Cooking class at the Shepherd's Shelter in Rethymno

Embarking on the Cooking Class at the Shepherd’s Shelter in Rethymno was an enriching and delightful adventure that provided an authentic taste of Cretan cuisine. Here’s a detailed recount of our experience:

Meeting and Pickup

Our journey began at the designated meeting point, where the shepherd warmly welcomed us next to a beautiful stone-built building. This set the tone for an intimate and personalized experience.

• Meeting Point: The Shepherds Shelter, Unnamed Road, Milopotamos 740 51, Greece
• Highlights: Warm welcome by the shepherd, picturesque stone-built building.

Guided Farm Tour

The immersive experience started with a guided tour of the farm. We explored the scenic Psiloreiths mount and learned about the various fresh, organic vegetables grown on-site or sourced from nearby farms. Our guide provided insightful information about the nutritional value of Cretan products.

• Duration: 1 hour
• Highlights: Organic vegetable gardens, discussions on nutritional value, beautiful farm scenery.

Cheese-Making Session

Next, we delved into the art of cheese-making, using sheep’s milk to create traditional Cretan cheese. Under the guidance of our experienced instructor, we learned the intricate process of transforming raw milk into delicious cheese.

• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Highlights: Hands-on cheese-making, learning traditional techniques, tasting fresh cheese.

Cretan Cooking Class

The highlight of the day was the cooking class, where we prepared a delectable Cretan meal from scratch. Using fresh, bio raw materials and organic vegetables, we crafted traditional dishes under the careful supervision of our chef guide. The session was interactive, allowing us to ask questions and engage fully in the cooking process.

• Duration: 2 hours
• Highlights: Preparing traditional Cretan dishes, using fresh local ingredients, interactive and engaging cooking session.

Wine and Raki Tasting

During the cooking class, we also had the opportunity to taste local wine and raki. The beverages complemented the flavors of the dishes we were preparing, providing a deeper appreciation of Cretan culinary traditions.

• Duration: 30 minutes
• Highlights: Tasting local wine and raki, learning about Cretan beverages.

Enjoying the Feast

After the cooking class, we sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor. The meal included various traditional Cretan dishes, each bursting with fresh flavors and prepared with love. The communal dining experience added to the overall enjoyment, making it a memorable feast.

• Duration: 1 hour
• Highlights: Enjoying a delicious Cretan meal, communal dining experience, savoring homemade dishes.

Conclusion

The Cooking Class at the Shepherd’s Shelter in Rethymno was an exceptional way to immerse ourselves in the culinary traditions of Crete. From the guided farm tour to the hands-on cheese-making and cooking sessions, every aspect of the experience was engaging and educational. The combination of fresh, organic ingredients and the warm hospitality of our hosts made this a truly unforgettable experience. Whether you are a foodie, a cooking enthusiast, or simply looking to try something new, this cooking class is a must-do activity that offers a genuine taste of Cretan life.