I’ve categorised this as a salad, but it really is so much more. Inspired by the classic Caesar salad, I’ve added chicken, which is a common additional extra, and my Italian spin of crispy prosciutto and farfalle (butterfly) pasta, which makes this a complete, deliciously tasty, meal. Great for an easy dinner, and leftovers make…
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Pancakes with Berries, Ricotta and Nutella Sauce
This pancake recipe is no-fail perfection. They are really more like pikelets, and I make these for my family all the time. Of course, you can eat them plain, but this version, with fresh strawberries, ricotta cream, and Nutella sauce turn a humble breakfast into something decadent. Perfect for a Sunday treat. Just add coffee!…
Spicy Calabrese Chicken Stew
This is a one-pot wonder laced with all the tastes of Calabria. Red capsicum, oregano, tomatoes, chilli and Calabrese-style sausage. It’s got everything you need for a hearty meal – chicken, vegetables and plenty of spicy flavour. This is an economic meal that is comforting, full of flavour and feeds a family. Adjust the chilli…
Raspberry, Almond and Nougat Semifreddo
Semifreddo is the perfect dessert to make during the warmer months, especially the current heatwave we’re experiencing in Australia. It’s light and satisfying, this version sweet from the nougat, with a sharp balance of raspberries and the nutty crunch of almonds. A make-ahead dessert for a get-together, or any time you crave a sweet little…
Pignolata
Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without Pignolata. My Nonna made this every year without fail. Sweet balls of fried dough and almonds cooked in caramelized honey; it is a real treat. My absolute favourite, I would wait all year for Nonna to make these at Christmas time. This is a typical Calabrese (the region of…
Stuffed Capsicums
Sometimes nostalgia sets in and you get the urge to make something from your childhood. Meatballs are up there with nostalgia for me. Nonna’s meatballs were always the best – even though my recipe is pretty much the same as hers, they are never quite as good. I loved them, especially with a big plate…
Burrata with Tomato Salsa and Basil Pesto
It’s that time of the year – Christmas is around the corner and there are so many opportunities to catch up with friends and family. There is nothing better than sharing a little something with a drink or two, enjoying the pre-festive cheer while we all wonder where the year has gone! I really don’t…
Balsamic Roasted Broccoli and Brussel Sprouts
If you think you don’t like Brussels sprouts and broccoli – think again. This tasty dish of roasted balsamic greens will convert anyone! Believe me! Growing up, I referred to broccoli as my ‘spew food’. It wasn’t just the smell of it; it was the memory. Well, a particular memory actually. When I was young,…
Orange and Almond Biscuits
These biscuits are a version of the Italian Ricciarelli, a chewy, almond biscuit originating from Siena, Tuscany. They can be made with the addition of cocoa, cherries, or infused with citrus flavour. I love this orange and almond version. The orange brings a real floral note to them. You could substitute with lemon if you…
Bombe Alaska
If you want to make something spectacular this Christmas, you can’t go wrong with the classic, retro Bombe Alaska. Also known as ‘Baked Alaska’ – so named because of its frozen interior served with a baked, theatrical exterior. A layered ice-cream centre surrounded by sponge cake, covered in meringue, then torched to golden perfection. This…
