the Italian tradition of cooking together in the home

My name is Stefania Balducci. I was born and raised in the hill town of Assisi, Umbria, in central Italy. My passion for cooking is rooted in the Italian tradition of cooking together with family in the home. I have fond memories of helping my mother and grandmothers in the kitchen, learning their simple techniques for preparing fine and tasty meals. When I joined the Slow Food Movement, I realized its ideas about food and cooking were the same as what I had already learned from my mother and grandmothers years before.

After finishing my study of philosophy, I decided that the best way to share my passion for Cucina Rustica was through cooking classes. For several years I worked in Tuscany and Holland where, besides cooking lessons, I ran a successful HuisKamerRestaurant. I am now based in Umbria and travel part of the year teaching my Cucina Rustica.

My way of cooking—the essence of my cooking—is about bringing out the pure taste of fresh ingredients.

I look forward to sharing my traditional Umbrian and Tuscan recipes with you—as well as my vegetarian and vegan specialties—while you’re visiting Italy or in your home!