Authentic pasta making in Lombardy

As I struggled through security at a busy Heathrow airport early Wednesday morning, I couldn’t have imagined what a delightful contrast my afternoon would be – making home-made pasta in a truly authentic kitchen in the heart of Lombardy.

Within just a few hours of arrival at the family-run four star rated Miramonti Resort Hotel & Spa perched in a spectacular setting in Northern Italy’s Bergamesque pre-Alps, I was standing around a large kitchen table learning how to make the half-moon shaped ravioli of casoncelli, Lombardy’s famed and traditional pasta dish.

I hadn’t made pasta before but that didn’t matter as hotel owner Giampiero made us all feel right at home. With a little expert encouragement, we rolled out the pasta and with floury fingers started filling our little squares with fresh ingredients of minced pork and sultanas. A wonderful way to get to know our small group and all helped along with a glass of delicious local wine. Before long we had produced enough for that evening’s dinner which was served lightly tossed in butter with pancetta. Delicious!

That’s not all, Giampiero rewarded us for our efforts and presented everyone with a casoncelli recipe printed apron (available for purchase from the hotel). What a memorable way to start a holiday!

This was just one of the wonderful ways we would be immersing ourselves into the centuries-old traditions, sustainable way of living and delicious cuisine of the region on our 6-night Essence of Lombardy small tour with Magari Tours. The perfect way to get under the skin of this off the beaten track destination.