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 […]
For hearty comfort food with an Italian twist, this purè di patate recipe from Mario Matassa is a sure-fire winner… Serves 6 Preparation time 10 minutes Cooking time 30 minutes Ingredients: • 1 celery stalk, finely diced • 1 small carrot, peeled, finely diced • 1 tbsp olive oil (you can use the oil from the […]
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 brings us a fantastic Italian salad to enjoy on sunny days – light, flavoursome and with an interesting added ingredient… Serves 6 Preparation time 10 minutes Cooking time none Ingredients: • 2 ripe but firm peaches • 200g buffalo mozzarella • a small handful of wild dandelion leaves • 6 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil […]
Sun-dried tomato and fennel seed pâté provides a delicious, distinctive flavour for these puff pastry ‘girelle’ by Mario Matassa – ideal snacks for entertaining Serves 6 Preparation time 15 minutes, plus chilling Cooking time 25 minutes Ingredients: • 1 small jar of sun-dried tomatoes in oil • 2 anchovy fillets • 1 garlic clove, peeled • 1 tsp fennel […]
Mario Matassa’s wonderful lonza di maiale ripiena di fave e pecorino (to give it its Italian name) is a perfect Sunday show-stopper… Serves 4-6 Preparation time 15 minutes Cooking time 1 hour, 15 minutes Ingredients: • 1kg pork loin in one piece • 250g broad beans, with their tough outer skin removed • 200g mature pecorino cheese, finely […]
Read on to discover five of the best Italian rail journeys, with our round-up of train rides to remember. What’s your favourite…? Photos by iStock unless otherwise stated 1. The legendary Orient Express has graced the tracks of Europe for nearly 140 years and remains the most luxurious experience available to rail rovers seeking the […]
Check out this selection of gorgeous reader photos, guaranteed to make you want to pack your bags and board a plane to Italy right away! This month’s winner: “While me and my mum were staying in Bellagio we took a boat across to Varenna and visited the beautiful gardens of the Villa Monastero.” by Melissa […]
Fleur Kinson explores the towns and landscapes of Tuscany, and discovers a surprising and captivating diversity for prospective home-buyers… Photos by Getty Images Tuscany remains the most popular of Italian regions and is loved by tourists and would-be property buyers for many reasons, not least because of its beautiful countryside and cities laden with Renaissance […]
Adored for its stunning landscapes and historic cities stuffed with fine art, Tuscany is a dream-region for many would-be buyers in Italy, says Fleur Kinson… Photos by Getty Images If you asked a non-Italian to list as many of Italy’s 20 official regions as they could, however short their list was, it would almost […]