Lecce

The class was in a small wine bar, and I was the only student. I was really hoping for more people. The woman who was to be my teacher had everything ready to go, and all I had to do was wash my hands, and we were off.

I had told her that I was trying to learn Italian, so she spoke in Italian the whole time. First thing, we wet a paper towel under the cutting board to keep it from moving around. Then we scooped 4 spoons of flour into a bowl and made a hole in the center. We added water to the center and "four fingers" of salt. Then we mixed it all up with our fingers, correcting the flour and water until the texture was right. Next was kneading it for about 5 minutes, then making ropes. The ropes were cut into small sections, then the real work started! You have to drag the knife across the dough, then turn it inside out with your thumb. Not easy. At all. I maybe had one good one. After that, it has to rest, to dry out a bit before cooking.

The next part was a food and wine tasting. A different person led that. When he started to speak to me in English, the woman yelled at him to speak Italian. 😀. First was a white wine with a selection of cheeses. Cacio cavallo, and two goat/sheep milk cheeses. Then a rosatto with bruschetta. Next, a red from the same grape as the rosè, with taralli topped with bitter greens. Finally a primitivo red with my orecchiette! I have a feeling that they mixed some of the ones that the teacher made in with mine... I was entertained by a street cat, Arancione, who came in the restaurant. I love how they take care of the animals here.

The ladies messaged me to let them know that they were out for drinks and I should join them. So I thanked them and headed out.Read more