From ‘Super Tuscan’ to Brunello, there are plenty of fine Tuscan non-Chianti reds, and they’re not all super-expensive either. Here’s a selection of Tuscan reds your wallet will love… Traditionally in Tuscany, if you were making red wine, you used indigenous Italian grape varieties like Sangiovese and that was that. During the late 1960s and […]
These Frittelle di fiori di sambuco are a delicious summery snack! Ingredients: 10 elderflower flower heads 100g plain flour a pinch of salt 150ml light beer or lager 1 medium free-range egg groundnut or sunflower oil, for frying a few spoonfuls of runny honey Method: Be sure you know the difference between elderflower and cow parsley… […]
These Risotto Stuffed Tomatoes by Lakeland are the perfect summer starter! Ingredients: 6 large salad tomatoes 25g risotto rice 2 tsp olive oil 1 spring onion, finely sliced 25g courgette, roughly chopped 25g chestnut mushrooms, sliced 125ml vegetable stock ½ tsp dried mixed Italian herbs 4 fresh basil leaves 2 tsp Parmesan (or vegetarian alternative), […]
Perfect for a laid-back weekend lunch, this impressive tart by Lakeland gives maximum flavour from minimum effort. Ingredients: 500g baby plum or cherry tomatoes 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar 1 tbsp olive oil 1 sheet ready-made puff pastry 2 tbsp pesto 55g pitted black olives 360g ricotta cheese Method: Preheat the oven to 220ºC/425ºF. In a […]
This tart by Lakeland is the perfect dish for a summer picnic or a light evening meal with some potatoes and salad For the rough puff pastry: 75g plain flour Pinch salt 25g butter, chilled and cut into 1cm cubes 25g white vegetable fat, chilled and cut into 1cm cubes 3 tbsp cold water For […]
Once the go-to Italian white with mediocre credentials, now is the time to take another look at Pinot Grigio – the fine examples being produced today are worthy of our attention. Grown throughout northern Italy, the Pinot Grigio grape is most widely found in Friuli-Venezia-Giulia, Veneto, Umbria, Trentino and Emilia-Romagna. Not that long ago, any […]
A great savoury twist on the traditional Chelsea bun, filled with sun dried tomatoes, olives and parmesan. Perfect for a picnic. Antipasto Chelsea Buns by Dr Oetker Preparation time: 20 minutes plus cooling Cooking time: 30 minutes Ingredients: 250g (9oz) Self raising flour 2 sachets (10g/2tsp) Dr. Oetker Baking Powder 50g […]