Radicchio tardivo di Treviso is an extraordinary looking vegetable, rather like a red and white octopus. Once cut, it is a kaleidoscope of red and white leaves which are extraordinarily beautiful. Grown in the provinces of Treviso and Venice, this plant now has protected name status from the European Union. It differs from other […]
Quick Guide to Italian Ingredients: Radicchio Tardivo di Treviso IGP Read More »
This recipe is from Tuscany. No sooner is carnival out the way than we have an excuse for another sweet blow-out: San Valentino, or Valentine’s Day. And in a country famed for lovers and romance it’s seen as a big occasion—notwithstanding the fact that the original Saint Valentine was Italian. It’s also the very beginning
Torta di semolino: semolina cake (recipe) Read More »
Despite its anglo-saxon name, plum-cake is an extremely Italian dessert. In fact, the name doesn’t exist in British or American cuisine. This version of the recipe is taken from La scienza in cucina e l’arte di mangiar bene written in 1891 by Florentine gourmand Pellegrino Artusi. Even though it contains candied peel and fruit, close
Plum-cake (recipe) Read More »
Although on a misty end-of-winter day like today you wouldn’t know it, La Madera is on the slopes of a mountain called Alpe Faggeta. A respectable height of 1,510 metres (4,954 feet) makes it taller than Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the United Kingdom. This appenine hill, however, would be dwarfed by the
Monte Bianco: recipe Read More »
For a long time, one of my favourite food blogs has been Keep Calm and Fanny On!, in which we are introduced the to the wonderful 1970s world of the British TV cook, Fanny Cradock. For those of you that don’t know her, Fanny was like a terrifying caricature of Julia Child, who corralled the
Mozzarella in carrozza: deep fried cheese sandwiches (recipe) Read More »
White ragù—Italian meat sauce without tomatoes—is one of my all time favourite dishes. I learnt it as a teenager from my Italian step-grandmother in her kitchen in Venice. She was noted for her ragù and people were forever asking her how she made it but, of course, she wouldn’t tell. But one summer morning while
Lasagne bianche ai noci: lasagne with white ragù and walnuts (recipe) Read More »
