We explore five of our favourite green spaces in Italy… how many of them have you visited and which are on your to-visit list? Photos by iStock unless otherwise stated 1. Featuring Italy’s most dramatic baroque gardens, Lake Maggiore’s Isola Bella is a horticultural paradise. The Borromeo villa occupies the centre of the island, while the […]
In Italy sweet muffins are usually made as a treat for children but they also make an excellent picnic food, says Mario Matassa Makes about 20 Preparation time 10 minutes plus cooling Cooking time 10-15 minutes Ingredients: • 1 large free-range egg, beaten • 125ml plain Greek-style yoghurt • 125ml whole milk • 200g self-raising flour […]
Make an Italian-inspired rice salad with this simple recipe by Mario Matassa – perfect for summer dining or a light lunch Serves 6 Preparation time 15 minutes Cooking time 10-12 minutes Ingredients: • 300g rice • 4 artichoke heads, chopped • 10-12 black olives, pitted, chopped • 10 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped • 2 medium carrots, peeled, […]
Give your summer dining an Italian twist with Mario Matassa’s delicious sandwich, which is bursting with glorious Mediterranean flavours Serves 4 Preparation time 5 minutes (more for the peppers) Cooking time 10 minutes Ingredients: • 2 skinned and roasted peppers (one red and one yellow) • 1 large aubergine • 2 courgettes • olive oil • […]
Mario Matassa’s recipe for this petto di pollo con impanati al prezzemolo, pinoli e parmigiano is a perfect light main course or picnic addition Serves 4 Preparation time 10 minutes Cooking time 6-8 minutes Ingredients: • 2 large chicken breasts • 1 small free-range egg • 6-8 tbsp fine breadcrumbs • 1 heaped tsp dried flat-leaf […]
This savoury bread cake with tomatoes is just perfect for al fresco dining. Mario Matassa shows us how to make this tasty torta… Serves 6 Preparation time 15 minutes Cooking time 40 minutes Ingredients: • 250g stale rustic-type bread • 500ml whole milk • 250g fresh ricotta • 2 medium free-range eggs, beaten • 200g smoked […]
The summer picnic is a much anticipated event on every Italian’s culinary calendar, so Mario Matassa shows us how to prepare for the occasion in style Picnic food photos by Mario Matassa First, the picnic needs to be distinguished from the pranzo al sacco (packed lunch). The packed lunch is what Italians do when they […]
A celebration in Italy usually involves sharing a feast with family and friends, and here Mario Matassa has put together a menu to suit any special occasion Photos by Mario Matassa In Italy it would be unthinkable to have a celebration without food. Whether it’s a baptism, birthday party, graduation, wedding or anniversary, Christmas, New […]
Beautiful landscapes and exquisite medieval hilltowns make this tranquil region an enchanting place, and properties here make a sound investment, says Fleur Kinson… Photos by Getty Images Nestled in the centre of the Italian peninsula, with Tuscany, Lazio and Le Marche as neighbours, Umbria is a region of wide rural vistas and captivating hilltop […]
Step through the doors of this restored palazzo in Cannaregio – where modern design meets the architecture of the past… Words by Amanda Robinson, photos by Hotel Heureka On a quiet backwater in Cannaregio, you could easily walk past the unprepossessing entrance to Hotel Heureka, a 16th-century palazzo revived and reopened in 2017. Just […]