Dinner at Giovanni Rana, London & the Introduction to Ciao Gusto.
There is nothing that pleases me more than to tuck into a bowl of fresh pasta, an arrangement of fresh salumi or the very finest of balsamic and extra virgin [...]
A Passion for Pasta by Carmela Sophia Sereno
A Passion for Pasta celebrates not only the 20 diverse regions of Italy but also the classic pasta that hails from each of these regions. It will give you the [...]
Filled chicken breasts wrapped in Parma ham
Everyone has heard of 'Parma ham' in one capacity or another. Draped over fresh seasonal figs, served alongside a wider variety of cured meats and cheeses, nestled in a fresh [...]
Seasonal Parma ham & fig salad
I think we are incredibly lucky in the UK to welcome in our four seasons. We know every year we will have a beautiful crisp and fragrant Spring , possibly [...]
Soft polenta & sausage sugo.
Polenta echoes cucina povera cooking from the Northern plains and regions of Italy. Delicious when cooked and seasoned well whilst making a great alternative to pasta, potatoes and rice. Polenta [...]
Prickly pear liquor – Ficatinicello
Prickly pear liquor – Ficatinicello Prickly pears are probably the most popular name for this cactus fruit , in my families regions of Molise and Puglia the dialect name [...]
Filled and fried zucchini flowers
Courgette flowers are delicate and delicious stuffed and filled with herbs and cheese, then dipped into a light batter and fried. I can't believe some still discard these. Simply pan [...]
Polpette – Cucina povera bread balls
If you have stale bread like I often do lurking in the depths of the bread bin, then these fluffy polpette pillows are perfect to russle up. They are light, [...]
Cookbook Review – Ingredienti by Marcella Hazan & Victor Hazan
Not only is this book 'Ingredienti' by Marcella and Victor Hazan a favourite of mine ( I read it in 36 hours) and holds pride of place in my kitchen [...]
Sliced & dried apple snacks
7 Weeks off school for the Summer and four children equals empty cupboards all the time. My children are always hungry, they remind me of small birds constantly yelping away [...]