48 Hours in Cefalù and the Aeolian Islands

With nothing particular to do except enjoy the sun, sea and scenery, James Miller spent the weekend ambling around Cefalù and venturing out to the neighbouring islands… Here are countless reasons why visiting Sicily is a good idea: natural beauty, historical and cultural interest, food, even romance. As a regular visitor I’m no stranger to […]

Tagliatelle with pesto trapanese

This makes quite a lot of pesto, so if you have too much for the pasta you can pop the excess in a container and keep it in the fridge, under olive oil, for a few days. Tagliatelle with pesto trapanese Tagliatelle al pesto trapanese Serves 2 – Preparation 10 minutes – Cooking 10 minutes Ingredients 200g […]

Square Coliseum

Called the “Square Coliseum”, the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana was intended by Benito Mussolini as the centrepiece of the 1942 Esposizione Universale Roma When I first saw it, in the distance at the far end of a wide avenue, it seemed like a mirage: a bright white cube, made of rows and columns of arches. […]

Brexit: A positive outlook for Italians

Now, nearly a month ago, Britain voted to leave the European Union, and many if not most British expats in Italy are deeply concerned. But we need to look at the positive effects this could have as well… Credit: This article was originally from The Local. It has not been easy, but we’ve had a go at looking on […]

Baked Ricotta with grilled vegetables

Why not try this delicious recipe, healthy, tasty and quick! Only 40 minutes to get this perfect two person meal… Baked ricotta with grilled vegetables Ricotta al forno con verdure Ricotta has a rich yet delicate flavour that complements all sorts of grilled summer vegetables. This combination is typically Mediterranean, but use your imagination – […]

Viewpoint: The Mediterranean Cypress

Anyone who has ever visited the region will immediately recognise this scene as quintessential Tuscany – the green fields, the rolling hills, the sense of timeless peace – and those trees… The Mediterranean Cypress (cupressus sempervirens) is as much a symbol of Tuscany as the Duomo of Florence and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. A […]

Grilled Fig and Prosciutto Bruschetta

This combination of caramelised figs and crisply barbecued prosciutto is irresistible. The figs are best cooked on a barbecue, but you can use a stove-top grill pan or a grill – just get the right amount of charring on the figs Method To make the bruschetta, grill, toast or pan-grill the bread on both sides […]

Top 3 Ideas for Strawberries

They are the true taste of summer, and also a design motif for all sorts of things. Think strawberries this month with these fruity gift ideas… Top 3 Ideas for Strawberries Strawberry writing set You’ve heard the phrase ‘say it with flowers’ – well, how about saying it with strawberries? Now you can, thanks to […]

Cannelloni with Ricotta and Cherry Tomato Sauce

This cannelloni combines a creamy sharp ricotta filling with slightly bitter greens and a sweet tomato sauce. The contrast between the sauce and filling is amazing Method To make the tomato sauce, heat the oil in a saucepan, add the garlic and cook until just turning golden. Add the halved tomatoes. They should hiss as […]

The Angel of the Uffizi

Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici knew her family’s vast artistic collection was of immeasurable value to Florence Consider Mantua. Ruled by the powerful Gonzaga family for nearly four centuries, it became a famous centre of culture and art, particularly while Isabella d’Este was Marchesa there. She was a patron of the greatest artists of her […]