Arancini con Mozzarella (Leftover Risotto Recipe)……
Arancini con Mozzarella - Leftover Risotto Recipe I love leftovers more than the main event in many cases. Cook more and plan ahead, these risotto balls are ideal for simple leftovers. I adore the way my youngest child Chiara calls them cheesy balls!! Such a rebel. Arancini [...]
A Passion for Pasta
Well that’s it! I’m finally finished writing my second Italian cookery book now it’s time to lift a large glass of bubbles….and breathe a little. My obsession and love of pasta is finally being published in 50,000 words. Including 100 regional recipes, technical work on colouring stunning pasta and making [...]
Crushed tomato sauce ‘The Food Chain’ Channel 4
Excitedly I was recently featured on a programme called ‘The Food Chain’ Channel 4 where the show explained to viewers the journey of fresh produce, from producer, to distributer to consumer. I was featured cooking with sweet tomatoes, and made a delicious cucina povera style sauce. I used sweet cherry [...]
Potato Soup with Chorizo and Kale and Walnut Pesto
I recently made a warming soup as part of The Good Food Show ‘Stoves Live Cook’ development stand. Inspiration was taken from the wonderful Irish cook Rachel Allen and her potato soup with chorizo and kale and walnut pesto. The reason I chose this particular soup was that I have [...]
Cook in Venice – Cookery School
I love to cook. I love to eat maybe a little more than I should. However that said and done I do cook daily for my family but will never tire of attending classes and cookery schools to improve skills and to find out more about Italian regional cooking. I [...]
The use of Parmesan rinds in cucina povera style cooking
Where shall I begin? Shall I start by condemning pre-grated (rip off Parmesan cheese) available in plastic containers that smells awful? No, I'm sure you already know buying this cheese makes no sense. For one reason is it really cheese, I'm sure it is, but just a mixture and combination [...]
Fabulous Figs!!
Figs, fabulous figs! All year I wait patiently, I wait for the phone to ring and the call from my parents saying: 'Carmelina the figs are ripening, how many would you like, don't be greedy.' I normally reply with, 'Ma, fill a basket'! Picking a warm fig from a tree [...]
Ricotta, Plum Tomato & Parma Ham Tart.
I am very much a spur of the moment cook and by that I mean I open the fridge and simply cook with a tiny bit of planing. Just like that, sometimes that method works and sometimes is doesn't! However the benefits of being Italian aid me tremendously in my [...]
A taste of Umbria – Terni
Time to share with you a taste of Terni, Umbria. Food evokes so many memories. Memories from this mornings strong coffee and naughty pastry to memories of years gone by. I remember hearing the stern voice of my mum Solidea shouting 'Dinners ready', bellowing up the stairs when my sister [...]
Beautiful Umbria – Terni
I was recently invited along to take part in a three day food and culture tour in the beautiful region of Umbria. A region renowned for its sausages, lentils and truffles. Sounds delicious doesn't it! I flew from Stansted into 'Perugia' which is more or less bang in the center [...]
Natura & Sapori – Molise – Gnocchi con tartufo
I recently found 'Natura & Sapori' whist scrolling through twitter . A company who ooze passion and love for a region of Italy that is incredibly close to my own heart. Molise, beautiful forgotten Molise! Molise is situated just above delicious Puglia where my dad and his family come [...]
Strozzapretti – Cooking with Nonna Violante Part 2
Does Carmela have a passion for pasta? Some would say this is a ridiculous question, I live and breath pasta. From the moment I open my sleepy eyes to the moment I close them. I wouldn't call it an obsession , it is a passion, a passion and love I [...]