AN EVENING IN TUSCANY AT THE CULINARY CLASSROOM

Being part of an all-women’s store can be such a rewarding experience. It’s a mix of camaraderie, creativity, and, yes, occasional challenges. But that’s what makes it special, right? For our holiday celebration this year, we decided to skip the usual gifts and instead spent the evening together, enjoying a delicious dinner and celebrating our journey as women in business. But little did we know, our fearless leader, Caroline Hill, had something even more exciting planned for us down the road.

After a delightful dinner, Caroline decided to surprise us with a cooking class at a beautiful home residence in Wyomissing/Reading.  We had it scheduled for March 30.  But this wasn’t just any cooking class—it was a Tuscany-inspired feast, and I was beyond thrilled. Coming from an Italian background, married to an Italian, and having grown up with 14 aunts and uncles and around 40 cousins (yes, you read that right!), food has always been at the center of my life. My mom is great cook, but I’ve always been eager to learn more about authentic Italian cooking.

When we met on that Sunday afternoon, the excitement was palpable. Our teacher, Linda, was not just any chef, she was a true Tuscany expert. Having visited Italy over 20 times, toured pasta manufacturing plants, visited farms, and even walked through wineries, Linda was full of insights. It wasn’t just about following recipes; she taught us techniques, like the proper way to hold a knife while chopping (who knew there was a "right" way?!), the differences in olive oils, and why tomatoes from different regions have unique flavors. And, oh, learning how to spatchcock a chicken (that’s a whole new level of kitchen skill!) was an unforgettable experience.

The mouthwatering menu began with pears cooked in red wine, followed by a fresh, vibrant panzanella salad, and then rich and indulgent vodka penne. But the pièce de résistance? Chicken roasted with bricks. Yes, bricks. This dish was an experience, and we all had a hand in preparing it.

While we were learning new skills and creating delicious dishes, the lesson wasn’t just about cooking, it was about team building and pure, genuine fun. There’s something magical about working together in a kitchen, sharing stories, and laughing while you chop, stir, and roast. It felt like a moment of connection beyond the business world, where we could just enjoy each other's company and bond over food and once again supporting someone’s passion in the community.

By the end of the evening, we weren’t just full of great food, we were full of joy and gratitude for each other. It was a beautiful reminder of the importance of community, especially among women. Sometimes, the best gift isn’t something you can wrap—it’s the memories and connections you create along the way.

So, thank you, Caroline, for the unexpected yet unforgettable surprise. Here's to more moments like this—good food, good friends, and a whole lot of laughter!

Buon Appetito!