Mario Matassa’s recipe for chocolate cheesecake with cantucci and mascarpone makes a rich Italian-style dessert, perfect for Christmas or any special occasion. There’s something about cheesecake that feels instantly celebratory, and this Italian-inspired version, made with cantucci biscuits, is no exception. Rich, chocolatey and layered with mascarpone cream, it’s a dessert that manages to be both […]
Mario Matassa shares his passion for mushrooms in this rotolo recipe – a golden, flaky roll filled with savoury mushrooms, ham, and cheese Renato held the mushroom in both hands, admiring its impressive size. It must have been at least 500 grams – a real beauty. I glanced down at my two modest finds and […]
This simple Neapolitan pasta dish gets its rich, creamy texture from free-range eggs and pecorino cheese. Mario Matassa shares his recipe… When choosing a pasta recipe to make with eggs, I had toyed with the idea of a spaghetti carbonara, but opted instead for an even simpler Neapolitan version, cas’ e ova in the local […]
Italy’s cheeses are famed throughout the world – and with good reason! Here are our top five… which is your favourite?! Photos by iStock/ Getty Images 1 Parmigiano-Reggiano, the undisputed king of Italian cheeses (above), comes from a designated area around Modena, Parma and Reggio Emilia, and is a grana, or hard cheese, with a nutty, […]
Chris Allsop flies to Emilia Romagna to tour a Parmigiano Reggiano dairy and discover how this world-famous cheese is created… “When I have French groups, they have many excellent cheeses, but they do not have Parmigiano Reggiano.” Our guide, Helena, puts her fingers together and gestures aggressively. “They have to accept.” Only five minutes into […]
For a sensational dessert or teatime treat with an Italian twist, this gorgeous ricotta cheesecake by Mario Matassa should fit the bill… Ricotta and Cherry Cheesecake | Cheesecake alle Ciliegie e Ricotta ➤ SERVES: 4 ➤ PREPARATION: 15 minutes ➤ COOKING: 45 minutes Ingredients: 200g plain biscuits 75g unsalted butter 250g ricotta 75g icing sugar 2 large free-range […]
This creamy, dreamy salmon risotto from Mario Matassa makes a truly delicious midweek meal if you’re looking for something simple but indulgent Serves 6 Preparation time 5 minutes Cooking time 20 minutes Ingredients: • 2 tbsp olive oil • a bunch of spring onions, finely chopped • 300g risotto rice • 1 litre of light chicken […]
Mario Matassa has created a wonderful take on zucchine ripiene – a truly delicious partnership of courgettes and parmesan! Serves 4 Preparation time 10 minutes Cooking time 25 minutes Ingredients: • 4 medium courgettes • 200g fresh breadcrumbs • 2 medium free-range eggs • 60g cooked ham in one thick slice • 80g freshly grated parmesan • […]
This delicious tart recipe by Mario Matassa uses a hard ricotta and it makes for a wonderful picnic accompaniment or weekend lunch… Serves 4-6 Preparation time 5-7 minutes Cooking time 30-35 minutes Ingredients: • 500g Swiss chard (or other greens such as cavolo nero or kale) • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper • 2 medium free-range […]
Mario Matassa’s take on Gnocchi alla fonduta is a simpler version, but no less tasty… and you still get to try four of Italy’s best-known cheeses on one spoon! Serves 4 Preparation time 5 minutes Cooking time 15 minutes Ingredients: • 50ml milk • 150g fontina, chopped • 150g gorgonzola, chopped • 150g taleggio, chopped • 3 […]