Hunter’s spaghetti

hunter's spaghetti

In Italy wild boar (cinghiale) tends to be cooked very slowly over a long period to avoid the meat becoming tough. Mario’s recipe is a tasty take on a classic dish Serves 4 Preparation time 10 minutes Cooking time 2 hours Ingredients: • 2 tbsp olive oil • 2 garlic cloves, peeled & chopped • 500g wild boar […]

Vero Italiano: selvaggina

Man hunting, Italy

Mario Matassa explains the Italian passion for game and hunting. He braves the cold winter elements to search for his ingredients, then shows us how to transform them into hearty, warming recipes Photos by Mario Matassa Roberto Bassini taught me how to hunt, and the first time we went out I was plagued with conflicting […]

Drink Italia! The best wines for Christmas

Wine at Christmas

Here’s our round up of really special Italian drinks to take you through the rest of the festive season and all its celebrations! Information correct at time of publishing. Please check for current availability and prices   A well-chosen drinks menu is essential for an exceptional Christmas celebration, so we asked our experts to suggest fine […]

Italian chestnut festivals

Chestnuts in Italy

If you’re heading for Italy in the autumn months, you may be lucky enough to stumble across a chestnut festival – wonderful events for foodies to enjoy! Photos by Getty   Chestnut festivals take place all over Italy in autumn. As well as the one at Vallerano, there are chestnut festivals at Marradi near Florence, […]

Chestnut and chocolate cake

chocolate and chestnut cake

Chestnuts and chocolate are a winning combination in this delicious torta di castagne e cioccolato recipe…   Chestnut flour is a great gluten-free alternative, giving cakes and biscuits a delicious nutty background flavour; and in many European countries, such as Italy, France and Spain, chestnut spread or jam is found slathered on bread and croissants at the […]

Chestnuts roasting…

Chestnuts Italy

Julie Friend attends a special food festival in the province of Viterbo, and discovers that here the chestnut is not just for Christmas Photos by Getty unless otherwise stated   Clinging to the side of Mount Cimino, in the province of Viterbo, is the hilltop town of Vallerano. Perched 400 metres above sea level, the […]

A Very Milanese Christmas

Pretty Panettoni at Cova, Milan, Italy

Milan has something to offer the visitor at all times of the year, but Rachael Martin finds its café culture particularly appealing in the lead-up to Christmas… Photos by Rachael Martin unless otherwise stated It’s late afternoon along Corso Magenta. The streetlights have come on, and the orange Carrelli trams wind their way through the […]

Time to sparkle

Mionetto

Mionetto. More than just a Prosecco. Here we explain why… In the heart of the Veneto Valley, where Prosecco originated, is Valdobbiadene, the home of premium Prosecco brand Mionetto. Founded in 1887 by master winemaker Francesco Mionetto, Mionetto Prosecco is still produced on the original site. The company tells a story of heritage and authenticity, […]

Buy Italia! Italian jams

Italian cherry conserve

There’s nothing like a fruity conserve for brightening breakfast time – and beyond! The Italians certainly make them well, which is why we’re indulging in a taste of the sweet life… Italian fruit jams never fail to satisfy a sweet tooth. Generally made quite simply from fruit and sugar – and without the water content […]

Arancini

arancini

Enjoy Mario Matassa’s easy recipe for arancini – delicious balls of risotto – they are a great way to use up leftovers… Serves 2 Preparation time 15 minutes Cooking time 30 minutes Ingredients: • 2 free-range eggs, beaten • 50g fine breadcrumbs • 350g cooked risotto • 125g fresh mozzarella, chopped into small cubes • a few […]