Almond & hazelnut biscuits (roccocò)

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… Recipe and photo © Mario Matassa ➤ MAKES: 30 biscuits ➤ PREPARATION: 20 minutes ➤ BAKING: 20 minutes Almond & hazelnut biscuits | Roccocò Ingredients: 250g plain flour 160g caster sugar grated zest of […]

Valtellina fruit cake (bisciola della Valtellina)

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… Recipe & photo © Mario Matassa Valtellina fruit cake | Bisciola della Valtellina ➤ Makes: One loaf ➤ PREPARATION: 20 minutes ➤ CHILLING: 40 minutes Ingredients: 200g plain flour 50g rye flour 50g unsalted […]

Mini mushroom quiche (sformatini di funghi)

Mini mushroom quiche (sformatini di funghi)

Sformatino is Italy’s simple and stress-free answer to the soufflé, so try your hand at making this mini mushroom quiche recipe for a real crowd-pleaser. Mini Mushroom Quiche | Sformatini di Funghi ➤ SERVES: 6 ➤ PREPARATION: 10 minutes ➤ COOKING: 35 minutes Ingredients: 250g mixed wild mushrooms, wiped with a damp cloth, sliced 4 free-range eggs 250g fresh […]

Roe deer liver crostini

venison liver crostini

The key to this dish is finding the freshest liver possible, so make sure you go to a reputable butcher and order in advance. Recipe by Mario Matassa Serves 4 Preparation time 20 minutes Cooking time 30 minutes Ingredients: • 4 tbsp olive oil • 300g deer livers, cleaned • 50ml dry white wine • 4 […]

Hare and mushroom pie

hare pie

Mario Matassa’s Torta di lepre e funghi does require some effort, but you will be rewarded with a unique and flavoursome pie Serves 4 Preparation time 1 hour plus marinating Cooking time 2 hours  Ingredients: For the marinade: • 350ml red wine • 1 carrot, peeled, finely chopped • 1 celery stalk, finely chopped • 1 onion, […]

Rabbit with peppers

wild rabbit bake

Rabbit is a versatile meat that can be pan-fried, roasted or stewed. Remember that older rabbits will taste better after being marinated overnight and cooked slowly. Recipe by Mario Matassa Serves 4 Preparation time 20 minutes Cooking time 1 hour Ingredients: • 4 tbsp olive oil • 2 garlic cloves, peeled, chopped • 1kg wild rabbit on […]

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 […]

Basic egg pasta

Basic egg pasta

Make your own pasta all’uovo – egg pasta – with Mario Matassa’s recipe. It’s the ideal starting point for cooking numerous delicious pasta dishes… Knowing how to make fresh pasta is a basic survival skill in Italy. There’s no place in an Italian kitchen for anyone who does not know how to make pasta – […]

Panna cotta with raspberries

These vanilla scented creamy panacottas, drizzled in a summer fruit coulis, go brilliantly with fruit, and raspberries and blackcurrants are a winning combination for a delicious summer dessert Serves: 4 Prep time: 25 mins Cook time: 10 mins Ingredients For the pannacotta 300ml milk (full fat or semi skimmed) 300ml double cream 30g caster sugar […]

Asparagus, tarragon & almond pizza bianco

Ever thought of topping your pizza with asparagus? Now there’s an idea… This pizza bianco is quick to prepare and takes just 10 minutes in the oven – it’s the ideal mid-week supper Serves: 2 – Preparation time: 5 minutes – Cooking time: 10 minutes Ingredients 100ml crème fraiche 20g parmesan, grated 2 flatbreads 2 tbsp flaked […]