4 Ways to Use Garlic

In her new book on the subject, Jenny Linford describes every imaginable way of cooking with garlic. Here we present four of her recipes with a distinctively Italian twist… 1. Grilled wild garlic mussels / Cozze grigliate all’aglio selvatico A rich, tasty way to serve mussels, this offers a great contrast of textures between the crunchy […]

Almond Cookies

Casa Luca is a restaurant run by Favio Trabocchi and his wife, Maria, in Washington DC. The chef has let us in on some of the culinary secrets of his homeland in Italy, these almond cookies are just our favourite!  Serves 6 – Preparation 45 minutes plus 45 minutes standing – Baking 10 minutes Ingredients 5 large egg whites 500g granulated sugar 450g almond flour 2 […]

Four ways to use Asparagus

It takes time and space to grow, and its season is short, yet there is nothing quite like the taste of fresh asparagus. Here are four ways the Italians use it to help herald the arrival of summer… 1. Toasted ciabatta with pea and asparagus purée Ciabatta con purè di piselli e asparagi Serves 2 […]

Mid-week Meals: Penne with prawns & artichokes

Artichokes are a hugely popular ingredient in Italian cooking, and these succulent baby globes, combined with juicy prawns make this pasta concoction a mouth-watering treat that can be on your plate in minutes.   Ingredients Serves 4 1 lemon, for juice 4 baby globe artichokes, preferably with good long stalks 3 tbsp olive oil 2 […]

Courgette and Escarole Pie

A light and tasty snack that is easy to make and full of vitamins. Escarole is a form of chicory and has a gentle, but distinctive, bitter taste. The young leaves are also great in salads and soups Serves 4-6 Ingredients 250g filo pastry 1 head of escarole 2 courgettes, sliced 1 clove of garlic […]

Pizza with Radicchio and Parmesan Cheese

Radicchio is a popular vegetable in Italian cooking and its intense flavour pairs well with traditional pizza ingredients such as cheese and pancetta. The bright red leaves also make a dish all the more attractive to look at… Ingredients SERVES 4-6 FOR THE DOUGH 300g plain wheat flour 100g strong wheat flour 20g Brewer’s yeast […]

Ciabatta Recipe

Ciabatta was given its name because the bread resembles a well-worn slipper. Prolonged rising and plenty of liquid produce a very light bread with a uniquely open and porous texture. Ingredients FOR THE STARTER ½ tsp dried yeast 150ml water 3 tbsp tepid milk ¼ tsp honey or granulated sugar 150g strong white flour FOR […]

Tomato, mint and red onion salad

Tweak your culinary skills with this deliciously fresh salad…   I have fond memories of this salad and of eating it in Syracuse, Sicily, with my father. Some friends there grow lettuces, and this salad was part of a wonderful meal after a long, dusty drive to their farm. It was the first time I […]

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, […]

Pumpkin or Butternut Squash Chips

The pumpkin is an underrated vegetable which deserves to be used much more widely. This snack looks as good as it tastes! 300g (10oz) pumpkin or butternut squash, seeded but not skinned 75g (30oz) soft white breadcrumbs 1 tsp fennel seeds, lightly crushed 1 sprig of fresh fennel leaves 1 garlic clove Sea salt and […]