Pasta for the purist

YARRA Valley Pasta in Healesville is opening its kitchen to the public for two special cooking demonstrations and workshops in November.
On Saturday, 5 November guest chef Janice Mariani will join the Yarra Valley Pasta team for a culinary seminar titled La Cucina Umbra The Umbrian Kitchen.
Janice has recently returned to Australia after living and working in the ancient medieval arts town of Spoleto in Italy’s Umbria region where she ran her family restaurant and cooking school for 25 years.
In a handson session, Janice will take participants through the ingredients and history of the Umbrian pantry while demonstrating an easy to prepare traditional four course Umbrian lunch.
The cost of the cooking workshop, which will run from 10am to 2pm, is $85 a person and includes lunch and wine from the Umbria region.
On Saturday, 19 November Yarra Valley Pasta will welcome Loretta Sartori to its kitchen for a baking workshop.
With more than 25 years’ baking and pastry experience, Loretta recently launched her practical baking book, The Cook’s Book, Patisserie, to help educate and inform baking enthusiasts.
As the festive season fast approaches, Loretta will build enthusiasm and confidence in the kitchen, gearing participants to take control of the baking duties at Christmas and New Year celebrations with family and friends.
The cost of the workshop is $85 a person and includes light lunch, coffee and beautifully baked desserts.
During both events participants will be offered 20 per cent off all Yarra Valley Pasta, local & imported produce and the retail store’s range of Italian culinary books, cookware and linen.
For more information or to make bookings, phone Yarra Valley Pasta on 5962 1888. Places are limited.