About Us – Cuoche in Vacanza (Chefs on Vacation)

We decided to work in an atmosphere full of warmth, happiness, and flavors. This is what we love doing, and we want to share it with people who want to discover the “secrets” of traditional Italian cooking.

Erika chef and cooking classes coach

Erika – Founder & Professional Chef

I was born in the Tuscan Maremma, a land rich in culinary traditions that reflect the perfumes and flavors of the mountains, the sea, and the rolling hills.

I learned to cook from my grandmother, watching her as a child, totally fascinated. She would prepare simple peasant dishes while joking with me, giving advice, and revealing little tricks of the trade. Thanks to my daughters and their friends, I have now developed a specialty in desserts, which I enjoy preparing with children during joyful holidays.

Professional Chef & Sommelier

I earned my Professional Chef Certificate, and my dishes impressed the Examination Committee:

“Erika amazed the entire Commission with her passion, precision, and flair. From artichoke mousse with sea bass tartare in blackberry vinegar to a crab soup with shrimp bisque in a bread crust, all dishes were prepared with impeccable technique. Passed with flying colors, Erika is ready for a bright culinary career!”

I also hold the Professional Sommelier Certificate from F.I.S.A.R. (Italian Federation of Sommeliers, Hoteliers, and Restaurateurs).

PROFESSIONAL SOMMELIER

Meet the Chefs Who Have Shared This Tuscan Cooking Journey With Me

EMANUELA

Emanuela (Lella)

I spent my childhood in the mountains above Venice, then moved to Venice itself. My passion for traditional recipes led me to explore dishes passed down through generations. My vegetarian husband inspired me to learn creative ways to cook fresh seasonal vegetables and pulses, even for children.

Valentina from Cuoche in Vacanza

Valentina

Born in Palermo, Sicily, I moved first to the United States and then to Pisa, Tuscany. I love experimenting with food, adding my personal touch, and I fell in love with pastry art, spending time learning cake decoration techniques.

Cooking Classes in Tuscany: you’re bringing home the best kind of souvenirs!

What We Do – Cooking Classes & Private Dinners in Tuscany

Are you on holiday in a B&B, resort, villa, or apartment? Do you want to taste traditional Italian dishes?

We come to your place, do the shopping, and guide you in preparing authentic Tuscan recipes. Our classes and dinners are fun, educational, and full of flavor.

We:

Focus on seasonal, local ingredients from trusted suppliers.

value respect for nature, which is essential to Tuscan home cooking.

Are HACCP certified, ensuring the highest hygiene and safety standards.

Whether you’ve already booked accommodation or not, we’ll bring Tuscan culinary experiences directly to you.

About us: Cuoche in Vacanza, the Adventure…how everything started

Even the longest journey begins with one small step.

About Us – How It All Started

The First Disappointment

It all began on a winter afternoon while I was sitting on a bench, waiting for my daughter to finish fencing practice. I wondered what I would become as an “adult.” A few months earlier, I had left a research firm (I’m a sociologist), selling my shares to a friend and partner, and I still felt the bitter taste of disappointment.

I had believed in that project and in my three companions, who were used to working together. But it was 2009, the economic crisis was looming, and expenses began to outweigh revenue. Social research, documentaries, videos, and publications… none of it was really a business. I thought about giving up.

During those slow, rainy afternoons, I began to look for a positive aspect of being without a job. Everyone knew the negatives all too well—like thunder rumbling through my head of despair.

The Joy of Freedom

Then, on one of those “research days,” I spoke with Lella, another mother from the gym who had recently moved to Lucca. Due to her husband’s work, she had shifted from a managerial role to staying at home. She wasn’t regretful, but she felt the need to create something for herself.

As we talked, I began to see the positive side I had been searching for—and then I realized: “We are free!” Not everyone has the chance to choose their own path. Apart from family commitments, we could start from zero… or remain at zero. And if we restart, we would do it guided by our passions and expertise.

The idea of “food” as a form of research and expression of love immediately sparked excitement. Days of brainstorming followed, sharing ideas in English and Italian, and the desire to socialize and teach others our little “secrets” in cooking grew stronger.

Tuscany is a land rich in traditions, beloved by everyone, but especially sought after by those who appreciate quality ingredients. We combined our passions and experience, and thus Cuoche in Vacanza (Chefs on Vacation) was born—a project of cooking classes and much more.

That’s how the adventure began…
…and the adventure never ends.

Contact us

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