48 hours in Modena

Sara Scarpa spends a weekend in Modena, a city primarily famous for performance cars and the world’s best vinegar, but one that has much more to offer besides… After wandering along the cobbled streets in the centre of Modena, we finally reach a small, dark square with a few tables lit by a tall lamp. […]

Risotto Stuffed Tomatoes

These Risotto Stuffed Tomatoes by Lakeland are the perfect summer starter! Ingredients: 6 large salad tomatoes 25g risotto rice 2 tsp olive oil 1 spring onion, finely sliced 25g courgette, roughly chopped 25g chestnut mushrooms, sliced 125ml vegetable stock ½ tsp dried mixed Italian herbs 4 fresh basil leaves 2 tsp Parmesan (or vegetarian alternative), […]

Gazetta Italia! – Life expectancy in Italy

We have recently learned that life expectancy in Italy is considerably higher than it is in the UK. Tom Alberto Bull wonders why this interesting claim might be true… Qual è il segreto? Le ultime statistiche rivelano che gli italiani vivono mediamente diciotto mesi più a lungo rispetto a noi britannici. E allora qual è […]

NEW issue of Italia! OUT NOW

Italia 153

  Get away this month to Sicily, discover the delights of the Cefalu and explore the rural beauty of Madonie Regional Park in the new issue of Italia!         Plus, see Rome in an entirely new light and take a peek at Lodi, Lombardi’s hidden gem.     Get the print issue or the digital issue now.

Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli

This pasta dish by Lakeland is just what is needed for a tasty meal.  Ingredients: For the pasta: 160g ‘00’ flour, plus extra to dust 240g fine semolina 5 eggs For the filling: 600g cooked spinach, squeezed as dry as possible and finely chopped 600g ricotta cheese Pinch freshly grated nutmeg 1 egg yolk Salt and […]

Tomato, Pesto and Olive Tart

Perfect for a laid-back weekend lunch, this impressive tart by Lakeland gives maximum flavour from minimum effort. Ingredients: 500g baby plum or cherry tomatoes 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar 1 tbsp olive oil 1 sheet ready-made puff pastry 2 tbsp pesto 55g pitted black olives 360g ricotta cheese Method: Preheat the oven to 220ºC/425ºF. In a […]

Ricotta, Basil and Tomato Tart

This tart by Lakeland is the perfect dish for a summer picnic or a light evening meal with some potatoes and salad For the rough puff pastry: 75g plain flour Pinch salt 25g butter, chilled and cut into 1cm cubes 25g white vegetable fat, chilled and cut into 1cm cubes 3 tbsp cold water For […]

Cooking in Veneto

Amanda Robinson is no stranger to Italian cooking. This time round she opted for a week long class in Venice and was impressed every step of the way.  Like so many Italia! readers, I adore the vibrant food culture in Italy and I love to cook Italian food at home. I have enjoyed a number […]

Italia! top picks: June

Here are our top picks for June, from summer travel essentials to furniture, accessories and gift ideas. On the go The Zalia backpack is perfect for your travels this summer. £109, www.samsonite.co.uk Ball skills Perfect polpette every time with the Italian-designed Universal Food Baller. £4.95, www.souschef.co.uk Happy hour Spritz celebrates the story of this much-loved […]

The Good Life

Deep in the heart of Le Marche, ex-pats Ashley and Jason Bartner are celebrating a very special anniversary this year at La Tavola Marche… Long-time readers will remember your regular columns in Italia! over the years, but for newer readers, can you tell us what you do at La Tavola Marche?  We connect our guests to […]