Left over bananas. Why is it that I ALWAYS have left over bananas in my kitchen? Ah, yes… wait. It must be because my kids always beg me to buy them when they see them at the grocery store… they promise they will eat them and then, they don’t. I am not a huge fan…
Archives for November 2013
CARAMELISED RED ONION AND TALEGGIO PASTRIES
As you know, cheese is probably my favourite food. I like all kinds of cheeses and I often eat them plain, with bread or crackers for lunch… but I also love to cook with them and make all sorts of savoury and sweet dishes. Today’s recipe is utterly delicious: I find it simply irresistible! I…
ROSE DEL DESERTO – DESERT ROSES
Today I want to share with you a recipe that my mum learnt from one of her friends years ago and that has become a family favourite. We call these cookies “Rose del deserto” or Desert Roses as they resemble the minerals of the same name that can be found in the desert. Besides looking pretty,…
ONLINE BAKE SALE FOR THE PHILIPPINES #bakesale4pinas
Today’s post is not about the usual recipe. It’s about something more important. I am sure many of you are aware of the super typhoon Haiyan that hit the Philippines on the 7th of November. Thousands of people have died, many are still missing and many others have lost everything. We have all seen images…
POLPETTE DI SARDE ALLA SICILIANA – SICILIAN SARDINE PATTIES
I know I have said this already, but sardines are my favourite fish. Unfortunately it is not easy to come across fresh sardines in Sydney. I find it weird as they are so common in Italy, but that’s just the way it is. So whenever I see some, I buy them! Today I will share…
ORECCHIETTE WITH SAUSAGE AND FENNEL TOPS
I know many people find making bread relaxing. And I do understand why… kneading is good for you and it does take your mind away from everyday worries. I have a very similar experience when making pasta. And more precisely when shaping pasta with my hands. I find it a very relaxing and fulfilling activity. …
MOLTEN WHITE CHOCOLATE PUDDING
My husband doesn’t like chocolate. Or so he claims. No, wait. That’s not correct, he doesn’t like milk and dark chocolate… but he ADORES white chocolate. So, when I saw these little molten puddings, I knew I had found a recipe that would really please him. My kids and I have no problems with any…
BUFFALO STYLE WINGS
It is time again for the “Secret recipe club” reveal! I am sure you all know what the club is about, but for the few of you who still don’t know about it, here goes a brief explanation. It is a great concept… each month you are assigned a participating food blogger to make a…
WHITE CHOCOLATE AND AMARETTI CHEESECAKE SHOOTERS
Today’s recipe is very simple and quick to make. It is another one of my easy recipes that help me finish off leftovers. I had a little cream and cream cheese that needed to be finished quickly, so I whipped up these white chocolate cheesecake shooters. I added some amaretti cookies that I had in…
A TRIBUTE TO LIS – THE DARING KITCHEN
This is a post that I would have never wanted to write. It’s tough to put down into words what’s been going on in my heart and mind in the last couple of days, since I got “the” news. Our dear Lis (Lisa Cifelli from La mia Cucina) passed away, suddenly, leaving us all shattered….
LASAGNE WITH ZUCCHINI PESTO, SPECK AND SMOKED SCAMORZA
Mmmm Lasagne! My favourite dish ever. Growing up my parents and I would make Lasagne for big occasions, like Christmas or birthdays. And they would always be the classic meat version (you can find my recipe here). Well, lately I have been making all sorts of Lasagne. Remember my Pesto Lasagne (my all time favourite!), or…
APPLE CROSTATA WITH STREUSEL TOPPING
Today I want to share with you the recipe for a crostata that I used to make in Italy. I used to make it quite often, especially in the colder months. I love crostate and apple crostate are my favourite. In fact, one of the very first recipes I ever published on the blog was…
GELATINA DI CAFFÈ – COFFEE JELLO
I have been blogging for almost 3 years now and when I look back at all the the things I learnt, I almost can’t believe it. I am talking about cooking techniques and also about computer skills and photography! But what I am the most grateful for are the friendships I made along the way. …
MANU’S CHRISTMAS MENUS – BOOK GIVEAWAY
As many of you already know, I have recently published my first eBook: Manu’s Christmas Menus. The eBook contains 20 original recipes, divided in 4 menus, to help you bring Italy to your table this holiday Season. All recipes have step by step instructions and pictures and they have never been published before (so you…
BRAISED FENNEL WITH RED WINE VINEGAR
Going through my Recipe Archive, I have realised that I don’t have as many side dish recipes as I should! So today I will share with you a very quick and delicious side dish, perfect to accompany both meat (especially pork) and fish: Braised Fennel with Red Wine Vinegar. It is a dish my mum…
SHANKARPALI – SHAKARPARA
Happy Diwali! Today is the beginning of Diwali (दिवाली), the “festival of lights”, a 5-day Indian festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Light is the symbol of the celebrations and many clay lamps filled with oil are lit during the 5 days of the festival. As you may know,…
RICOTTA FILLED GRAFFE
Today’s recipe comes from the Sicilian town of Trapani, where my mother was born. These are similar, but not the same as the more famous Neapolitan graffe, the dough of which includes potatoes. Graffe in Trapani are like doughnuts, fried and then filled with the same sweet ricotta filling used for Cannoli, Sfinciuni di San…