as English Soup or Trifle

   

  • Zepolle ai Lamponi, cream puffs with an almond cream filling garnished with raspberry sauce and fresh raspberries

   

  • Torta Ciocolata, a dense chocolate cake

   

  • Crostata di Marmellata, a tart filled with apricot preserves

   

  Cost: $50 per person

   

  Email Carmela or phone her at 952.929.9583 to set up a class.

• Antipasti Party

  Served as either a snack or as part of a larger meal, these antipasti will be the hit of your party.

  Impress your family and friends with an Antipasti party. Carmela will reveal recipes and secrets learned as a student in the Chianti region of Italy.

   

  Whether served as snacks or as part of a larger meal, these antipasti will be the hit of your party.  

   

  We will prepare:

   

  • Calzones

   

  • Roasted Olives

   

  • Shrimp Crostini

   

  • Skewered Tortelini

   

  • Frittata ... and more!

   

  Cost: $ 50 per person

   

  Email Carmela or phone her at 952.929.9583 to register.

• Mini Meals in Minutes

  Quick, easy, fast and fabulous. 

  For the cook in a hurry, this class features the following dishes that are fast and fabulous:

   

  • Hamburger Vegetable Soup in Mini Bread Bowls

   

  • Mini Pizzetta of Caramelized Onion, Proscuitto and Goat Cheese

   

  • Roasted Olives

   

  • Marinated Shrimp

   

  • Antipasti Skewers

   

  • Stromboli of Italian Meats and Cheese with Pesto Sauce

   

  • Bite-sized Chocolate Mousse

   

  • Nutella Ravioli

   

  Email Carmela or phone her at 952.929.9583 to register.