When it’s time for a special occasion, this is the traditional Italian cake to make. Layers of sponge, doused in liqueur, filled with custard and coated in buttercream. Most often, this cake is decorated around the edges and the centre is left smooth to write “Happy Birthday”or “On Your Christening Day” or whatever the special…
baking
Chocolate Cake with Blackberries and Pomegranate Syrup
Blackberries and chocolate are such a delicious combination. This fudgy chocolate cake is studded with blackberries and served with rich chocolate ganache and sweet, tangy pomegranate syrup. It really is quite decadent. The chocolate cake is one I’ve been making for years. It is a simple melt and mix cake that always comes out moist…
Cannoli Brownies
Everyone loves a rich, chewy chocolate brownie. But these, inspired by delicious Sicilian Cannoli, are studded with pistachios and topped with a sweet, creamy ricotta frosting, making them that little bit extra special. These brownies are studded with pistachios, giving them a little nutty crunch as you take a bite. The combination of rich chocolate…
Macadamia and Pine Nut Tart
I am a bit of a sucker for all things caramel, and this really hits the spot. This is a take on the classic Torte della Nonna, a rich honey custard filled tart laced with pine nuts. I’ve added macadamias to give it a bit more texture. I love the creaminess of them. Don’t be…
Best Ever Gingerbread
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…
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…
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…
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…
Flourless Lemon Ricotta Cake
I have tried for so many years to grow a lemon tree in my back yard. I’m not really a green thumb, so I’m not the type to have a whole veggie garden going on. I just like a few things so I can pick them fresh, things like fresh basil, parsley, chillies, cherry tomatoes,…
Quick Almond Cake
This almond cake comes from one of my favourite books from my cookbook collection: Casa Moro by Sam and Sam Clark ( a husband and wife duo who amusingly share the same name). The reason why it is one of my favourites is because the Moroccan/Spanish recipes are so full of flavour, gutsy, yet simple…
