back to my roots, where it all began

I have always loved to cook: for family, for friends, for friends of friends. My earliest memory of cooking was the profumo di cucinato, the ever present smell of cooking in the air of my grandmother’s house, where I spent all my childhood summers, surrounded by my grandparents’ love.

My grandparents’ small, humble house is where I first learned to cook and discovered my passion. The house dates back to 1600 and has been in the family since the mid-1800s when my great-great-grandmother, Adele, purchased it. The house, on the outskirts of Assisi, has always been known as Tranquigliano, meaning “place that brings tranquility.” After a three-year restoration, Tranquigliano has opened its doors to welcome guests to its Apartments and Cooking School.

I can’t wait to welcome you into the country kitchen where my love of cooking all began.

Stefania’s lessons are imbued with joy, passion and improvisation

My cooking lessons are imbued with the joy and passion that I bring to food, cooking, and the rest of my life. I believe that food reveals much about the land from whence it comes, and vice versa. That is why, when possible, I like to start my classes with a visit to local food markets, green gardens, and cheese makers; followed by a hands-on cooking lesson that guides you through the preparation of an entire meal from antipasto to dolce, and ends around an elegantly decorated table, enjoying the lovely meal you just created.

Personal attention, spontaneity, and improvisation are important ingredients in my kitchen. These are the basic elements bringing pleasure to cooking together, and is why I keep the classes small. Menus are inspired by the season, what’s available in the markets, and what you’d like to prepare. I offer one-day courses as well as two- and three-day courses, tailored to your wishes.

Umbria, the green heart of Italy

Nestled in the center of Italy, Umbria is called the “Green Heart of Italy” with its own beautiful vistas and filled with a variety of artistic, natural and spiritual treasures. Etruscan, Roman, Medieval, and Renaissance layers of history shape Umbria’s architecture, traditions and gastronomy. Umbria is a delightful, authentic region to explore.