Virtual Cooking Classes
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.
DETAILS:
- Classes are $25 per screen (unless otherwise noted for our special classes).
- 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 and the ZOOM link to join on the day of class.
- 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.
- Classes are recorded, so if you can't make it to the live class, sign up and receive the recording the next day!
- MULTIPLE CLASS SIGN UPS: Use links below to sign up for multiple classes. After signing up, you must email us to let us know which classes you are signing for.
2 classes: sign up here.
3 classes: sign up here.
4 classes: sign up here.
5 classes: sign up here.
6 classes: sign up here.
7 classes: sign up here.
8 classes: sign up here.
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
DETAILS:
- Classes are $25 per screen (unless otherwise noted for our special classes).
- 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 and the ZOOM link to join on the day of class.
- 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.
- Classes are recorded, so if you can't make it to the live class, sign up and receive the recording the next day!
- MULTIPLE CLASS SIGN UPS: Use links below to sign up for multiple classes. After signing up, you must email us to let us know which classes you are signing for.
2 classes: sign up here.
3 classes: sign up here.
4 classes: sign up here.
5 classes: sign up here.
6 classes: sign up here.
7 classes: sign up here.
8 classes: sign up here.
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
Fall 2021 CLASS SCHEDULE
Pasta and Beans (aka: Pasta Fazool)
Balsamic Glazed Pork Chops
Date: Saturday, September 11, 2021
Time: 4:00PM EST
Fall is around the corner, which means it’s time for heartier dishes, soups and legumes. One of the most versatile, and one of my most frequently requested recipes, is a traditional peasant dish called pasta fazool, properly known as pasta e fagioli. The variations of this dish are many, and in class, we will prepare it the way I grew up eating it. And pork is a classic combination with beans, so for our second course, we will be preparing some deliciously sweet balsamic glazed pork chops that are the perfect accompaniment, or are great served on their own with a delicious salad.
SIGN UP: CLICK HERE!
Balsamic Glazed Pork Chops
Date: Saturday, September 11, 2021
Time: 4:00PM EST
Fall is around the corner, which means it’s time for heartier dishes, soups and legumes. One of the most versatile, and one of my most frequently requested recipes, is a traditional peasant dish called pasta fazool, properly known as pasta e fagioli. The variations of this dish are many, and in class, we will prepare it the way I grew up eating it. And pork is a classic combination with beans, so for our second course, we will be preparing some deliciously sweet balsamic glazed pork chops that are the perfect accompaniment, or are great served on their own with a delicious salad.
SIGN UP: CLICK HERE!
Italian Grape Cake
Hazelnut Pizzelle
Date: Saturday, September 25, 2021
Time: 4:00PM EST
It’s grape harvest time in Italy, the perfect time for folks to prepare a delicious Italian grape cake. Served all over Italy, but especially in Tuscany, this cake is perfect not only for coffee and tea, but goes perfectly with a glass of sweet wine. And while the cake is baking, we will utilize that time to prepare hazelnut pizzelle. Crisp, delicate and with a hint of crunch, these pizzelle are sure to become the perfect treat for the upcoming holiday season.
SIGN UP: CLICK HERE!
Hazelnut Pizzelle
Date: Saturday, September 25, 2021
Time: 4:00PM EST
It’s grape harvest time in Italy, the perfect time for folks to prepare a delicious Italian grape cake. Served all over Italy, but especially in Tuscany, this cake is perfect not only for coffee and tea, but goes perfectly with a glass of sweet wine. And while the cake is baking, we will utilize that time to prepare hazelnut pizzelle. Crisp, delicate and with a hint of crunch, these pizzelle are sure to become the perfect treat for the upcoming holiday season.
SIGN UP: CLICK HERE!
SOUP'S ON!
Classic Italian Minestrone
Lentil Soup with Spinach and Sausage
Date: Saturday, October 9, 2021
Time: 4:00PM EST
Warm, comforting and healthy, these soups are the perfect make-ahead meals for cool, fall months. Frequently served in restaurants, minestrone has become a classic dish widely enjoyed by all. During class, we will prepare a classic version and discuss the many possible variations. During class, we will also prepare a delicious lentil, spinach and sausage soup. Brothy, warm and extremely healthy, this soup is on weekly rotation in my home! Both soups are wonderful served as left-overs over the course of a few days.
SIGN UP: CLICK HERE!
Classic Italian Minestrone
Lentil Soup with Spinach and Sausage
Date: Saturday, October 9, 2021
Time: 4:00PM EST
Warm, comforting and healthy, these soups are the perfect make-ahead meals for cool, fall months. Frequently served in restaurants, minestrone has become a classic dish widely enjoyed by all. During class, we will prepare a classic version and discuss the many possible variations. During class, we will also prepare a delicious lentil, spinach and sausage soup. Brothy, warm and extremely healthy, this soup is on weekly rotation in my home! Both soups are wonderful served as left-overs over the course of a few days.
SIGN UP: CLICK HERE!
Ossa Dei Morti
Brutti Ma Buoni
Date: Saturday, October 23, 2021
Time: 4:00PM EST
Halloween is around the corner, as is All Souls Day. Celebrated all over Italy, November second commemorates our loved ones who have passed one. Ossa Dei Morti, (bones of the dead), are typical cookies prepared during this time of year. Humble, crunchy and full of nut flavor, these are a must fall treat. Brutti ma Buoni (ugly but good) may not be the most beautiful cookie on the platter, but this traditional Tuscan cookie is the perfect meringue cookie to master now and bake again for Thanksgiving. Light, nutty and lightly sweet, these will be your new go-to when craving something crunchy.
SIGN UP: CLICK HERE!
Brutti Ma Buoni
Date: Saturday, October 23, 2021
Time: 4:00PM EST
Halloween is around the corner, as is All Souls Day. Celebrated all over Italy, November second commemorates our loved ones who have passed one. Ossa Dei Morti, (bones of the dead), are typical cookies prepared during this time of year. Humble, crunchy and full of nut flavor, these are a must fall treat. Brutti ma Buoni (ugly but good) may not be the most beautiful cookie on the platter, but this traditional Tuscan cookie is the perfect meringue cookie to master now and bake again for Thanksgiving. Light, nutty and lightly sweet, these will be your new go-to when craving something crunchy.
SIGN UP: CLICK HERE!
ITALIAN THANKSGIVING SIDE DISHES:
Stuffed Mushrooms
Green Beans with Tomatoes
Parmesan Mash Potatoes
Date: Saturday, November 6, 2021
Time: 4:00PM EST
Thanksgiving is around the corner, and while the turkey will always be the star of the show, the side dishes are equally as important and deserve your attention. We got you covered in this class with the perfect side dishes to Italianize your Thanksgiving table. Stuffed mushrooms are a classic Italian dish that’s never missing from my holiday table. Next up, we change up the traditional green bean casserole and prepare some Pugliese-style green beans, with tomatoes. And what would Thanksgiving be without my Parmesan mash potatoes? Learn my favorite Italian version that’s the perfect side for not only turkey, but chicken,
roast beef and even seafood.
SIGN UP: CLICK HERE!
Stuffed Mushrooms
Green Beans with Tomatoes
Parmesan Mash Potatoes
Date: Saturday, November 6, 2021
Time: 4:00PM EST
Thanksgiving is around the corner, and while the turkey will always be the star of the show, the side dishes are equally as important and deserve your attention. We got you covered in this class with the perfect side dishes to Italianize your Thanksgiving table. Stuffed mushrooms are a classic Italian dish that’s never missing from my holiday table. Next up, we change up the traditional green bean casserole and prepare some Pugliese-style green beans, with tomatoes. And what would Thanksgiving be without my Parmesan mash potatoes? Learn my favorite Italian version that’s the perfect side for not only turkey, but chicken,
roast beef and even seafood.
SIGN UP: CLICK HERE!
Ciambella Romagnola
Pumpkin Biscotti
Date: Saturday, November 20, 2021
Time: 4:00PM EST
Thanksgiving is only a few days away, so join us today and get a head start on your holiday baking. A specialty from Emilia Romagna, hence the name, ciambella Romagnola is a cross between a cake and biscotti. Delicately decorated with pearl sugar, this is not only great for dessert, but makes a great breakfast too! And since Thanksgiving is only days away, let’s prepare some pumpkin biscotti to add to your dessert table. Lightly sweetened with miniature chocolate chips, these are the perfect treat for folks craving an Italian treat, with a classic American flavor.
SIGN UP: CLICK HERE!
Pumpkin Biscotti
Date: Saturday, November 20, 2021
Time: 4:00PM EST
Thanksgiving is only a few days away, so join us today and get a head start on your holiday baking. A specialty from Emilia Romagna, hence the name, ciambella Romagnola is a cross between a cake and biscotti. Delicately decorated with pearl sugar, this is not only great for dessert, but makes a great breakfast too! And since Thanksgiving is only days away, let’s prepare some pumpkin biscotti to add to your dessert table. Lightly sweetened with miniature chocolate chips, these are the perfect treat for folks craving an Italian treat, with a classic American flavor.
SIGN UP: CLICK HERE!
GNOCCHI FROM SCRATCH!
Gnocchi alla Sorrentina
Gnocchi with Spinach and Sausage
Date: Saturday, December 4, 2021
Time: 4:00PM EST
Gnocchi are delicate little potato dumplings that are frequently enjoyed during the fall and winter months. A limited ingredient base, gnocchi are easily interchangeable for any recipe that calls for pasta, and they cook in mere minutes in hot water. In this class, we will first prepare the gnocchi from scratch. After preparing the base, we will cook them in two classic styles: Alla Sorrentina, which is a baked version with tomatoes and mozzarella, enjoyed in the city of Sorrento, and with spinach and sausage. Once you master the base, you’re only limited by your imagination as to how you can prepare them.
SIGN UP: CLICK HERE!
Gnocchi alla Sorrentina
Gnocchi with Spinach and Sausage
Date: Saturday, December 4, 2021
Time: 4:00PM EST
Gnocchi are delicate little potato dumplings that are frequently enjoyed during the fall and winter months. A limited ingredient base, gnocchi are easily interchangeable for any recipe that calls for pasta, and they cook in mere minutes in hot water. In this class, we will first prepare the gnocchi from scratch. After preparing the base, we will cook them in two classic styles: Alla Sorrentina, which is a baked version with tomatoes and mozzarella, enjoyed in the city of Sorrento, and with spinach and sausage. Once you master the base, you’re only limited by your imagination as to how you can prepare them.
SIGN UP: CLICK HERE!
CHRISTMAS BAKING CLASS:
Honey Glazed Struffoli
Susumelli
Date: Saturday, December 18, 2021
Time: 4:00PM EST
Honey glazed struffoli and susumelli are two traditional regional Christmas desserts that I always serve at Christmastime. Susumelli are honey cookies covered with a chocolate glaze. A specialty from my native region of Calabria, these spiced cookies are not overly sweet, despite having honey as a main ingredient. Full of Christmas flavor, this is a great alternative to gingerbread. Struffoli are a specialty from the region of Campagnia. Fried, heavily covered in honey and decorated with sprinkles or candied cherries, these little fried balls are immensely addictive and a pure guilty pleasure in my household. You can’t eat just one, and you would not want to.
SIGN UP: CLICK HERE!
Honey Glazed Struffoli
Susumelli
Date: Saturday, December 18, 2021
Time: 4:00PM EST
Honey glazed struffoli and susumelli are two traditional regional Christmas desserts that I always serve at Christmastime. Susumelli are honey cookies covered with a chocolate glaze. A specialty from my native region of Calabria, these spiced cookies are not overly sweet, despite having honey as a main ingredient. Full of Christmas flavor, this is a great alternative to gingerbread. Struffoli are a specialty from the region of Campagnia. Fried, heavily covered in honey and decorated with sprinkles or candied cherries, these little fried balls are immensely addictive and a pure guilty pleasure in my household. You can’t eat just one, and you would not want to.
SIGN UP: CLICK HERE!
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.
"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.
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