An adaptable condiment that can dress up any recipe, try this selection of ideas for balsamic vinegar courtesy of The Vegetarian Society… Butternut squash risotto with asparagus in a balsamic dressing Risotto alla zucca con asparagi balsamico Serves 4 I Preparation 15 minutes I Cooking 40 minutes 2 small-medium butternut squashes 2 shallots, finely chopped […]
Although less well-known than its fellow Piedmontese wine greats, Barbera is a fine expression of just what this region is capable of, as Paul Pettengale discovers… Piedmont is an absolute star in the vast world of wine. Some of the greatest wines on the planet originate there ? notably the ?king? and ?queen? of wines, […]
Luxury B&B owner Maureen Scheda moved to the quiet rural town of Casperia from Rome in order to set up her own business, and 17 years later it?s still going strong? What first persuaded you to move to Italy? I left Wales for Rome in the Sixties as Italy with its art history and wonderful […]
This month we review a brand new guide from Lonely Planet, unlock the secrets of the Roman Empire, learn how to cook with Katie Caldesi and much more in our latest Italian book releases? The Italian Cookery Course? by Katie Caldesi, Kyle Books, ?19.99 (paperback) Review: This is a cookbook that does exactly what it […]
We put a coffee question to the Marketing Manager at De?Longhi UK… TAKING THE PLUNGE Q. I am about to buy my first coffee machine, so am looking for something easy to use and affordable. I?d like it to last a long time, too, and make a range of different drinks if possible. What can […]
Send us your favourite pictures from your travels in Italy, and each month the best photo will win a bottle of Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco and cooler!… THIS MONTH’S WINNER Piazza in Lucca by Jane Dugold ??I took this photo on a trip to Lucca in summer 2012. The piazza anfiteatro is always a busy […]
Venice is my city of soul and St Mark?s square is the soul of this city. There is nothing quite like the feeling I get when I stand in this piazza with the lagoon water lapping on one side, and I am surrounded by amazing man-made beauty and architectural genius… Settlements arose in the lagoon […]
There is no escaping the importance of olive oil ?in Italian cuisine, but what of the modern infusions ?that are becoming increasingly popular?… If you are a cook who treasures time saving techniques, then infused oils are Italy?s very own short cut to flavour. After such a long-standing love affair with olive oil, the country […]
As spring tentatively arrives in Italy, the food and wine festivals also return to centre stage ? plus you can catch jazz music, new art exhibitions, religious days and sporting events in this month?s round-up of the best cultural highlights? CONSTANTINE EXHIBITION Until 17 March Milan, Lombardy Catch the end of this exhibition at the […]
Here we have a selection of some of the best insightful and entertaining blogs on Florence… WWW.BELLABIKER.BLOGSPOT.IT One Hundred Years Later in Florence is an insightful blog written by the lovely Barbara, who?s originally from New York but has lived in Florence for four years. Her blog is packed full of interesting, informative and entertaining […]