TRICK OR TREAT?
Halloween is becoming very popular in Italy too! On this special occasion we arrange a Typical Tuscan cooking class at our My Tuscan kitchen cooking school in Montefoscoli.
Join us for a spooktacular Halloween night!
DOWNLOAD DETAILS OF CLASSES, NEW 2025 CALENDAR & BOOKING FORM HERE
At My Tuscan Kitchen cooking school
The Halloween cooking class will take place on Saturday 31st October 2026 starting at 3:30 pm at our My Tuscan kitchen cooking school at Rita's farm, an authentic country home on the Tuscan hills. Here you'll meet our local cook and guide. The ambiance at Rita's farm is inviting, laid-back, and familiar and for the occasion there will be some Halloween decorations too. Together with our staff you will prepare a full meal based on recipes that are typical of the fall in Tuscany.
A great time of the year for foods
Late October is a great moment for a cooking class. There are many vegetables in season for the preparation of a meal: of course, pumpkins play a major role in the cuisine in this time of the year. Yet, in Tuscany this is a great occasion for tasting the new extra virgin olive oil and porcini mushrooms. As the weather tends to be cool, it's a perfect moment for chestnuts too!
Below the delicious menu we will prepare together:
– "Fettunta "Bruschetta with the new fresh extra virgin olive oil 2026 – Pumpkin gnocchi with sausage ragu and sesame seeds – Pork fillet with porcini mushrooms – Halloween biscotti with frosting and decorations
– Boiled or grilled chestnuts Tusca style
A masquerade party!
It's a cooking class but it's right at Halloween! So, of course you are invited to wear your mask or bring your special Halloween costume and join us for a unique evening of fun. If you don't have anything, we will provide some Halloween hats and accessories
Our cooking school in the fall is the perfect location to create a lovely party atmosphere, by the fire of our wood burning stove.
Sign up now for a spooktacular evening of food, fun, and fright!
This is a list of specialties that you are likely to sample as part of the program of this class. Please, note that the specialties of the menu prepared at the class may vary according to the season and the availability of the products in the day of the class.
Kale is a great topping for a bruschetta after sauteing in extra virgin olive oil and garlic. It is seasoned with black pepper and it can join cannellini beans. Probably the most delicious produce of Tuscan autumns, it is one of the favorite recipes of all lovers of brand new extra virgin olive oils as […]
The most typical crostini from Tuscany. A chicken liver pate served on thinly sliced grilled bread. The recipe makes use of very unexpected ingredients like anchovy filets and capers seasoned in vinegar. It is considered one of the best delicacies and it is commonly served with other appetizers as the first course.
The most delicious recipe in the Tuscan winter: a very rich dish with a base of cannellini beans in a tomato, garlic and sage base added with Tuscan sausage. Great with bread or potatoes, some people like adding also fresh Tuscan sausage to this recipe making it a very complete dish!
Historically considered an alternative to pasta, gnocchi is a rich and inexpensive recipe based on potato dumplings. They can be served dressed by fresh vegetables, especially in the Summer, but they reach their climax when paired by a reach and oily meat ragù. Best is using old potatoes!
A salad of mixed seasonal vegetables including lettuce, radicchio and carrots. In Tuscany green or mixed lettuce salads are usually dressed with extra virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar and salt. We serve salad as a side dish accompanying the main course, like meat or fish based dishes. It never comes before pasta though.
Boscaiola sauce is a very tasty topping for every kind of pasta. A base of Tuscan sausage, tomato paste and vegetables added with pine nuts, mushrooms and olives.
Fresh hand-made ravioli stuffed with spinach and ricotta, topped with butter and sage and finished with parmesan cheese and black pepper! A masterpiece of Tuscan cuisine with the simplest and yet so delicious ingredients.
The most typical peso from Tuscany is based on dried walnuts. Starting from a piece of garlic in a typical marble mortar, the walnuts are minced into small pieces, added of starchy water and cheese, olive oil and black pepper. It is a very rich and fine topping for typical ravioli
A great gluten-free recipe particularly appreciated by the Tuscans in the Fall and Winter. Mushroom risotto can be prepared on a base of chanterelles, portobello, champingons and of course porcini mushrooms. During the proper season people also enjoy truffle based risotto.
One of the best toppings for home made tagliatelle is a delicious sauce of porcini mushrooms sauted in olive oil with garlic, hot pepper and parsley. The mushrooms should be fresh but in the off season we can alternate them with dried porcini which must be specifically revived in stock. The best vegetarian tagliatelle topping.
Zuppa alla frantoiana means vegetable soup of the olive oil maker. It is a delicious soup made of sauted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, beans, kale and cabbage on which the final touch is freshly squeezed extra virgin olive oil. It was traditionally the soup that authentic oil mills in Tuscany were preparing for their guests […]
A delicious meat dish based on local free range chicken stewed in a base of several fresh vegetables and extra virgin olive oil, refined by seasonal tomatoes and finally dressed by Tuscan black olives. A nice and juicy serving which is ideal for the famous “scarpetta”…
The most common home-baked cake in Italian households is “torta di mele”, a puff pastry with apples in the dough and covered by apple slices. In order for it to brown a bit on the top, it is covered by a thin spread of brown sugar, which caramelizes in the baking. Served for breakfast or […]
Cantuccini biscuits in Tuscany are one of the most common desserts. They are made of sugar, butter and eggs and they are refined with almonds. In some versions they have other dry nuts or chocolate. Outside of Italy they are also called “biscotti”.
A typical cake of Italy is a short pastry based tart with custard stuffing, topped with pine nuts. It is commonly called “the granny’s pie”, or “torta della nonna”. Particularly fragrant if the custard is added of a little bit of lemon zest, this cake is one of the best specialties of the chefs of […]
The best extra virgin olive oil is made with fresh Tuscan olives immediately squeezed after the harvest at an oil mill. The most common olives for Tuscan olive oil are frantoio, leccino, frantoio and madremignola. EVOO is produced every year in October and November.
The Tuscan soil provides a wide variety of red wines, from easy-to-drink young table wines to full-body and robust riservas. Tuscan red wines are often based on Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo or Colorino grapes and sometimes on international grapes like Merlot, Cabernet or Syrah. The most curious experiements are recently involving Alicante and Tempranillo!
Even if it does not belong to a very old tradition, Tuscan Rose Wine has recently become a much desired kind of wine. Often it is based on Tuscan Sangiovese grapes, rose wine is a great match to most Tuscan foods, especially in the hot summers. Rose wine is very frequently served in our wine […]
Tuscan white wines are often based on a typical grape called Vermentino, which provides strong minerality and freshness to the wines made with it. The area of San Gimignano provides the one and only white wine DOCG in Tuscany: Vernaccia. Other very common grapes for white wines in Tuscany are Trebbiano and Malvasia.
In our cooking class we like telling you a lot about Tuscan farms and farmers' cooking traditions, introducing you to Tuscan people with their personal stories, careers and characters.
You will have one of our guides as a language assistants and coordinator with you during the whole class. Please, see below all the guides and language assistants who can be with you.
During this experience you will also meet one of our Tuscan cooks who give you the cooking class. Please, see below which cooks you are likely to encounter.
Alessandro
guide
Alessandro
Tour leader at Arianna & Friends'
Buongiorno! My name is Alessandro. I was born and raised in a charming village near San Miniato, and I’ve spent my life immersed in the beauty of Tuscany. After traveling to England and Spain, I returned home to share my passion for my region. With years of experience in the hospitality industry, including roles in restaurants, hotels, and pubs, I’ve honed my skills in providing exceptional guest experiences. My sommelier training has deepened my knowledge of Tuscan wines and cuisine.
I am a thoughtful and patient person, always ready to solve problems and ensure every guest feels cared for and well looked after. Now, as a proud member of the Arianna & Friends team, I’m thrilled to share the stories and traditions of my homeland with visitors from around the world. Join me on a journey through the heart of Tuscany, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes come together.
Yvonne
guide
Yvonne
Tour leader and wine expert at Arianna & Friends'
Dé – people smile at me, when I say it
But this is what Livorno, my beloved port town at the Tuscan sea, did to me – it placed itself into my heart. My name is Yvonne, and I have been living in several places on the world, but Tuscany kept calling me …
and here I am.
I love the wind, the sea, good wine and nature. In one word: Tuscany.
I love to share my passion and expertise about wine as a gift of nature with people. It makes me happy, when I hear people laugh while they enjoy a stunning E-bike ride through the rolling Tuscan contryside. And I love seeing their eyes shine when they discover the fascinating transformation of olives into delicious extra virgin olive oil.
Let’s enjoy it together – as your travel companion and tour guide, I am happy to make you discover the hidden gems and dive into the vibes of Tuscany.
Luca
guide
Luca
Tour leader and websites content manager at Arianna & Friends'
Ciao Amici!! My name is Luca. I’m in my 40s and I’m probably one of the most energetic and fun-loving guides at Arianna & Friends
Like some of my colleagues, I have a multi-tasking role in the company. I am one of the content managers of our websites, especially during the winter, and when the season starts, I work as a tour leader.
Sometimes I also take care of bookings directly, and I often carry out site inspections to meet new collaborators and service providers, so we can be sure that every year the company offers new and interesting tours. From March to October, I lead almost all types of wine & food tours and cooking classes at Arianna & Friends. My favorites are truffle, olive oil, e-bike, and Vespa tours. Riding a Vespa through our wonderful hills is a must-do while in Tuscany, of course, only if you know how to ride a scooter!
When I started working for Arianna & Friends back in 2011, I was only able to prepare a very simple pasta al pomodoro (pasta with tomato sauce). Now, after so many years of cooking classes and thanks to our wonderful cooks, I am a very good chef (but please, don’t tell my wife!).
My motto is “Smile, you are in Tuscany.” I’m happy and very proud when I see people enjoying my country and having fun in Tuscany. Join us! Join me! Let’s have fun together!!
Anna
friend
Anna
Chef Services and Cooking Classes Coordinator
Buongiorno a tutti! My name is Anna, and I come from San Miniato, a historic Tuscan town also famous for its delicious white truffles. I first met Arianna in early 2000s, when I was working at a local agriturismo and she was organizing her very first cooking classes there. At the time, I was working at the reception, witnessing the early steps of what would later become Arianna & Friends as event organizers and food tour operators. I had the chance to see the company grow from the very beginning.
As Arianna & Friends continued to expand, we had several opportunities to collaborate over the years, until I officially joined the team on a more permanent basis in 2022. Today, I take care of the company’s accounting and coordinate all the chefs involved in our in-home chef services and cooking classes.
I especially enjoy organizing small weddings and private celebrations, helping our guests create intimate and authentic experiences they will always remember.
I am a patient and creative person, and I enjoy taking care of projects with calm and dedication. When I’m not working, I love spending time by the sea, as I now live in Livorno, a beautiful harbor town.
See you soon in Tuscany
Carlo
friend
Carlo
Mi chiamo Carlo, the only "boy" among the chefs of Arianna & Friends. I am a cousin of Lorena, who has worked with the company for long now and who introduced me to them back in 2022. I live in Pontedera, home of Vespa, and I have been cooking all my life, since preparing delicious food has always been my great passion. In my working age I was an operator for an insurance company, so I know plenty of local people and I am very friendly and talkative. I then retired and decided to dedicate myself to the things I like the most: cooking and joining friends. I have limited English but miraculously all our guests can easily understand me through my body language and face expressions. I will be waiting for you for great barbecue dinners and traditional dishes of all kinds!
Elisabetta
friend
Elisabetta
Hi everybody, ciao a tutti. I am Elisabetta and I am the youngest one among the chefs of Arianna & Friends. I have been working with the company for several years, initially just as a sous-chef and eventually as a proper chef. I have accumulated many years of experience while learning from all my other colleague chefs, but I also added my personal taste and knowledge to the whole. I am really happy to be part of this team and to be able to meet people from all over the world. In my free time I enjoy the company of my lovely puppy for long walks or just hanging around for shopping. Ciao a presto!
Ester
friend
Ester
Ciao, I'm Ester, one of the cooks of Arianna & Friends'. I've been working with them since the beginning of their adventure in 2007.
I love cooking together with people from all over the world, especially with young kids.
What I prefer to cook is pasta dishes, pizza and desserts, like for example the stunning cake I made to celebrate my 50th wedding anniversary.
I live, like Davide (my nephew), in the little village of Lajatico, birthplace of Andrea Bocelli and from my home I can hear his voice and see something when Teatro del Silenzio takes place in July.
I live on a farm and I have chickens, rabbits, a large vegetable garden. I make my own olive oil and wine together with my family.
I hope to be able to cook with many of you in the years to come and teach you a lot of our typical Tuscan food.
Silvia
friend
Silvia
Ciao, I'm Silvia, one of the youngest cooks at Arianna & Friends'. Cooking is my real passion and I like to prepare any traditional dish both for visitors and for my family. I also love baking pizza as well as trying innovative food and special contemporary techniques, especially in my kitchen at home. When I started working for this company in 2018, I met an incredible team of collaborators and with them I finally feel joy and serenity in what I do. Any time I work as a cook I can breath freedom and this makes me happy.
As I really love the sea, in my free time I like being at the beach. I have a passion for travelling and being in the company of my friends. I could define myself as a "free spirit" with a big attraction to ... hats !!!
Looking forward to meet you all!
Margherita
friend
Margherita
Eccomi! My name is Margherita, mother of 2, who lives in Santa Croce sull'Arno. I was born and raised in the fantastic wine region of Fiano, Greco and Taurasi, namely some the best wines from the South of Italy. I have been living in Tuscany for decades and I have always cooked both for my families and for several restaurants. My very mild and sweet personality is able to create a very relaxed working ambience and my guests really appreciate this atmosphere. I am a curious person who likes learning and I am ready to share my knowledge with all visitors who take on a cooking class or a chef service. Grazie a tutti!
Mariagrazia
friend
Mariagrazia
Maria Grazia, in our team called MG, is a very positive thinking lady who works as a sous-chefs at Arianna & Friends, when she is not busy helping children get born. In fact she is also a professional
obstetrician! A nice irony in her character, combined with an intrinsic calm when working, create
an incredible effect during the services provided.
ACCESSIBILITY:
This activity does not present any particular physical challenges. However, if you have any accessibility needs — whether mobility-related, sensory, cognitive, or any other requirements — please let us know in advance and we will do our best to accommodate you. LOCATION OF THE COOKING VENUE:
This cooking class takes place on a farm near the village of Peccioli, in central Tuscany, among Pisa, San Gimignano and Volterra. MEET-UP LOCATION:
Unless differently specified, the meeting point is directly at the premises of the cooking school. Detailed information and road instructions will be provided at the booking stage. DURATION:
The experience lasts 3 hours plus time for dinner AVAILABILITY:
The program "Halloween cooking class" is available only on Saturday 31st October 2026. LANGUAGE:
This class is available in English with no surcharge. German, French, Spanish or Italian are also possible upon booking with no surcharge. DIFFICULTY LEVEL:
Easy CHILD FRIENDLY:
Ideal for children CLOTHING:
No particular clothing required. FOOD RESTRICTIONS:
The foods served during this cooking class might contain gluten, lactose, nuts and alcohol. If you have any food restriction, please inform our personnel during the enquiry process. TRANSPORTATION:
This program and its rates do not include transportation and are set on a self-driving base. For further information see the box "transportation options".
The destinations reached during this activity are in the Tuscan countryside, in areas off the beaten track that cannot be reached by public transport. We highly recommend renting a car or a scooter in order to reach them. As an alternative, we can offer a valued service by chauffeured car, van or minibus. Any cost of transportation is to be added to the rates displayed on the rate table of this page.
Full-day Vespa rentals in Tuscany in the area of Pontedera (home to the Vespa Museum) Visit the best food producers of Tuscany along panoramic hilltop roads, passing along picturesque medieval villages on board a Vespa scooter! The best way to enjoy the tours and the activities of Arianna & Friends! If you want to participate […]
Professional and experienced drivers for your tours and routes in Tuscany on board of vans, cars, mini-bus and buses Our company is located in central Tuscany and offers transfer services with private chauffeur on board comfortable sedans for 2-3 people, minivans for 3-8 people, minibuses for up to 20 people or bus for large groups. […]
Visit the best foodie attractions of Tuscany along peaceful scenic country roads, across unique medieval villages on board your private rented car! The most comfortable way to enjoy the tours and the activities of Arianna & Friends! If you want to participate to one of our cooking classes or if you want to meet us for […]
Cooking Classes 
FOLLOW US: