Recipes from Venice – Part 1

The legendary cuisine of La Serenisima deserves close attention, so join Mario Matassa as he unpicks the flavours and feeling behind Venetian cooking… Venice hardly needs an introduction. One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, the Renaissance city is renowned among other things for its stunning architecture, its history, its art, its […]

Anchovy and mozzarella mini rolls

Second in our new series of Sicilian recipes is the Anchovy and Mozerella Mini Rolls.  Anchovy and mozzarella mini rolls Crispeddi siciliani Makes 12 – Preparation 2 hours – Cooking 15 minutes Ingredients 250g white strong flour 2 tsp fine sea salt 10g fresh yeast, crumbled, or 1 tsp dried yeast 2 tbsp olive oil 150ml water, at […]

Aubergine and Pomegranate Recipe

A new series of Sicilian recipes. Sicily offers delicious influences from all over the Mediterranean and beyond! Aubergine and Pomegranate Salad   Ingredients 2 medium aubergines cut lengthways into 4mm-thick slices 3 tbsp olive oil grated zest and freshly squeezed juice of 2 unwaxed lemons 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1½ tbsp white wine vinegar […]

Grilled Fig and Prosciutto Bruschetta

This combination of caramelised figs and crisply barbecued prosciutto is irresistible. The figs are best cooked on a barbecue, but you can use a stove-top grill pan or a grill – just get the right amount of charring on the figs Method To make the bruschetta, grill, toast or pan-grill the bread on both sides […]

Cannelloni with Ricotta and Cherry Tomato Sauce

This cannelloni combines a creamy sharp ricotta filling with slightly bitter greens and a sweet tomato sauce. The contrast between the sauce and filling is amazing Method To make the tomato sauce, heat the oil in a saucepan, add the garlic and cook until just turning golden. Add the halved tomatoes. They should hiss as […]

Italia! Icon – The Pizza Margherita

With its red tomatoes, white mozzarella cheese and green basil, the margherita is so much more than just a pizza – it is a symbol of Italian identity… Ask anyone who has been on a culinary tour of Naples where the pizza margherita comes from and they will be able to tell you that it […]

Chilli and spinach gnudi

Gnudi di peperoncini e spinaci Serves 2 – Preparation 30 minutes – Cooking 30 minutes – Resting 30 minutes For the gnudi 300g raw young spinach 125g ricotta, preferably ricotta di bufala, drained 25g grated Parmesan 2 pinches dried chilli 1 egg yolk grated, fresh nutmeg 2 tbsp plain flour, plus extra for the work surface salt and pepper For the […]

5 Best Italian Breads

Some 350 varieties of bread originate from Italy, from crusty loaves to unleavened flat breads and the crispy breadstick. Tuck into five of the best as chosen by Italia! 1. Focaccia Of all the breads, this ancient Ligurian bread with a mottled appearance, is popular all over the world. Oven baked, its name comes from the […]

Chicken Marsala

Chicken Marsala may have originated with British residents of Sicily in the 19th century. Certainly its popularity extends beyond Italian shores. Serves 2 Preparation 10 minutes Cooking 35 minutes Ingredients 2 medium organic free-range chicken breast fillets, pounded seasoned Italian ‘00’ flour 15g unsalted butter 1 tbsp olive oil 90ml dry Marsala 2 tbsp chicken […]

Unique Italian Gifts for Father’s Day

Father’s Day is looming and you’ve still not got a gift? Our top picks from the latest brands will give you plenty of ideas and wont break the bank either! For the Cyclist You just can’t go wrong with the classic hankerchief set! Every father needs one and to top it off the Cotton is made […]