Let’s meet Cesarina Martina from Giuggianello, Puglia

Today, we are delighted to have a chat with our Cesarina Martina, directly from Giuggianello in Puglia. Although she recently joined the Community, Martina already has a clear vision of what she wants to share and convey through her experiences. Her passion for Puglian cuisine is deeply rooted in her homeland, even though she spent many years living in the North.

Today, back in Puglia, she teaches how to prepare the traditional dishes of her family, spreading her love for the authentic flavors of the region and welcoming anyone eager to discover the true taste of Puglian cooking.

How did your passion for Italian cooking begin?

I’ve been cooking for as long as I can remember, ever since I was a child. I grew up in a family where cooking was an essential part of daily life: both my mother and father are passionate about food, each with their own style. This allowed me to naturally develop a love for food and the way it can be transformed with your own hands from a very young age.

My Puglian roots played a big role: my grandmothers were deeply connected to tradition and homemade cooking. When I started living on my own during university, I continued cooking with enthusiasm. I never liked eating out or ordering in; I preferred to make everything myself. I often had fun inventing quick recipes with whatever I had at home.

There wasn’t a single moment when my passion for cooking started: it’s always been a part of me, growing with me naturally, and has become an integral part of who I am.

How did you discover the Cesarine Community?

I actually discovered the Cesarine while I was living in Bologna for university. I had heard about them through word of mouth, and later I saw them on Instagram, which immediately piqued my interest.

Additionally, my aunt, who has always been passionate about cooking, decided to join the Community. Watching her journey made me think, and it was at that moment I seriously considered applying myself.

What do you expect from your experience with Cesarine?

What fascinates me the most is the idea of meeting people from all over the world, all within my own home. I enjoy talking, making friends, connecting with different cultures, and discovering new habits through cooking.

It’s a way to travel while staying in one place, to create bonds, and to share a little piece of my tradition with those coming from far away.

What is your signature dish?

Without a doubt, my favorite dish is homemade orecchiette. I’ve been eating them since I was a child: they’re a symbol of my childhood and my Puglian roots, even though I’ve always lived in the North.

Every time I make them, I’m reminded of the aromas, flavors, and moments spent in my hometown. For me, it’s a dish that tells a story of family, roots, and tradition.

This is exactly why I want to serve it to guests: orecchiette are not only delicious, but they represent a strong emotional bond. Offering them is like saying, “Welcome home.”

Orecchiette and Tiramisu: Authentic Flavors

Want to learn how to make traditional Puglian orecchiette? Martina can’t wait to welcome you to her tavern for a special cooking class, where she will teach you the techniques to create this iconic dish from her region, Puglia.

The Orecchiette Recipe

If you can’t join Martina’s orecchiette cooking class at her home, you can still bring this dish to your table by following the simple and quick recipe she shared with us!

The Cesarine Community

Founded in Bologna in 2004, Cesarine is Italy’s largest and oldest network of home-based chefs, with over 1,500 active members across the country. Through the platform cesarine.com, it connects travelers with local hosts to share authentic culinary traditions through cooking classes, tastings, and gastronomic tours. The community promotes a hospitality model based on authenticity, conviviality, and the transmission of home cooking knowledge, offering an experience that goes beyond traditional tourism. The United States represents its main market, with over 30,000 guests in 2024, followed by Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Northern Europe. Since 2019, Cesarine has been recognized as a Slow Food “Comunità Diffusa” and supports sustainable tourism and local economies.