Victoria sandwich with an amaretto Italian crunch…
I love playing with a Victoria sandwich, not literally. I like to add a little bit of Italian influence into everything or at least most recipes that I make at home.This cake is no different, the added gentle tease of amaretto crumbs on the tongue has you hankering for a [...]
Summer 2013, June, July, August Cookery classes
My classes at Carmela's Kitchen are made up of a small group, so intimate, relaxing, fun and informal, ending with delicious fresh results.Book a class for a friend as a gift (vouchers are available) or bring together a group of friends for a personal cookery class.Feel free to take notes [...]
The Italian Shop, six months on…
Six hard working months have passed so quickly and what a hit this Italian Shop has become in our county. Adriana is working day and night to make her shop as authentic as it can be and it really is. 'The Italian Shop' is located within easy access of the [...]
Spring is on it’s way ….
When will this weather change. This winter seems to be so long, cold, windy and just down right miserable. Snowdrops and bulbs are beginning to peep through and you can feel a change of air and the hope and anticipation that Spring is on the way.I love the Spring. Saying [...]
Calzone, filled with roasted peppers & mushrooms
Calzone evokes so many memories for me. Meeting my husband years ago he look me to a beautiful quaint Italian restaurant called 'The Italian Job', up on the boarder of Manchester. They always made us feel incredibly welcome as well as making the most delicious and authentic calzone I have [...]
Teaching children ‘I can cook’
I remember when I was at school, not that long ago, we would have a weekly lesson of 'Home Economics'. I loved it, my favourite double lesson of the week, even though my teacher was a little scary. It seemed to sink in, unlike maths and science!! I was able [...]
Clandestine Cake Club, book review……..
For the last year I have been a member of the most fabulous Clandestine Cake Club, I am a member of the Northampton club and have been for almost 12 months, the group is run by the wonderful Gillian Tarry. Our cake loving group meets on average once a month [...]
Italian naan breads………..?
Italian Naan Breads I know, I sound a little like I may have lost the plot somewhat. As I’m tapping away on my keyboard I’m thinking to myself , ‘You cant call these, Italian naan breads’. But I did, and they are, well a version of them at [...]
Gravy and stock pots, help in the kitchen……
No doubt some of you may be tutting at me and shaking your heads in shame, at the idea of me using stock and gravy pots. Now, the truth is I don't very often. Sometimes I run in the house after the school run and the children start cheeping at [...]
Let’s cook Italian by Gennaro Contaldo
Sometimes I think you need a book that just hits the spot. The kind of book you can pull off your bookshelf, open, and it makes you want to cook everything on each page. Italian cookbooks make me feel that way anyway....Gennaro's Let's Cook Italian, is no exception.Having four bambini [...]
Biscotti , flavoured with pistachio and dark chocolate
A traditional biscotti served with coffee in Italy. A firm bite and a biscuit that seems to take on any flavour its given.I always have an array of nuts in my baking cupboard. They are a great snack but an essential in allot of my baking, especially at Christmas and [...]
Spiced apple loaf….
As I am writing and look out of my windows I shiver. At the moment we are having a cold spell to say the least. I do love the snow, but two weeks earlier would have been a little better. So cold weather equals cake making. Having homemade treats with [...]