Cretan Cooking Class and Dinner: Evening in a Rethymno Home

Embarking on the Cretan Cooking Class and Dinner experience in Rethymno was an immersive and delightful way to dive into the rich culinary traditions of Crete. Here’s a detailed recount of our evening:

Welcome and Introduction

We were warmly welcomed into the chef guide’s home, setting the stage for an intimate and engaging cooking class. With a small group of just 10 fellow food lovers, the atmosphere was friendly and personal, allowing us to ask plenty of questions and learn in detail.

Hands-On Cooking Experience

The chef guide began with a demonstration, walking us through the steps of making various Cretan specialities. We then got hands-on, trying our hand at creating these dishes ourselves. The small group size ensured we had plenty of individual attention and assistance.

• Starter: We began with Raki or Greek coffee to set the mood.
• Cheese Pies: We learned to make traditional cheese pies, a staple in Cretan cuisine.
• Kremidokalitsouna: Small pies with onions, perfecting the balance of flavors.
• Chortopites: These small pies were filled with a delightful mix of 10-12 different wild greens.
• Sfakianes Pites: Pies with homemade cheese, showcasing the simplicity and richness of local ingredients.
• Greek Salad: A classic Greek salad with homemade barley rusk, tomatoes, cucumber, green pepper, onion, caper, kritamo, olives, and plenty of olive oil.
• Dolmadakia: Stuffed vine leaves and zucchini flowers with rice, vegetables, herbs, and olive oil.

Main Courses

The highlight of the evening was preparing two traditional main dishes, which were cooked to perfection.

• Moussaka: The famous Greek dish combining layers of potatoes, zucchini, aubergines, minced meat in tomato sauce, topped with béchamel.
• Giouvetsi: Rooster with orzo cooked in a wood oven, a traditional Sunday dish full of flavor and warmth.

Dessert

To finish off our culinary journey, we made a simple yet delicious dessert.

• Dessert: Greek yogurt or homemade ice cream served with a sweet spoon or a local sweet.

Dinner and Drinks

After our hard work in the kitchen, we sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor. The full meal we had created was accompanied by wine and after-dinner drinks, making for a convivial and satisfying end to the evening.

Conclusion

The Cretan Cooking Class and Dinner in Rethymno was an exceptional way to experience the local cuisine and culture. The hands-on instruction, intimate group size, and the welcoming atmosphere of our chef guide’s home made this a memorable and enriching experience. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this class offers something for everyone, allowing you to bring a taste of Crete back home with you.