OK, that might be a pretty big statement, but this gingerbread recipe really is the best. Seriously. It is ridiculously easy to make, works every single time and delivers deliciously gingery biscuits guaranteed. This recipe is very dear to my heart, I have been making it for as long as I can remember (and I…
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Cantucci
Cantucci are traditional almond biscuits similar to ‘biscotti’ that originated from the Italian region of Tuscany. They are delicious, but very hard in texture so what most Italians would do is dunk them in their morning coffee, or in a glass of Vin Santo, which softens them up just enough to devour easily. Vin Santo…
Positano – Path of the Gods
If you think all there is to do in Positano is lay around on the beach, looking up at the pastel coloured buildings perched precariously off rocky cliffs while sipping on your Aperol Spritz, you’re wrong. Sure, the beach is nice, so is the Spritz, but the best view of Positano is way, way up…
Roasted Pumpkin, Prosciutto and Parmesan Salad
The concept of ‘salad’ has changed a lot over the years. Growing up, salad for me meant crisp green leaves, sliced cucumber, salt, olive oil and a little white vinegar. Or garden ripe tomatoes with sliced garlic, dried oregano, fresh basil, salt and olive oil. My Nonna made an epic bean salad, beans fresh from…
See Naples and Die
That’s the title of a book I read some years ago by Penelope Green, an Australian journalist who ends up living in Naples. I enjoy reading this kind of book, always fascinated and a little jealous of people who get to experience living in a foreign country (especially Italy). I can’t remember too much of…
Nacatole
I can’t remember a day in my childhood we did not have a container of these in the pantry. I can’t even remember how often Mum would make them, but when she did, she made lots. Enough to give some away to friends and family, and plenty to store in the white recycled containers she…
Peperonata
I can remember big bowls of this peperonata at every family barbecue of my childhood. I was a fussy child and would have avoided it then because, as children often do, I had decided I didn’t like capsicum or eggplant, so refused to even try it. How much I missed. A mixture of onion, red…
When In Rome – Why I love the Campo de’ Fiori district
When I travel, my number one criteria for choosing accomodation is always location, location, location. I want to be smack bang in the middle of it all, I want to be within walking distance of all the sites, I want to be near bars and restaurants the locals hang out, and I want there to…
Pork, Chilli and Fennel Meatballs with Creamy Polenta
The heady chilli and fennel smell of these meatballs transports me to childhood memories of my family’s annual sausage making tradition. With sharply honed knives, my Dad and uncles would butcher a large pig, reared on my Uncle’s farm especially, meticulously ensuring not a scrap of meat was wasted. The meat was diced, leaving just…
Foolproof Basic Shortcrust Pastry
If you have ever been put off from making a recipe because you need to make your own pastry, read on. It is much simpler than you think. This is my Basic Sweet Shortcrust recipe that I use for all my sweet tarts, and can be used to make biscuits too. It is simple to…
