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), […]

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 […]

Drink Italia: Pinot Grigio

Once the go-to Italian white with mediocre credentials, now is the time to take another look at Pinot Grigio – the fine examples being produced today are worthy of our attention. Grown throughout northern Italy, the Pinot Grigio grape is most widely found in Friuli-Venezia-Giulia, Veneto, Umbria, Trentino and Emilia-Romagna. Not that long ago, any […]

In Season: June 2017

Artichokes, for example, began their season in Italy before Easter, but the British season often lags some way behind. Mario Matassa is your guide to your local market’s fare… Mackerel – Sgombro This silver-bodied fish with dark grey stripes is a close relative of the tuna fish, yet has quite a different flavour. Plentiful in […]

Pistachio Crusted Lamb Cutlets

These Costolette d’agnello con crosta di pistacchi are the perfect midweek meal.  Serves: 2       Prep: 10 minutes     Cooking: 10 minutes Ingredients: 6 lamb cutlets 40g pistachio nuts, roughly chopped 2 tbsp fine breadcrumbs 1 tbsp finely grated mature pecorino cheese 1 tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley 1 small free-range egg […]

Italian Chocolate

This month, we put some fine Italian chocolate treats to the test – well, it’s a difficult job but someone has to do it… Over the last few decades, Italy has established itself as one of the leading nations worldwide for the production of fine chocolate, making significant inroads, primarily in the gourmet market. Our […]

Antipasto Chelsea Buns

Antipasto Chelsea Buns

A great savoury twist on the traditional Chelsea bun, filled with sun dried tomatoes, olives and parmesan. Perfect for a picnic. Antipasto Chelsea Buns by Dr Oetker   Preparation time: 20 minutes plus cooling        Cooking time: 30 minutes Ingredients: 250g (9oz) Self raising flour 2 sachets (10g/2tsp) Dr. Oetker Baking Powder 50g […]

Cod loin, Prosciutto and Red Pepper skewers

Cod, prosciutto and pepper kebabs

These cod, prosciutto and red pepper skewers from Lakeland are simple and delicious. The perfect addition to your BBQ! Ingredients: 500g cod loins, cut into 16 bite-sized chunks 16 slices prosciutto 12 cheese-stuffed sweet peppers in dressing Instructions Wrap each piece of fish in a slice of prosciutto. Thread four pieces onto each skewer, alternating with […]