Francesca Panci
Chef at Tuscookany for Italian and Mediterranean cooking courses
Francesca’s roots lie deep in the heart of Casentino, where she grew up surrounded by the scents and flavours of her grandparents’ farm. It was there that she first learned the true value of genuine ingredients, seasonal cooking, and the authentic farm to table tradition.
Although her studies in journalism took her abroad and later led her to work as a press officer in Venice, her love for food and cooking remained a constant thread throughout her life. Francesca continued to deepen her culinary knowledge through dedicated courses, hands on experience, and her sommelier diploma, nurturing a special passion for Tuscan wines.
Back in Tuscany, Francesca turned her lifelong calling into her profession. In her dishes, local traditions meet contemporary flavours, always guided by a deep respect for regional produce and the Italian way of sharing food.
At Tuscookany, Francesca teaches both the Italian Cookery Course and the Mediterranean Cookery Course from time to time. She warmly shares her knowledge of Tuscan cuisine, helping guests discover not only recipes and techniques, but also a deeper feeling for Tuscan culture, local wines, and the joy of cooking together.
Francesca’s menu
Sample of Francesca's menu for the Italian cookery courses at Tuscookany
Please note that you will be receiving a cookbook with over 100 recipes and the sample menus below is just an indication to whet your appetite! This changes depending on the season and group. If you have something special you have always wanted to learn to make our chefs are happy to see if they can plan this in too.
- Tomato Bruschetta
- Cheese Baked with Prosciutto Cheese
- Bresaola Stuffed Rolls
- Potato Salad with Tomato and Red Onion
- Pecorino Cheese and Peaches
- Rice Salad of Venus
- Panzanella
- Zucchini Flowers Stuffed with Cheese Pecorino
- Pear Flan
- Crispy Dough with Tomatoes and Zucchini
- Chilli Creme Brulee
- Small Quiche with Pumpkin and Radicchio
- Parmigiana
- Tagliatelle with Meat Sauce
- Ravioli with Butter and Sage
- Tortellini with Sundried Tomatoes, Basil And Mozzarella
- Risotto with Saffron
- Pasta E Ceci
- “ Gran Farro” Soup
- Tomato Soup- Pappa Al Pomodoro
- Leek Cream and Gorgonzola
- Pici with Broccoli, Bacon
- Fried Crumbs Pansotti with Nuts
- Tortelli with Beetroot and Asparagus Cream
- Potato Tortelli
- Florentine T-Bone Steak
- Ossobuco
- Pork Filet with Rosemary, Capers and Anchovy Sauce Pork Tenderloin with Pancetta, Grapes and Walnuts Roast Pork Lion-Arezzo Style
- Wild Boar
- Chicken Salad with Peppers
- Supreme of Chicken with Eggplant Carpaccio Swivels
- Hunter’s Style Rabbit
- Saltimbocca Alla Romana
- Veals Rolls
- Chicken Bocconcini in Red Wine
- Baccala 'Alla Fiorentina
- Turbot Fillet with Olives
- Grilled Vegetables
- Roast Potatoes with Aromatic Herbs Slow-Roasted Tomatoes with Garlic and Oregano
- Cannellini Beans in Tomato Sauce
- Chocolate Mousse
- Grandma’s Cake
- Zabaione with Strawberries
- Creme Caramel
- Tiramisu
- Panna Cotta
- Rice Milk and Raspberries
- Chestnut Mousse with Persimmon
- Small Apple Cakes
- Zuccotto
- Zuppa Inglese
Have fun cooking!
What you can expect from Francesca’s menu
Come and have fun cooking with chef Francesca and be inspired by her knowledge of the Italian cusine both traditional and giving his own creative twist to the dishes. She prefers to work with local artisans who are passionate about the produce they supply.
She is charming and patient and strives to ensure that you have fun cooking together and getting inspired to learn new dishes.