Lindy’s Summer cookie workshop in Rome

25 degrees in the “Eternal City” – what could be more appropriate than a Summer Cookies Workshop? Flip flops, ice cream cones and swimsuits, and still only 1st April!

I had been lucky enough to be invited to Rome to assist Lindy with workshops hosted by three lovely Italian ladies, jointly known as 34U. These included two “Wonky” workshops and a cookie workshop.

Our second workshop was Summer Cookies. We had 15 eager students gathered around while Lindy demonstrated the first cookie – Infradito – flip flops (literal translation is “between fingers”). Lots of different designs emerged, with embossing, moulds and cutters being used by all the students.

Next were the ice cream cones. Wow – so many delicious flavours, naturally as we were in the “gelati” capital! We had chocolate and caramel, double chocolate and cream, cherry yoghurt, bananas, strawberries and pistachio (colours of the Italian flag), but thankfully no Smurf (a very bright blue ice cream – not sure I want to know what that tastes like!). By the way, my favourite flavour is zabaglione – delicious.

Then pretty swimsuits (costume da bagno) and bikinis – lots of Italian inspiration and a couple of rather risky styles emerged too!

With the benefit of Cristina, who was translating for us, there was no language barrier. If Cristina was busy we used hand gestures and encouraging sounds and managed to communicate very well! Note to self – must learn some basic Italian! All the students had a wonderful day and I was so impressed with their cookies. They produced some delightful designs which they were all very proud of. I turned photographer and snapped all the students being presented with their certificates by Lindy. We had some wonderful comments and feedback from the students, who all thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Some were even staying over for the “Wonky” workshop the next day.

One of the things I was really looking forward to was Monday when Lindy and I had a whistle-stop sightseeing trip around Rome. We managed to cram in all the classic Italian sights – Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, a quick glimpse at the Vatican, the Pantheon, Il Vittoriano and lots of statues, Roman ruins, and a few Cappuccinos on the way (did I mention several ice creams as well). I threw my coin in the Trevi Fountain so I’m planning on a return visit, not just for the ice cream!

Altogether a very successful and enjoyable trip. Hopefully I will get another chance to assist Lindy on one of her overseas trips soon.

34U have asked if Lindy will come back to teach in 2012 – I wonder what workshops they will choose?

Jane
Workshop Co-ordinator