Description

Learn the foundations of Italian cookery

Join chef Andy Campbell for a relaxed, practical three-hour class at The Tree Inn in Stratton. This is a genuinely hands-on session for beginners: you will cook alongside Andy, build confidence with core techniques and learn how to bring balance, texture and flavour to a generous Italian menu.

With no more than four participants, there is time to ask questions, work at a comfortable pace and receive individual guidance. No previous cookery experience is needed.

What you will cook

Spaghetti Carbonara

Cook pasta al dente, cut guanciale or pancetta evenly, and create a smooth, glossy sauce without scrambling the eggs.

Spaghetti alle Vongole

Prepare clams safely and build the classic emulsion of olive oil, garlic, white wine, clam juices and starchy pasta water.

Fennel, Green Bean, Mint and Citrus Salad

Practise fine knife work, chiffonade mint, segment citrus fruit, blanch and refresh vegetables, and balance a bright dressing.

Rosemary and Sea Salt Focaccia

Make and prove the dough, learn the traditional dimpling technique and bake a light, chewy focaccia with a crisp golden crust.

Vanilla Panna Cotta with Berries

Prepare gelatine correctly, work with a real vanilla pod and finish the dessert with fresh berries.

Andy’s Italian experience

After completing his Culinary Arts training at Westminster College, Andy worked at an agriturismo near Bologna in Emilia-Romagna, at the heart of northern Italian gastronomy. There he produced up to 20kg of fresh pasta a day. This class draws on that kitchen experience and on the food he discovered while travelling through Italy.

Booking and refunds

Places cost £70 per person. Select Reserve your place to open WhatsApp, then tell Andy whether you prefer 8, 14 or 29 August. Andy will reply with a secure SumUp payment request. Your place is confirmed once payment has been received. Each class needs at least two paid participants to run and is limited to four.

• If you cancel at least seven calendar days before your class, you may request a full refund or transfer to another available date.
• If you cancel with fewer than seven calendar days’ notice, the fee is non-refundable because ingredients and your place will already have been committed. You may transfer the place to another person if you tell Andy in advance.
• If Andy has to cancel, or the minimum of two participants is not reached, you will be offered a full refund or a transfer to another available date.

Please discuss allergies or dietary requirements before booking. The class uses shared preparation and cooking areas, so not every substitution can be guaranteed.

Questions about the class? Call or WhatsApp Andy on 07386 700 883.