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Slice of moist cake dusted with icing sugar served on a white plate with a fork.

5 Minute Vanilla Cake

A soft slice of 5 Minute Vanilla Cake is always a good idea, especially when it comes together this quickly, with a light, fluffy texture and a simple vanilla flavour.

Lemon and Oil Cakes

Lemon and Oil Cakes

I absolutely love lemon-based desserts. I am not sure if it’s an age thing, but lately, they have become m, favourite and I like them even more than chocolate-based desserts! If you had told me this a few years ago, I would have never believed it could happen! These Lemon and Oil are delicious and…

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Sweet Yogurt Braids

Sweet Yogurt Braids

During my kids’ winter holidays, I made these Sweet Yogurt Braids to have as a snack. They are healthy and taste delicious. And the best part? The girls loved them! I love sweet breads, don’t you? And these are particularly tasty and they also look cute, which is always a plus, especially for the kids….

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Apple Skillet Cookie with Maple Butterscotch Sauce

Apple Skillet Cookie with Maple Butterscotch Sauce

There is absolutely nothing better than apple desserts, especially in winter. I find them to be the most comforting of dishes. I love the flavour, the consistency, the aroma that fills the house when you bake anything made with apples. This Apple Skillet Cookie with Maple Butterscotch Sauce has become a huge family favourite in…

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Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

Shortbread is an absolute favourite of mine. I love the buttery taste and the fact that it practically melts in your mouth the moment you take a bite. These Chocolate Shortbread Cookies are no exception, and besides, they are made with cocoa powder… so they are the perfect treat for any chocoholic like yours truly!…

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Italian Sausage with Bell Peppers and Potatoes

Italian Sausage with Bell Peppers and Potatoes

I LOVE sausage. As a child, it used to be my favourite dish ever. We would almost only have it in summer though, as we would find the best sausage in Sicily. We would barbecue it and enjoy it in the most simple way. It was so good that you didn’t really have to add…

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Freshly baked buns with a shiny glaze arranged in a lined basket.

Chocolate Chip Buns

Freshly baked Chocolate Chip Buns bring a light, fluffy texture, with chocolate chips folded through the dough for a soft, satisfying bake perfect for breakfast or snacks.

Matcha White Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

Matcha White Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

During our recent holiday in Japan, we enjoyed some delicious matcha cookies. In Kyoto there is a shop called Malebranche that sells amazing sweets. Our favourite are langues de chat… 2 wafer thin matcha cookies sandwiched with a layer of white chocolate in between. We had them during our first trip and we got some…

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Fiadoni

Fiadoni

This year’s Easter recipe is Fiadoni. Fiadoni are a typical Easter dish from Abruzzo, in Central Italy. They are savoury ravioli, filled with cheese and then baked until golden brown. Usually, the cheese is a mix of dry grated sheep’s milk cheese (like Pecorino Romano) and a milder, less aged sheep’s milk cheese. I used…

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Apricot Jam Crostata

Apricot Jam Crostata

Growing up I have always preferred Nutella over jam. However, I did make an exception for peach jam. I know you may be wondering why I am talking about peach jam when I have used apricot jam for this crostata. Well, the reason is simple: I can’t find peach jam at regular supermarkets here in…

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Strawberry Chocolate Cupcakes

Strawberry Chocolate Cupcakes

I made these Strawberry Chocolate Cupcakes for my youngest daughter’s birthday party… I can’t believe they were still sitting in my archive! Anyhow, if you remember, she had requested a Japanese/Doraemon themed-party, so I thought of decorating the cupcakes with little cherry blossoms made out of fondant. They were a hit, like cupcakes always are….

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Guinness Brownies with Baileys Frosting

Guinness Brownies with Baileys Frosting

I have had this Guinness Brownies with Baileys Frosting recipe saved for a looooong time and I finally got to make it. And what better occasion than Saint Patrick’s Day? Isn’t this the quintessential Irish recipe? These brownies are amazing… so chocolatey and fudgy! The addition of Guinness only intensifies the deep chocolate flavour. They…

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Dolci Pellegrino

Dolci Pellegrino

Today I will share with you the recipe for Dolci Pellegrino, traditional lemon flavoured cookies from the city of Naples. Apparently these cookies, like many other Neapolitan and Sicilian sweets, were created by the nuns of a convent. These nuns were also helping out at the Pellegrini Hospital (thus the name) and would make these…

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Walnut Spelt Bread

Walnut Spelt Bread

I absolutely adore baking bread. The aroma that comes out of the oven and spreads around the house when I bake bread just puts a smile on my face. My go-to recipe for home-made bread is definitely my ciabatta because it is very quick and easy to make. However, I also like to use spelt…

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Biscotti della Tresca

Biscotti della Tresca

I am very happy about today’s post. If you follow Manu’s Menu, you will know that this blog is all about authentic Italian food. I do share many modern Italian recipes, but what makes me really happy is the possibility to share more traditional not so famous recipes, and above all, regional recipes. Italian food…

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A few freshly baked chocolate buttercream cookies arranged on a wooden board.

Leftover Buttercream Cookies

Got a bowl of buttercream sitting in the fridge? Don’t let it go to waste. These soft, buttery Leftover Buttercream Cookies make the most of every bit — simple, quick, and incredibly good.

Double Chocolate Cupcakes

Double Chocolate Cupcakes

I made these Double Chocolate Cupcakes for my youngest daughter’s birthday party in December and they were a hit with both adults and kids alike. I must admit that I usually do not like buttercream, as it is usually way too sweet for my taste, but this chocolate version got me hooked! I guess it’s…

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Blueberry Limoncello Yogurt Ciambellone

Blueberry Limoncello Yogurt Ciambellone

Don’t you think that Blueberry and Lemon is the perfect combination of flavours? I certainly do! And even more so when liquor is involved! This Limoncello Blueberry Yogurt Ciambellone is AMAZING in flavour and texture. The cake is fluffy and light with a good hint of lemon and the blueberry make it even more moist….

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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.

Italian garlic croissants served in a bread basket.

Italian Garlic Croissants

Tender Italian Garlic Croissants brushed with herb butter bake evenly and stay soft, working well for breakfast or sliced and filled for an easy start to the day.

Baked Ndunderi

Baked Ndunderi

Today I am back with a traditional recipe from the south of Italy: Baked Ndunderi (pronounced “doon-der-ee”) . Ndunderi are hand-made gnocchi-like pasta from the Amalfi Coast, near Naples. I must admit that, unfortunately, this pasta is not very well known around Italy, which is a real pity as it tastes amazing. Ndunderi are a…

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Ham and Stracchino Pinwheels

Ham and Stracchino Pinwheels

I recently made these Ham and Stracchino Pinwheels and it was love at first bite! I think these will make it to our dinner table during the Holiday Season. They make a great addition to any buffet! I love anything made with puff pastry, but these pinwheels are special. The stracchino cheese is what sets…

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Macine cookies arranged on a table with a bottle of milk in the background.

Macine Cookies

Classic Italian Macine Cookies with a delicate crumb and rich buttery flavour, totally dunk-worthy, made for breakfast dipping with milk.

Coffee Sables

Coffee Sables

I really love to bake cookies, especially this time of year. Yes, I know it’s hot in Australia and we do not get all the White Christmas vibes people in the Northern Hemisphere get right now, but I can still switch my oven own thanks to my air-con! So, I don’t give up baking cookies!…

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Castagnaccio

Castagnaccio

Today I am back with a traditional Italian recipe: Castagnaccio. It is a typically autumnal dessert found in the Tuscany, Liguria, Piedmont, and Emilia-Romagna regions of Italy. It is made from a batter of chestnut flour, water, extra virgin olive oil, pine nuts, and raisins, which is mixed until smooth and then baked. There are…

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Slice of Pine Nut Cake with visible semolina layer served with lemon on the side.

Pine Nut Cake

Buttery crostata crust with a soft semolina centre and pine nuts baked on top gives this Pine Nut Cake a rich, nutty finish with a gentle hint of lemon.

Sicilian Bell Pepper Involtini

Sicilian Bell Pepper Involtini

Today’s recipe is a very simple appetiser or side dish idea: Sicilian Bell Pepper Involtini. I love capsicums (or bell peppers), I always have. I have already shared a Bell Pepper Involtini recipe before, but this one is different. They are filled with what we call the ”Zangaras’ trademark”, as we use this same stuffing…

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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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