Learn to cook traditional Italian meals from Tuscan-trained chef Gina Stipo during her new cooking class series Ecco la Cucina “Here’s the Kitchen” at Bourbon Barrel Foods, 1201 Story Ave. The courses take place Tuesday, Dec. 2; Wednesday, Jan. 14; and Wednesday, Feb. 4. from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Cost is $55 per person, per class. The first class includes a four-course demonstration of how to make traditional Italian holiday dishes, hands-on experience for students to make their own pasta, an Italian bourbon cocktail made with Bourbon Barrel Foods bitters, plus the opportunity for attendees to get a taste of everything made that evening. Future courses will focus on how to cook Italian winter meals with dishes including risotto and braised meats. Attendees can sign up for one or more classes. Each class is limited to 20 people. To make a reservation, call Bourbon Barrel Foods at (502) 333-6103.

Stipo received her culinary arts degree from the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City before working at several restaurants across the country. Most recently, she lived and trained in Siena, Tuscany in Italy where she ran culinary tours and cooking classes for more than a decade. She’s written two cookbooks and offers private in-home cooking classes.

The demonstration for the Italian holiday cooking class Dec. 2 includes:

First course
Polenta fritta con funghi
Fried polenta and mushrooms

Second course
Spaghetti alla chitarra con cacio e pepe
Hand-rolled spaghetti, pecorino cheese and Bourbon Barrel Foods cured pepper

Third course
Maiale arrosto con finocchio
Roasted pork loin, fennel pollen and fresh fennel

Fourth course
Panzerotti di natale
Fried chestnut ravioli rolled in Bourbon Barrel Foods sugar