Being in Italy always thrills me with such an alluring culture, climate, lifestyle and particularly for the fabulous food and wines. I've just returned from a wonderful trip to Rome and the Amalfi coast, where a true highlight was to experience the Mamma Agata Cooking and Wine School in Ravello. Perched high on the cliffs with stunning sea views, spending a day there is a really special experience.
From the moment Chiara greets you and you have a first taste of the delicious signature lemon cake with coffee on arrival, you just know you're in for a treat. Light as air and infused with the essence of Amalfi's famous lemons, which you see growing in the terraced gardens, the cake is stunning in it's simplicity.
The day's cooking demonstrations in the house kitchen are very leisurely and informative with plenty of tastings along the way, culminating in a wonderful lunch served on the covered terrace, with wine produced from the family vineyard.
Chiara, Mamma Agata's daughter is a fabulous host, and the day flows beautifully from Mamma Agata's cooking demonstrations in the morning, (making Parmigiana de Melanzane above) to Gennaro, Chiara's husband, taking over for the rest of the programme including Spaghetti del Contadino, or 'farmer's spaghetti' below. They all share a deep passion for cooking, keeping ingredients simple, real and seasonal and that all elusive element of love is clearly apparent in all the dishes prepared.
A further pasta dish of Pappardelle con peperoni e salsicca (sausage and red pepper pasta), then Mamma Agata's famous Lemon Chicken (Pollo al limone) served with a green salad completed the lunch, before a final slice of the delectable Dolce al Limone (adored by Humphrey Bogart when Mamma Agata used to cook at Villa Civita).
Having bought the delightful Mamma Agata cookery book and fluted cake tin perfect for recreating the lemon cake at home, I am now all set to enjoy many more tastes of 'The Hidden Treasure' myself, along with priceless memories of a unique day.
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