Virtually join Francesca Montillo, owner of Lazy Italian Culinary Adventures, cookbook author and native Italian, in her kitchen for Italian cooking and baking classes hosted via Zoom! Join from the comforts of your home, and learn to prepare delicious dishes from her native land. Although cooking along is encouraged, the participation level is up to you, you can simply watch and learn, ask questions, while taking notes along the way, or you can cook and bake along during the class. Recipes will be straightforward so you can easily replicate the dishes in the future.
All the details and fine print: - Classes are $25 per screen (unless otherwise noted for our special classes), with a max of two people per screen. Grab a friend, partner or neighbor to join you! - Pre-payment is required and accepted via credit card. - Classes run between 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on menu. - 1 week prior to class you will receive the recipes, which you can also use as a shopping list. - 2 days prior to class you will receive a private Zoom link to log in for the class. We ask that you do not forward or share your link with anyone. - Refunds are not available, but transfers to another class or person are allowed. No refunds will be available for no-shows, although you will receive the video recording of the class. - Classes are in Eastern Standard Time, so keep that in mind when signing up.
If you would like to sign up for more than one class, email us francesca@thelazyitalian.com for instructions. List the names of the classes in your email.
Private online cooking classes are also available! Grab some friends, no matter where they live, and start cooking together virtually! See additional info on private classes by clicking here. Or contact Francesca to learn more: francesca@thelazyitalian.com
WINTER 2021 CLASS SCHEDULE
SPECIAL VALENTINE'S DAY COOKING CLASS Caprese Salad Asparagus Risotto Chicken Marsala Mascarpone Berry Parfaits Date: Sunday, February 14, 2021 Time: 4:00PM EST
Grab your significant other, your BFF, your son/daughter, mother/father or basically anyone you want, and spend Valentine's Day cooking a delicious restaurant-style feast! During this class, we will start by preparing a light caprese salad to kick off the evening. Our first main course will be a velvety smooth risotto, followed by a classic restaurant favorite, chicken marsala. And what would Valentine's Day be without dessert? We will end the meal with a sweet and delicious mascarpone Parfait. A full restaurant meal at home! (*This menu is gluten free!)
SIGN UP: CLICK HERE! Or email us at francesca@thelazyitalian.comwith any questions. *Price for this 4-course class is $50.00. Two people per screen permitted.
Armchair Culinary Travel: Calabria Country-Style Chicken Escarole and Beans Date: Saturday, March 6, 2021 Time: 4:00PM EST
Virtually travel to Calabria, the least explored region of Italy, during this delicious culinary class. During this session, we will prepare two typical dishes encompassing what Calabria is: Unique, spicy and full of character. Our main course will be country-style chicken with tomatoes. Turn this dish into two courses simply by utilizing the delicious sauce to dress some pasta, or just enjoy the chicken as is. Our side dish is a classic of cucina povera, or poor man's cooking: escarole and beans. A hearty contorno, this dish is perfect for a cold winter's night.
The Italian Bakery: Limoncello Tiramisu Sicilian Savoiardi Date: Saturday, March 20, 2021 Time: 4:00PM EST
Perfect for springtime and the upcoming Easter holiday, the sweets we will be preparing today are light, refreshing and delicious. With only a handful of ingredients, the Sicilian Savoiardi are light as air, but full of flavor. Delicious dunked in tea or espresso, these cookies are ideal for those watching their caloric intake, but not wanting to give up their sweet treat! Additionally, we will be preparing a tangy tiramisu full of citrus flavor and creamy to the max. Ideal for those who don't love the traditional espresso tiramisu, this is the perfect no-bake dessert to serve in the spring and summer.
EASTER DESSERTS Ricotta Pie Anise Unscotti Date: Saturday, April 3, 2021 Time: 4:00PM EST
Adorn your Easter table this year with 2 special treats that are sure to complete your Easter menu. Ricotta is synonymous with Easter and we will start our class by preparing a delicious and bakery worthy ricotta pie. While that’s baking, we will prepare our second dessert, glazed anise unscotti. Perfect for dunking in coffee or tea, the anise cookies can also be flavored with vanilla, lemon or almond.
Meat Stuffed Shells Italian Zucchini Sauté Date: Saturday, April 17, 2021 Time: 4:00PM EST
A hearty favorite in my household, meat stuffed shells are usually reserved for special occasions, such as holidays and birthdays. But today, we will prepare a scrumptious first course that should be enjoyed on any given day! And while our shells are baking in the oven, we will prepare the perfect light side dish, Zucchini sautéed with garlic, onion and fresh herbs.
Armchair Travel to Rome: Bucatini All’Amatriciana Roman-style Chicken Date: Saturday, May 1, 2021 Time: 4:00PM EST
Since we’re not yet traveling to Italy, today we will take a virtual tour of Rome via our kitchen and on Zoom! Join us for a delicious Roman meal by preparing two delicious and typical dishes of the eternal city. Bucatini all’Amatriciana will be served for our first course. This is an iconic Roman dish now enjoyed throughout Italy. A satisfying second course awaits us as we prepare another classic of the city, chicken with peppers and prosciutto.
Special Mother’s Day Brunch Class Ricotta & Honey Crostini Eggs in Purgatory Peas with Prosciutto Lemon Ricotta Cupcakes with Mascarpone Icing Date: Sunday, May 9, 2021 Time: 11:00AM EST
Grab your mom, sister, aunt, grandma, wife or any other special woman in your life and celebrate this special day in great company cooking a special Mother’s Day Menu! In today’s class, we will be preparing a number of dishes that are perfect for an Italian brunch. Crispy and delicate, our crostini are the perfect start to today’s menu. Next, we will be preparing a staple in my home, eggs in purgatory, accompanied by some tasty peas with crispy prosciutto. The perfect ending will be lemon ricotta cupcakes loaded with mascarpone icing. *Price for this 4-course class is $50.00. Two people per screen permitted. SIGN UP: CLICK HERE! Or email us at francesca@thelazyitalian.comwith any questions.
Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe & Sausage Chicken Piccata Date: Saturday, May 15, 2021 Time: 4:00PM EST
Travel to southern Italy today, all from the comfort of your own home! Orecchiette pasta is a staple in the cuisine of Puglia and the most frequently prepared method is with broccoli rabe and sausage. In today’s class, we’re going to travel to this sunny and adored region and prepare a healthy first course that is as satisfying as it is delicious. For a second course, we will prepare a restaurant favorite at home, chicken piccata. Lemony and with lots of capers, our second course will have us traveling to Sicily to enjoy a light and delicious dish, perfect for summer. SIGN UP: CLICK HERE! Or email us at francesca@thelazyitalian.comwith any questions.
Italian Summer Salads Panzanella Calabrian Potato Salad Italian Rice Salad Date: Saturday, May 29, 2021 Time: 4:00PM EST Summer is around the corner and it’s the perfect time to master some Italian salads. But leave the Italian dressing on the shelf because in today’s class, we will master 3 great salad recipes that are traditional of the Italian cuisine, no store-bought dressing needed. Panzanella is a staple in Tuscany and the perfect dish to prepare with day-old bread. The potato salad from my region of Calabria is fulfilling and hearty and a meal in itself, no mayo needed. Next up is our rice salad, which is hardly a salad but the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats or seafood. Iceberg and Romaine need not apply for this class! SIGN UP: CLICK HERE! Or email us at francesca@thelazyitalian.comwith any questions.
Penne with Turkey Ragu' Veal Scaloppini Date: Saturday, June 12, 2021 Time: 4:00PM EST Growing up in Italy, if there was one thing that was certain it was waking up on Sundays to the smell of ragu’ cooking on the stove. In today’s class, we will prepare my mom’s special Sunday sauce, but we're lighting it a bit for summer with ground turkey, pancetta and fresh veggies. For our second course, we will be preparing a quick and delicious dish of veal scaloppini. Light and delicate, veal scaloppini are the perfect second dish to a heartier first course.
The Italian Bakery: Orange Olive Oil Chiffon Cake Summery Strawberry Tiramisu Date: Saturday, June 26, 2021 Time: 4:00PM EST Light, airy and spongy, today’s orange cake is the perfect treat for summer. Enjoy with an iced tea or lemonade, this cake is also the perfect base for ice cream, mixed berries or some sweetened whipped cream. While our cake bakes, we will prepare a strawberry tiramisu’, the perfect dessert to enjoy after a barbecue or to bring to summer gatherings. SIGN UP: CLICK HERE! Or email us at francesca@thelazyitalian.comwith any questions.
Testimonials
"Tonight’s baking class with Francesca was the perfect mix of fun, food, and conversation! I was a bit nervous going into the class because I was substituting ingredients, it was on Zoom, and I didn't know what to expect. Francesca’s approach was relaxed and open; I was extremely comfortable asking questions. The online format was awesome and followed up by a recording of the session for a future review. The Baci di Dama cookies are DELICIOUS – my husband and I couldn’t resist tasting them. The quantity was perfect … our neighbors look forward to sharing a few cookies and the Ricotta & Marscapone Tart. Conversation between participants and Francesca flowed easily. I look forward to taking another class. Thank you!" Lisa Gritti "I was lucky enough to attend a cooking class with Francesca last Sunday and it was a fantastic experience. The cooking was leisurely with all the students taking part under Francesca's direction. When it was ready, Francesca's family joined us in a beautiful dining room to chow down. The prepared meal was delicious and the company even better! Plus, doggie bags! Highly recommended. GO!" - Karen Lee
"I've taken 2 of Francesca's cooking classes and they've been awesome. Both times I learned how to cook risotto so now I can cook it at home and for family. The second time I helped others since I had become an experienced risotto chef. She's knowledgeable and experienced, calm and clear in her instructions. She provides clear documents with the recipes which makes it easy to take it home and cook her wonderful recipes. Everything has been delicious!" - Karen Bloom
"I've been wanting to learn to make pizzelle for a very long time. They are so beautiful and fancy, yet light. I have always bought the store kind but I know the homemade ones are better. I took Francesca's baking class because I knew we would make these. With her instructions, I learned the proper method for making these delicious cookies. I'm so excited at how easy they were to make! While we learned to make four cookies in class, all which I will repeat at home, the pizzelle alone were worth it!" - Emily Casella
“I thoroughly enjoyed the “All About Pasta” class with Francesca Montillo. It was interactive, fun and easy. I have used the recipes since taking the class, and they are some of my favorites." – Cathie Buckley
"The classes were very well organized, the variety of recipes was excellent and the guidance/teaching was excellent. The classes were fun and enjoyable for all ages and experience levels. Both myself and my daughter enjoyed it very much." - Geraldine C.
"Francesca's cooking class was an expected delight. I have taken classes, but none so comfortable, delicious, and simple to repeat at home. I am a dedicated follower of Francesca and her true Italian everyday recipes that make me long for my ancestors and their love of family and home." - Anna M.
"Francesca taught simple yet delicious meals I have already cooked multiple times while offering knowledge and tips withheld by following recipes." - Catherine Chan
"The Italian cooking class was a fun way to spend time with my boyfriend, making delicious pasta dishes. We're avid cooks, but we still learned some new tricks and learned how to prepare an ingredient we hadn't cooked with before!" - Melanie Yarbrough
"Ciao! I've had the pleasure of attending 2 classes with Francesca. She knows her stuff. Her classes are fun and low key. She teaches simple recipes that enabled me to go home and cook Italian food. Having been to Italy twice and a student of Italian, that is amazing. One class was in her home, which gave us an opportunity to really learn how to make all the dishes and enjoy them together Italian style, with wine of course. I've used some of the skills she taught in other recipes. And now I make risotto, from scratch, stirring constantly. My family and my Thanksgiving celebration were very pleased with this new skill. Francesca has a simple cannoli recipe that I am looking forward to trying. I look forward to taking her Italian cooking tours to Italy in the coming years. Perfetto!"- Karen B.