Italian life around a family table…..
My parents, Rocco and Solidea moved to the UK from Puglia and Molise Italia (with their families) when they were young playful children, due to limited work for my grandparents and virtually no or very little money. They set up camp in Bedford and my Nonno's and Nonna's raised their [...]
Crabstock festival 2014 ….Bringing the coastline to Northampton
Crabstock seafood Festival - Northamptonshire May 24th, 25th, 26th 2014 Crabstock is about bringing awareness and information from the coastlines to us and you. Seafood is relatively easy to prepare and cook, and with the fabulous Adrian Bartlett (crustacean expert and fisherman) on hand he will simplify and answer any questions [...]
Now a modern day tipple……….Caversham Cream Sherry
As soon as you mention Sherry , you possibly associate it with a trifle or it may bring back memories of your grandma having a little glass or two of an evening. All I say is try it again, but with new eyes and a fresh palate. The cream [...]
January – July 2014 classes from Carmela’s Kitchen………
The New Year brings with it resolutions, healthy eating, saving pennies and getting fit. Have a look and maybe treat yourself or a friend to a cookery course. Here is a list of my delicious mouth-watering classes held from my family kitchen in Northamptonshire. If you have a passion for [...]
Knorr stock pots – Mushroom risotto
I enjoy nothing more than rustling up a quick vegetable soup, risotto or bowl of warming pastina. However, homemade stocks are not always to hand. To make fresh stock is satisfying, reassuring and extremely pleasing but the reality is when do we really have time to make it, mid-week.'Knorr Stockpots', [...]
Christmas pudding event 2013………..
There is nothing I enjoy more than teaching, writing and eating. However producing and running an event that has everyone making, grating, peeling and stirring makes me incredibly happy and very proud too.What could be better. Saturday night, a few hours before stir up Sunday I had 70 ladies and [...]
Good Food Show Birmingham, ticket give away with Farringtons Mellow Yellow…..
Christmas spirit is in the air. The beautiful adverts are on TV and the Good Food Show Birmingham is imminently due to arrive on our door step.......I have teamed up with 'Farringtons Mellow Yellow' to give away a free pair of delicious Good Food Show tickets at the NEC Birmingham, [...]
Nonna Carmela e Zia Maria nella cucina.
Just a few words really. I'm so busy teaching and writing my book at the moment as I have a deadline to hit, I don't seem to have any spare time at all. However I made time last week. I nipped to little Italy, Bedford in fact to visit my [...]
Southern Italy, flavour, taste and love.
A little taster of what I got up to in my mother land Italia:Delicate courgette flowersI'm close to bursting, after my recent visit to the South of Italy. Not only for the food and drink but for the beauty, character and sheer joy that Italy has to offer. Yes I [...]
Making passata con mia mamma……..
It's the time of the year when mum phones and says 'Mellie, the tomatoes are ready, let's make passata together'. It fills me with excitement and shoulders back pride to follow on the tradition of making passata with my beautiful inspirational mum. The rain was pounding down and the wind [...]
Making piadine.
There is nothing better than popping on your favorite rose printed apron, floating into the kitchen, pushing the radio button on for a little light jazz and then start cooking and baking. However in my world its not quite so straight forward. The joyful school holidays are upon us and [...]
Autumn and Winter Cookery Classes September – December 2013
The change of seasons brings with it an abundance of different flavors and produce. I am also introducing all new students to my newly fitted Italian pizza oven, from September I am able to offer a different and very exciting variation on some classes using an outdoor cooking experience. You [...]