Manu’s Menu

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Orange polenta cake served with syrup and fresh oranges on the side.

Orange Polenta Cake

Made with whole boiled oranges, polenta, almond meal, and Grand Marnier, this Orange Polenta Cake has a rich citrus flavour and a tender crumb.

Almond pralines spilling from a paper cone onto the table.

Almond Pralines

Crisp Almond Pralines coated in cocoa and sugar give a satisfying crunch and warm nutty scent, making them ideal for holiday jars, after-dinner treats, or weekday cravings.

Almond carrot cake on a serving plate with powdered sugar and almond slices.

Italian Almond Carrot Cake

Morning bakes feel easier with Italian Almond Carrot Cake with a soft, nutty, and lightly sweet crumb. Enjoy a homemade treat that brings comfort to slow mornings or relaxed afternoon breaks.

White Chocolate Almond Fudge

White Chocolate Almond Fudge

My husband adores both white chocolate and condensed milk (yes, he has a very sweet tooth!), so I am always looking at ways to use these ingredients together. This White Chocolate Almond Fudge was a huge success. I also liked the slight crunch that the crushed almonds added to it. This fudge makes for a…

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Lamb Tajine

Lamb Tajine

There is nothing I like more than to eat stew on a winter’s day. Sometimes, I like to add a touch of exotic to my dinner, so instead of making a “normal stew”, I make tajine. I have already shared my recipes for Lamb Tajine with Quinces and Lemon Chicken Tajine with Olives – 2 of my…

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Homemade almond shortbread cookies stacked on a rustic hessian cloth.

Almond Shortbread Cookies

Buttery Almond Shortbread Cookies made with almond meal bake up crisp around the edges with a delicate crumb, making them a wonderful treat to enjoy with tea or coffee.

Close-up of Goan marzipans shaped like fruit and leaves on a white tray.

Goan Marzipan

A festive favourite made simple, this Goan Marzipan brings together almond meal, sugar, and rose water for a treat that melts in your mouth.

Parmigiano Reggiano Brutti ma Buoni

Parmigiano Reggiano Brutti ma Buoni

Today’s recipe is a savoury variation of the more famous sweet Brutti ma Buoni (click here for the sweet recipe that I have already shared a while ago). Brutti ma Buoni are cookies made in Lombardy, the region I was born and grew up in, mainly to utilize leftovers – especially egg whites and nuts….

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Cherry Frangipane Tart

Cherry Frangipane Cake

It’s cake time! I made this Cherry Frangipane Cake in December (I know, I know… a LONG time ago!) for my mother’s birthday. It was amazing! My mother had brought me the recipe as a cut-out from an Italian magazine and it looked too good not to give it a go. It’s actually quite easy to…

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Cherry Financiers

Cherry Financiers

As you know, I have always had a big connection with France. My parents have always loved the country, especially Paris, so we visited at least once a year while I was growing up. Luckily, France is quite close to Milan, so the trips were easy. That said, I have always enjoyed French food… I…

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Close-up of a peanut butter banana bite with Nutella, honey, and toasted almond slices.

Peanut Butter Nutella Banana Bites

Fresh banana slices make Peanut Butter Nutella Banana Bites with creamy peanut butter, Nutella, honey, and toasted almonds for a simple sweet snack.

Marzipan Lambs

Marzipan Lambs

Today’s recipe is a classic Sicilian sweet that is made and eaten to celebrate Easter. In Italian these delicious treats are called Pecorelle di Pasqua or Agnelli Pasquali which literally mean Easter Lambs. As they are made out of marzipan, I thought that Marzipan Lambs would be a better translation… at the end of the…

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Eggless Thandai Cookies

Eggless Thandai Cookies

Today, Indians celebrate Holi, the festival of spring, also known as the festival of colours.  Holi represents the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring, but for many people it’s also an opportunity to make peace and start afresh. During this time, people play tricks and colour each other with dry powder…

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Scoop of Baileys Chocolate and Salted Almond Ice Cream in a waffle cone with roasted almonds on top.

Baileys Chocolate and Salted Almond Ice Cream

Creamy, chocolatey, and slightly boozy, Baileys Chocolate and Salted Almond Ice Cream brings silky texture, rich cocoa streaks, and roasted almond crunch together in one bowl.

Almond and Cranberry Bark

Almond and Cranberry Bark

I made this bark to give to my friends as part of the annual Christmas hamper. This year, I put a wedge of my home-made Panforte, some Truffle oil, my Rosemary Pine Nut Sablés and this Almond and Cranberry Bark. The perfect holiday hamper must always have some chocolate! I am sharing this recipe today…

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Slices of Panforte dusted with icing sugar on a wooden board with a candy cane.

Panforte di Siena

Panforte di Siena is a classic Italian Christmas cake filled with almonds, honey, and spices. It’s rich, chewy, and filled with the warmth of Tuscan holiday traditions in every slice. Panforte di Siena is a traditional Christmas recipe from the beautiful Tuscan town of Siena. The name means “strong bread”, a reference to its spicy…

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Amaretti

Amaretti

I am very happy to share with you the recipe for what is possibly my favourite cookie ever: Amaretti. These cookies have a very ancient history, as they were first made in Italy during the Middle Ages.  There are many different recipes and each region of Italy has its own version, but there are 2…

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Close-up of Sicilian Almond Milk in a glass after straining.

Sicilian Almond Milk

Cool, creamy, and naturally sweet, Sicilian Almond Milk is a classic worth making at home. It’s summer-ready and especially enjoyable straight from the fridge.

Thandai

Thandai

Today, Indians celebrate Holi, the festival of spring, also known as the festival of colours.  Holi signifies the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring, but for many people it’s also an opportunity to repair ruptured relationships. During this time, people play, chase and colour each other with dry powder and coloured…

Read More »

Cubbaita

Cubbaita

Tomorrow is a very special day for all Italian children, as we celebrate the day of the Epiphany and the visitation of the Biblical Magi to the baby Jesus.  The night between January 5th and 6th is the night of Befana, who, in Italian folklore, is “an old woman who fills children’s stockings with candy…

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Decorated kitty cat doughnuts with glaze and faces on a white plate.

Kitty Cat Doughnuts

Soft, moist, and dipped in candy melts, these Kitty Cat Doughnuts are decorated with fondant and almonds. A fun bake that will have everyone purring with happiness.

Caramel Apple Bars

Caramel Apple Bars

Winter, I love it.  I know I may be among the few people out there who prefer winter and cold weather to summer… but I have always loved it.  I love short days, cozy evenings reading on the couch covered with an old woollen blanket while sipping a cup of hot tea.  Even better if…

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Aamrakhand

Aamrakhand

Today’s recipe is an Indian dessert.  A few months ago I shared with you the recipe for Shrikhand, a smooth and airy yogurt mousse made with hung curd, sugar, saffron, cardamom and nuts.  Today, I am going to show you how to make what is basically a mango flavoured Shrikhand, called Aamrakhand.  The recipe is…

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Colomba Muffins

Colomba Muffins #SundaySupper

This week we will be sharing Easter and Passover recipes for #SundaySupper!  I cannot wait to see what my fellow Sunday Supper bloggers have made, so make sure to check out all the yummy links at the end of this post! After making Hot Cross Buns, today I am contributing some special muffins.  I have…

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Orchid and Matcha Macarons

Orchid and Matcha Macarons

I know I already have a few macarons recipes on the blog like my Salted Caramel Macarons and my Lavender and Jasmine Macarons, but I haven’t shared a new one in a while.  Today’s flavour combination is yet another winner: orchid and matcha!  Yum!  Don’t these macarons sound exotic?  They really are.  I am sure you…

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Freshly baked Sbrisolona in a tart pan topped with almonds and sugar.

Sbrisolona

Crumbly, nutty, and lightly buttery, this Sbrisolona brings texture and warm flavour together in a way that feels cosy and irresistibly crunchy.

Peach Melba served in a glass bowl with vanilla ice cream, raspberry sauce, and toasted almonds.

Peach Melba

Smooth Peach Melba with bright raspberry scent and cool peaches brings freshness after dinner, combining sweetness and lightness in every spoonful. Happy Australia Day to all my fellow Aussies! In honour of our national holiday, I thought I’d share something sweet and light, Peach Melba. It’s late summer here, and school is about to start…

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Welcome to Manu’s Menu!

Hi! I am Manu, the author of Manu's Menu. I was born and brought up in Italy and my blog can show you how to create authentic Italian food in your own home! Read More…

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Video Recipe: Orecchiette with Crudaiola Sauce

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manusmenu

Food blogger, cookbook author, food photographer & stylist.

A batch of homemade flaxseed crackers is always ha A batch of homemade flaxseed crackers is always handy to have in the kitchen.

They're crisp, easy to store, and pair well with dips, soft cheeses, fresh vegetables, or your favourite toppings whenever you need a quick snack.

#flaxseedcrackers #mealprep #healthysnacks #homemade #manu #manusmenu
Creamy goat cheese, crunchy pistachios, and a driz Creamy goat cheese, crunchy pistachios, and a drizzle of honey 🍯

The combination of creamy, sweet, and crunchy textures makes this such an easy appetiser to put together when you want something simple but a little different.

Serve with crusty bread or your favourite crackers and enjoy. 

#pistachios #HoneyDrizzle #sharingplatter #manusmenu
After sharing the scrambled eggs and tomato toast After sharing the scrambled eggs and tomato toast recently, I thought it would be a good time to highlight one of my favourite herb blends 🌿

Herbes de Provence is a traditional French herb blend usually made with herbs such as thyme, rosemary, oregano, and savoury.

It's a simple way to add extra flavour to everyday ingredients and works especially well with eggs, tomatoes, roasted vegetables, potatoes, chicken, and soups.

Have you used Herbes de Provence before?

#herbesdeprovence #frenchcooking #mediterraneanfood #herbblends #manu #manusmenu
Scrambled eggs with tomato on toast is one of thos Scrambled eggs with tomato on toast is one of those simple meals that always works 🍅

Warm, savoury, filling, and made with ingredients most people already have at home.

#scrambledeggs #QuickMeals #breakfastideas #homemademeals #manu #manusmenu
This calamari risotto turned out creamy, rich, and This calamari risotto turned out creamy, rich, and so satisfying 🍚

Made as a low FODMAP recipe, it’s a homemade seafood dinner option that feels filling and easier to enjoy for those with sensitive stomachs or lower FODMAP dietary needs.

 #lowfodmap #calamaririsotto #seafoodrecipes #homemademeals #manu #manusmenu
Pumpkin has a naturally gentle sweetness, which is Pumpkin has a naturally gentle sweetness, which is why ingredients like ginger, coconut cream, herbs, curry paste, or lime work so well with it.

Those subtle layers of flavour help create soups that feel comforting, warming, and more rounded 💛

 #pumpkinsoup #thaifood #homemademeals #homemade #manusmenu
Smooth, creamy, and filled with delicious Thai-ins Smooth, creamy, and filled with delicious Thai-inspired flavours 🍲 This pumpkin soup makes such a lovely homemade dinner idea ✨

#PumpkinSoupRecipe #homemadefood #thaifood #manu #manusmenu
A sweet homemade treat for the person who made lif A sweet homemade treat for the person who made life sweeter first 💖
These chocolate date hearts are filled with soft dates, rich chocolate, and a little homemade love for Mother’s Day 🌷

 #mothersday #mothersdaygiftideas #datehearts #manusmenu
more stories beyond the menu ✈️ #MatchaMoments #t more stories beyond the menu ✈️

#MatchaMoments #travelreels #travelwithmanuela
A simple treat for Mother’s Day 🌸 These chocolate A simple treat for Mother’s Day 🌸

These chocolate covered dates pair perfectly with a warm cup of tea and make a lovely homemade gift or afternoon treat.

Simple, sweet, and easy to make at home.

#mothersday #chocolatecovereddates #HomemadeTreats #dessertideas #teatime #manusmenu
This iced chai is simple to make and perfect when This iced chai is simple to make and perfect when you want something calm and comforting.

Made with a few ingredients and warm spices, it’s a drink you can easily prepare at home without much effort.

Sometimes it’s the simple drinks that you keep coming back to. 💓

#icedchai #homedrinks #teatime #homemade #manu #manusmenu
Ever wondered why your iced matcha tastes differen Ever wondered why your iced matcha tastes different every time?

It’s not just about the ingredients. Small details like the quality of the matcha, how you sift it, and how you whisk it can completely change the result.

Even the texture and colour can tell you a lot before you even take a sip.

Once you start paying attention to these steps, it becomes much easier to get a smoother, more balanced matcha at home 🍵

 #matcha #icedmatcha #Matchalatte #JapaneseTea #manusmenu
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