Torta mimosa
This ‘mimosa cake’ is covered with pieces of sponge cake, reminiscent of the flowers of the mimosa – it is served across Italy to celebrate La Festa della Donna By Mario Matassa Makes one 22cm cake Preparation time 20 minutes (plus chilling) Cooking time 20 minutes Ingredients: For the cake • 4 free-range eggs • 200g caster More...
Turkey with saffron and cream
This recipe for tacchino con zafferano e panna by Mario Matassa uses just a hint of saffron to give the dish its delicate yellow colour Serves 4 Preparation time 10 minutes Cooking time 30 minutes Ingredients: • More...
Asparagus and egg risotto
Mario Matassa shares his ‘risotto mimosa’ recipe. The dish is a staple of Italy’s Festa della Donna in March… Serves 4 Preparation time 10 minutes Cooking time 20 minutes Ingredients: • More...
Women’s Day cocktail
This is Mario Matassa’s variation on the classic Mimosa cocktail (champagne and orange juice), though of course we are using prosecco instead of champagne… Serves 4-6 Preparation time 5 minutes Ingredients: • More...
Butternut squash soup with prawns (zuppa di zucca e gamberi)
Una zucca is usually a pumpkin or marrow but it can apply to anything in the squash family – this flavoursome soup is hearty and comforting at any time of year By Mario Matassa Serves 4 Preparation time 10 minutes Cooking More...
Almond & hazelnut biscuits (roccocò)
Roccocò are typical of the Campania region and some claim they are the southern version of Tuscany’s cantucci biscuits – here’s how to make them… Makes 30 biscuits Preparation time 20 minutes Cooking More...
Fried chocolate & chestnut pastries
These calzoncelli di castagne are a speciality of the Puglia region, though versions of this pastry are made throughout the country, with different names and fillings… Makes about 20 Preparation time 30-45 minutes, More...
Valtellina fruit cake (bisciola della Valtellina)
This tasty cake is also known as panettone della Valtellina, though it is moister and richer than traditional panettone – Mario Matassa shares his recipe… Makes one loaf Preparation time 20 minutes Cooking More...
Country ring cake (ciambella rustica)
The ciambella rustica is a simple country cake made throughout Italy. It tends to be quite dry and so is often accompanied by a glass of white wine Makes one 26-cm cake Preparation time 10 minutes Cooking More...
Spinach and ricotta tortelli
Mario Matassa shares this recipe for classic stuffed pasta – these tortelli are stuffed with the traditional combination of spinach and ricotta, but you can experiment with other fillings too… Serves 4 Preparation More...