Cooking Class-The Authentic

Begin your culinary adventure with a warm welcome from the hostess and a refreshing homemade drink or traditional Greek coffee. As you sip and relax, the menu for the day, inspired by the Mediterranean diet, will be introduced. The first dish on the agenda is oven-roasted lamb, known locally as “the thieves’ dinner,” which requires over two hours to cook in a wood-fired stone oven. You’ll learn not only the preparation process but also the historical significance of this cherished dish. Next, dive into the preparation of stuffed vegetables and grape leaves (dolmades). With guidance, gather fresh herbs and vegetables from the garden to create the perfect stuffing. Rolling grape leaves is an art, and you’ll master this delicate skill before placing them in the oven. As the main dishes cook, it’s time to get hands-on with dough, making traditional pies called kalitsounia, stuffed with cheese and wild greens. Before sitting down to enjoy the meal, prepare appetizers like tzatziki and dakos, simple yet flavorful snacks you’ll want to recreate at home. Finally, sit down to savor the fruits of your labor, enjoying an array of homemade Cretan dishes accompanied by generous pours of local wine. The experience wraps up with a sweet homemade dessert, ensuring a delightful end to a richly rewarding day of cooking and feasting.