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Green Buttercream Cookies with golden edges served on a white square plate.

Green Buttercream Cookies

Add a little St. Patrick’s cheer to your baking with Green Buttercream Cookies, glowing emerald with buttery crumb and lightly golden edges for a festive celebration spread.

Vegan Mango Bundt Cake

Vegan Mango Bundt Cake

Today’s recipe is yet another vegan dessert: Vegan Mango Bundt Cake. Since discovering that I am lactose intolerant, I have been experimenting quite a bit with vegan desserts.

Papaya Banana Cardamom Muffins

Papaya Banana Cardamom Muffins

Today I’d like to share with you the recipe for Papaya Banana Cardamom Muffins. They are moist and delicious muffins that make for the perfect breakfast (or tea time treat, why not?).

Italian Vegetable Pie

Italian Vegetable Pie

Today’s recipe is a delicious Italian Vegetable Pie. It is very simple to make and it is lower in fat than a regular quiche, since it does not contain any milk or cream. You can use your favourite vegetables for this one and it is also a great way to finish off leftover vegetables lying…

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Schiacciata alla Fiorentina

Schiacciata alla Fiorentina

Tomorrow is Mardi Gras or Carnevale as we call it in Italy. Carnevale is a big event in Italy – kids even stay home from school! Everyone dresses up for almost a week and goes on parades with all kinds of floats.

Peacock Cupcakes

Peacock Cupcakes

I made these Peacock Cupcakes as part of my daughter’s 8th birthday celebrations. She had an India-themed party, so after making Mehndi Cupcakes and an Indian Cake, I thought to make Peacock Cupcakes to take to school for her classmates.

Tray of chocolate cupcakes decorated with colourful fondant patterns and buttercream swirls.

Mehndi Cupcakes

Mehndi Cupcakes pair rich chocolate cupcakes with smooth vanilla buttercream and fondant toppers decorated in detailed henna-inspired designs.

Vegan Apple Spice Cake

Vegan Apple Spice Cake

As you may know, I have recently discovered that I am lactose intolerant. That means that I have to also find new ways to satisfy my sweet tooth, so I am always on the lookout for recipes that do not include dairy. Good vegan recipes, like this Vegan Apple Spice Cake, are always great, as…

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Traditional French Croquembouche made with caramel-coated cream puffs arranged in a cone shape.

Croquembouche

Start the year sweetly with Croquembouche, the French dessert made of choux pastry, pastry cream, and caramel that brings warmth to your New Year’s table.

Close-up of the Bûche de Noël – rich chocolate ganache Yule Log Cake decorated with fondant snowflakes, red roses, and a small mushroom.

Chocolate Yule Log

Gather around the table for a slice of this Chocolate Yule Log made with tender sponge and smooth ganache, a chocolate-filled treat that adds joy to any Christmas celebration. As you know, I grew up in Milan, in Northern Italy. Milan is perfectly placed in the heart of Europe, which made travelling very easy even…

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Pigs in a Blanket Wreath

Pigs in a Blanket Wreath

I love pigs in a blanket… they would always be served for parties when I was growing up, so I guess they remind me of happy times. I also love how easy they are to make. So this Holiday Season, I thought of serving them in a special way and I made the most delicious…

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Walnut Semifreddo with Walnut Cherry Brownies and Cherry Compote

Walnut Semifreddo with Walnut Cherry Brownies and Cherry Compote

Today I am partnering with Webster Ltd – the largest commercial producer of premium-quality walnuts in Australia – to present to you the ultimate Christmas dessert: Walnut Semifreddo with Walnut Cherry Brownies and Cherry Compote! Yes, you read that right and it tastes as decadent as it sounds! I wanted to create something that would…

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Reindeer Cupcakes

Reindeer Cupcakes

I love Christmas themed food and I especially love Christmas themed cupcakes. After sharing my Christmas Tree Cupcakes a few days ago, today I am back with these Reindeer Cupcakes. Aren’t they the cutest thing ever? My girls absolutely adored them and the best part is, you can involve the kids while decorating them as…

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Pizza Christmas Tree

Pizza Christmas Tree

I love puff pastry treats! They remind me of my childhood as they would always be part of all our festive spreads. This Pizza Christmas Tree is very easy and quick to make and it looks impressive. It would definitely make for a great appetiser idea to serve to family and friends this coming Christmas….

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Christmas Tree Cupcakes

Christmas Tree Cupcakes

These Christmas Tree Cupcakes are so much fun to make! I baked chocolate cupcakes to use as the base of the tree and then topped them with green vanilla buttercream to make the tree. To decorate the “tree” you can use anything you like. I used mini chocolate chips of different colours, silver pearls and…

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Dairy-free Blueberry Lavender Muffins 1 (1 of 1)

Dairy-free Blueberry Lavender Muffins

I am pretty sure that everyone has their favourite flavour combination when it comes to muffins. Mine has always been blueberry and lemon. Well, at least up until very recently, when I remembered that blueberries are fantastic when paired with lavender. Do you remember my Blueberry Lavender Syrup, Blueberry Lavender Mojito, and Blueberry Lavender Swirl…

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Walnut Ciabatta Bread

Walnut Ciabatta Bread

As you know, I love baking bread and having recently discovered that I am lactose intolerant, that’s a great thing. Not many people know this, but lactose is not only found in milk and dairy products. Lactose is used as a preservative for cold meats like ham and salami for example, and it is often…

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Dairy-free Raspberry Jam Crostata

Dairy-free Raspberry Jam Crostata #BakingBloggers

While I was on holiday in Tahiti (yes… and expect some posts on that!), I read on Facebook that Sue from A Palatable Pastime was organizing #BakingBloggers, a group of bloggers who would bake something different once a month and publish it on their blogs. I really liked the idea, as I don’t usually bake…

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Oil Shortbread Dough

Oil Shortbread Dough

The other day my eldest daughter came home from school saying she wanted to bake a crostata for the whole family. We usually make a butter-based crostata dough (click here for the recipe) which tastes amazing and never fails! However, I have recently found out that I am lactose intolerant and she absolutely wanted mummy…

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Condensed Milk Cookies

Condensed Milk Cookies

Today’s recipe is an absolute keeper. I mean, Condensed Milk Cookies… how yum does that sound? It is the perfect way to use up that leftover condensed milk (store-bought or home-made) you have lying in the fridge.

Vegan Wholemeal Banana Bread

Vegan Wholemeal Banana Bread

If you follow Manu’s Menu more or less regularly, you may know that I have recently found out that I am lactose intolerant. Don’t worry, I will still be publishing “normal” recipes, but I will also start experimenting with dairy-free (or lactose-free) recipes. This Vegan Wholemeal Banana Bread is one of the first attempts at…

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Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin Bread

This Pumpkin Bread is stunning, even if I say so myself. Besides looking good, it is also extremely tasty and very easy to make. It makes the perfect addition to your fall table, so I suggest you bookmark this recipe for the upcoming holiday season! This bread doesn’t only look like a pumpkin, it is…

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Banana Coconut Cookies with golden brown edges served in a coconut shell beside a ripe banana.

Banana Coconut Cookies

Sweet ripe bananas bring moisture and flavour to Banana Coconut Cookies, creating a chewy snack with lightly golden edges. Free from dairy, eggs, butter, and oil, they’re a lighter homemade treat.

Savoury Apple Rolls

Savoury Apple Rolls

I love making bread at home and lately I have been experimenting a bit. These Savoury Apple Rolls are great on their own but are absolutely perfect as part of a cheeseboard. I love to eat them with cheese like Camembert, Brie, or blue cheese. They are perfect together, as the apples complement really well…

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Cardamom Rum Banana Bread

Cardamom Rum Banana Bread

I must admit I am not big on breakfast. Italians, in general, don’t have heavy breakfasts. We usually havbreakfastse (espresso) and cookies or a croissant. But I do make an exception for a slice of good banana bread! This Cardamom Rum Banana Bread has quickly become one of my favourites. It tastes delicious, and it…

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Wholemeal Honey Cookies

Wholemeal Honey Cookies

These Wholemeal Honey Cookies are very easy to make and they are a healthier option for your kids. They taste delicious… don’t you love sweets made with honey? I do! I love the taste honey gives to these cookies. They are great both for breakfast and tea time. They are the perfect recipe for when…

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Danubio

Danubio

Today I am going to share with you a traditional recipe from Naples: Danubio. It can be considered the “cousin” of both savoury baba and casatiello. Danubio is a savoury brioche made up of many small balls filled with a variety of fillings. It is often prepared for Easter, but not only. It is traditionally…

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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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