My husband and I recently had the pleasure of spending a long weekend in Tolfa, north of Rome, at Fontana del Papa, where we attended a two-day cooking class.  The teacher was superb, generously sharing secrets passed down through the years, from mother to daughter and learning in this fashion is the essence of authentic Italian cooking.  Our hosts, Claudio and Assunta, pulled us into their home the first evening as we sat around the forno a legna and consumed one delectable pizza after another. 

Drawing us into their family circle could have easily distracted us from the fact that we were staying in a most agreeable B&B, where the accommodations were rustic, relaxed and yet lavish in design and comfort.  As innkeepers ourselves, we felt totally spoiled by this get-away and would recommend it to anyone seeking the tranquility of unspoiled countryside.

Cooking classes are optional but are a special part of one’s stay here and it would be a shame not to take advantage of their hands-on lessons in the kitchen.  For more information visit www.cookitaly.it