Want to make the perfect Italian-style focaccia? Mario Matassa shows us how in this step-by-step recipe, enriched with cherry tomatoes and herbs To say that Italians take their focaccia very seriously would be a simple understatement. Once, a dentist friend asked me if I’d like to take a quick drive with him as he had […]
This simple and satisfying penne and mushroom dish is the perfect solution for a tasty midweek meal. Try it tonight! In Italy, porcini mushrooms reign supreme, but this pasta dish can also be made with other varieties, depending on what you have on hand (skip the soaking step if using fresh rather than dried). Penne […]
Mario Matassa shares his verdure piccanti recipe, for preserving a glut of garden vegetables into a piquant pickle that will see you through till next summer. This zesty vegetable preserve is a superb way to utilise your abundance of summer harvest. It bears a strong resemblance to the traditional giardiniera, though the classic version is […]
Learn to make a perfect Italian panna cotta with this step-by-step recipe. Serve with a sweet strawberry topping for extra indulgence! All images © Mario Matassa Jump to recipe In Italy, panna cotta, like tiramisù, zabaglione and budino, falls within that category of dessert known as dolci al cucchiaio – desserts that are to be […]
Torta mimosa is a classic Women’s Day cake, made to imitate yellow mimosa flowers – it is served across Italy to celebrate La Festa della Donna. The 8th of March is the day when women across Italy hang up their aprons, put on their best frocks, and walk out the door – leaving us poor […]
This dish originates from Emilia-Romagna and is served in restaurants throughout the area. Mario Matassa brings us a recipe for these tasty crêpes When choosing a dish for the all-important pasta course, the pasta you choose depends on where you are from. Stuffed pasta cooked in a golden capon broth has come to be regarded […]
Join Mario Matassa for a look at the delights of Italian dolci to recreate in your kitchen Featured photo © Irving Sandoval/Adobe Stock Words and recipe photos by Mario Matassa There can be nothing more evocative and comforting than the wafting aromas of freshly baked biscuits and cakes. Bound up in childhood memories of hearth […]
Mozzarella in carrozza Mozzarella in carrozza is a tasty treat born in Napoli, which has become particularly popular in Venice. Like an elevated version of the classic grilled cheese (or toastie, if you prefer), this sandwich features fresh mozzarella, and is fried in a delicious golden batter. For true Venetian style, add a slice of […]
Mary Novakovich visited Calabria and discovered the full extent of the locals’ passion for peperoncino in a region of Italy where the love of this fiery fruit reigns supreme. Images by Adam Batterbee unless otherwise stated Of the colours of the Tricolore, red is the one that best sums up Calabria. Not through any political […]
Find some of the best places to stay, visit or eat while staying around Fiesole with Freya Middleton’s guide to the highlights of the area… Images by Freya Middleton unless otherwise stated What to see and do Estate Fieosolana Via Portigiani 1, Fiesole An annual theatre and music festival usually takes place at the Roman […]