Italian Zeppole Recipe

Italian zeppole recipe

Beneath the golden fried crust of zeppole lies a delightfully light and fluffy centre. These irresistible treats are an Italian twist on the ever-popular doughnut Recipe, words and photo by Mario Matassa My grandfather kept chickens for eggs in a large coop behind the house in Ireland. As a child, I loved going into the […]

All-day Italian Breakfast Recipe

All day italian breakfast stuffed potato recipe

Eggs aren’t just for Easter. With this all-day Italian breakfast recipe you can enjoy the humble uovo all day – and all year – long… Recipe, words and photo by Mario Matassa This Italian breakfast recipe hails back to Mario Matassa’s childhood in Ireland, inspired by a humble but filling plate of bacon, egg, and chips. […]

Five foodie reasons to visit Genoa

Foodie genoa - happy tourist eating focaccia on ligurian beach

From fabulous focaccia to fresh fish dishes, discover five foodie reasons to visit Liguria’s capital, Genoa… The capital of Liguria, Genoa has a lot more to offer than ports and palaces. Discover the unmissable delicacies for any foodie in Genoa. 1. Pesto genovese Starting with the most obvious, Genoa is, of course, famous for its […]

Rice pudding with almonds and raisins recipe

rice pudding with almonds and raisins

Rice will always be considered an essential store cupboard ingredient in every Italian household, and this recipe for rice pudding with almonds and raisins demonstrates why… For all intents and purposes, this dessert sits somewhere between a crème brûlée and a classic rice pudding, with an Italian flavour. It’s comfort food at its very best […]

Spaghetti with prawns and pistachio nuts recipe

Spaghetti with prawns and pistachio nuts

Spaghetti with prawns and pistachio nuts is a favourite fish dish in Italy, and with good reason. Give this recipe a try today.  Spaghetti with prawns and pistachio nuts has become something of a national tradition in Italy. It’s a dish that has become commonplace on the table on Christmas Eve when Italians prefer to […]

Grilled polenta with cime di rapa and gorgonzola sauce

A staple with ancient origins, polenta has now found favour around the world. Mario Matassa demonstrates how wonderfully versatile it can be in this grilled polenta recipe Polenta’s versatility is such that it is used in Italy for any course, ranging from a simple antipasto, a hearty piato unico – a dish that serves both […]

Polenta Almond Crumble Cake Recipe

Almond crumble cake

Treat your tastebuds to an unconventional cake, with this sweet and nutty polenta almond crumble cake recipe…  Polenta is perhaps one of the oldest dishes known to Italy. Made originally from any pulse – often a mix of spelt and rye – it was boiled to a thick gruel, with cheese or herbs added when […]

Courgette Flower and Gorgonzola Risotto

courgette flower and gorgonzola risotto

This courgette flower and gorgonzola risotto is a perfect recipe for a simple but stunning dinner. If you can’t get hold of courgette flowers, pumpkin makes a fine substitution. There are no shortcuts for making a good risotto. Good quality homemade stock makes the world of difference, as does a good quality variety of rice. […]

Polenta Pizza Margherita Recipe

Polenta Pizza Margherita Recipe

A staple with ancient origins, polenta has now found favour around the world. Mario Matassa demonstrates how wonderfully versatile it can be in this recipe for polenta pizza margherita Polenta is perhaps one of the oldest dishes known to Italy. Made originally from any pulse – often a mix of spelt and rye – it […]

5 foodie reasons to visit Bologna

Characteristic food shops in the historic center of Bologna

Discover the delicious reasons to visit Bologna in Emilia-Romagna … 1. Authentic ragù When you think of Bologna, Bolognese sauce may spring to mind – but you won’t ever find it teamed with spaghetti in this city. This is a common misconception that spread across Europe and the United States when the ragù left its […]