Red Onion Loaf

A very tasty loaf that is delicious as an antipasto, or as part of a picnic. What is especially delicious about this loaf is that it stays wonderfully moist.   Serves 6 Ingredients 50g (2oz) stale white bread 100ml (3½fl oz) milk 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 200g (7oz) speck or other smoked cured ham, […]

48 Hours in Florence

Florence is the perfect venue for a weekend away if you simply want to be a tourist: there’s so much to see, read about and photograph, and it’s one of those rare places where there’s really no point in trying to blend in with the natives – try to and you’ll be spotted a mile […]

Gourmet Guide to the Val d’Orcia

val d'orcia

With a history steeped deep in the philosophy of La Cucina Povera, the Val d’Orcia offers taste and tradition. Wanda Djebbar guides us on a gastro tour through the past and present… Gourmet Guide to the Val d’Orcia Those among you who are looking for rich, difficult, complicated food to combine with sublime landscapes, art […]

Panettone Review

A good panettone can make Christmas in an Italian household. Notoriously difficult to make at home, most are bought ready made. We taste some high street examples… Whether you consider panettone to be a cake or a bread – strictly speaking it’s a sweet bread – the origin of this traditional Christmas and New Year’s […]

Olive Oil Review

It has been reputedly used since 6,000BC, and originates from Greece and ancient Asia Minor, but what of the modern-day oils on offer? Italia! selects seven of the best… We all use olive on a virtually daily basis. It’s become a staple in the kitchens of everyone who loves all things Italian. Arguments will rage […]

Eat Like a Local in Venice

Native Venetian Sara Scarpa and her photographer boyfriend Iain Reid share their recommendations for the best places to eat out in Venice… The beautiful country, or bel paese, as it is referred to in Italian, is famous around the world for its art, culture and traditions. But it also has a reputation for its outstanding […]

GELATO: Ice Cream University…

Marina Spironetti visits Bologna to see the first museum dedicated to artisan Italian gelato, and a school where aspiring entrepreneurs are taught all the sweet secrets of gelato-making… Are you a gelato addict? Have you always wanted to know all tricks of the trade? If so, the gourmet city of Bologna is the place to […]

Prawns in tomato sauce

Gamberoni al pomodoro  Dig into these prawns in tomato sauce with your fingers, keeping a finger bowl filled with water close to hand so things don’t get too messy. Serve with fresh, rustic bread or pasta to make more substantial. ➤ Serves 2 ➤ Preparation 5 minutes ➤ Cooking 15 minutes 500g fresh, raw, shell-on large prawns 2 tbsp olive […]

Italian Cheese

Italy is a major player in the EU dairy industry. It is not the biggest producer, Germany is, but in terms of exports to France – arguably a telling statistic – Italy is Number 1 in Europe… As you will be aware, the French and the Italians have a friendly little argument going on between […]

Garofalo Pasta

76 SHAPES 5 RANGES Traditional Pasta • Organic Whole Wheat Pasta • Children’s Pasta • Gluten Free Pasta • Organic Pasta Generations of knowledge, talent and pride are concentrated in Gragnano near Naples, the pasta capital of Italy and home to Garofalo Pasta. Garofalo has been making pasta in Gragnano since 1789. Over 200 years of experience are a huge advantage in […]