Manu’s Menu

Authentic Italian Home Cooking & More

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Instagram Cake

Instagram Cake

My youngest daughter recently turned 9 and I made this Instagram Cake for her birthday party. Needless to say, she loved it.

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.

Full view of the Indian Cake covered in orange fondant, topped with a fondant elephant holding the Indian flag and colourful mehndi rounds.

Indian Cake

With a golden crumb, fondant shimmer, and sugar sparkle, this Indian Cake stands bright with colour, soft in texture, and light in sweetness, made for birthdays and cheerful gatherings.

Mehndi Cupcakes

Mehndi Cupcakes

Just before Christmas, my youngest daughter turned 8. She wanted an Indian themed birthday party this time, so she and her sister could wear the beautiful Indian outfits their grandma got for them from India. 

5 Minute Vanilla Cake

5 Minute Vanilla Cake

My eldest daughter turned 10 a couple of weeks ago! Yes, 10… double digits already! As her birthday fell during the winter school break, we decided to postpone her party to the following week. However, I couldn’t leave her without a cake on her birthday!! So, I made her this quick 5 Minute Vanilla Cake….

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Plate of Nutella Dorayaki pancakes filled with creamy Nutella, served on a white plate with Japanese decor in the background.

Nutella Dorayaki

Fluffy pancakes with chocolate filling, Nutella Dorayaki are a simple way to add something sweet and homemade to your day.

Overhead photo of Doraemon birthday cake on decorated fondant board.

Doraemon Cake

Surprise your little one with a Doraemon Cake that’s fun to make, easy to decorate, and made with soft sponge layers covered in colourful fondant that brings joy to every celebration.

Finished M&M’s Kit Kat cake with a red ribbon and a floating candy effect.

Gravity Defying M&M’s Kit Kat Cake

Make every birthday sweeter with a Gravity Defying M&M’s Kit Kat Cake, a chocolate creation wrapped in Kit Kats and topped with floating M&M’s, an instant favourite for birthdays and family celebrations.

Eggless Chocolate Cake

Eggless Chocolate Cake

Recently we celebrated my eldest daughter’s 9th birthday. We usually have a party at our place and I take care of the food (remember the Frozen theme?), but this year we had to do something a bit different. Due to my recent surgery, I was not able to organise the usual spread of food, so…

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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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Rapunzel Cake

Rapunzel Cake

My youngest daughter Georgia just turned 6. I usually organise a party at our place, but this year she asked for something different. She wanted to celebrate her birthday at the bowling and invite some of her friends. And so we did. All I had to do was to make the birthday cake. Like all…

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Rose Meringue Sandwiches

Rose Meringue Sandwiches

I made these Rose Meringue Sandwiches for my daughter’s 8th birthday party.  The theme was “high tea” and as I was also making a Rosette Cake for the occasion, I thought of making rose shaped meringues.  In Italy, bakeries or sweet shops often sell meringues, plain or dipped in chocolate and I wanted to somehow…

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Pesto Pinwheels

Pesto Pinwheels

For parties, I always serve something made with puff pastry. It is somewhat due to my Italian heritage… I can’t remember a birthday party without puff pastry treats. We have them with anchovies, sausages, or all kinds of vegetables and even pizza ones. You name it. I love to make both sweet and savoury treats….

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Earl Grey and Chocolate Shortbread Teabag Cookies

Earl Grey and Chocolate Shortbread Teabag Cookies

I made these cookies for my daughter’s 8th birthday party. The theme was “high tea”, so these teabag cookies were perfect for it. I had seen them on the web before and I was just waiting for the right occasion to try and make them myself. I have used my shortbread recipe and added some…

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Whole rosette cake covered in pale pink buttercream roses.

Rosette Cake

With dense chocolate layers, glossy ganache, and smooth buttercream rosettes, this Rosette Cake balances rich cocoa tones with a soft, even texture that stays firm from the first slice to the last.

Victoria’s 8th Birthday

Victoria’s 8th Birthday

  On the 16th my eldest daughter turned 8!!! I cannot believe it’s been 8 years already since the first time I got to hold her in my arms. She was so tiny! <3 And now she is turning into a beautiful girl. We love you so much princess and we are all very proud…

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Kitty Cat Bread Buns

Kitty Cat Bread Buns

I made these savoury Kitty Cat Bread Buns for my daughter’s 5th birthday party and they were a hit.  Not only did they taste yummy, they also looked quite cute, which is always an important factor, especially for a kid’s party.  The brown dough is made with cocoa powder, but rest assured that the cocoa powder…

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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.

Cheese Mouse on a Cracker

Cheese Mouse on a Cracker

Today’s post is not really a recipe, but I thought this Cheese Mouse on a Cracker looked too cute not to have a post of its own!  All you need to make these “mice” are cheese spread triangles, black sesame seeds, salami and… crackers off course!  I made these for Georgia’s 5th birthday party.  The theme…

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Chocolate cat cookies cooling on a wire rack, decorated with bright candy pieces.

Cat Cookies

Cute feline-shaped Cat Cookies with bright eyes add a meow-worthy touch to any party! Add M&M’s for bright colour and a fun, friendly look that brightens the spread.

Paw print cupcakes arranged on a serving plate.

Paw Print Cupcakes

Party desserts feel more fun with Paw Print Cupcakes, mixing soft vanilla sponge, chocolatey icing, and cute paw prints kids love.

Finished Playful Kitten Cake featuring a black fondant kitten on a pink yarn ball and white fondant base.

Playful Kitten Cake

Delight every cat lover at your next celebration with this Playful Kitten Cake, a soft, sweet, and wonderfully detailed fondant creation that’s almost too cute to slice.

Georgia's 5th Birthday

Georgia’s 5th Birthday

On the 1st my youngest daughter turned 5!!  I cannot believe she is 5 already and that in January she will be going to “big school”.  Georgia is definitely ready for it… mum, not so much.  She’s the baby of the house and seeing her grow up so fast is both amazing and scary.  She…

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Glacier Fusion Daiquiri

Glacier Fusion Daiquiri

I must admit that I love all rum based drinks the most and Daiquiris are among my favourites.  They are easy to make (and to play around with) and I really like the fruity varieties (I do have a thing for sweet drinks).  For my daughter’s Frozen birthday party, I wanted to prepare something for…

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Smørrebrød platter with roast beef, potato, and salmon served on a white plate with cutlery and wine glass.

Smorrebrod

Crisp, hearty Smorrebrod layered with rye bread, butter, and fresh toppings brings Scandinavian flavour to the table, perfect for relaxed lunches or light dinners shared with family and friends.

Elsa's Plait

Elsa’s Plait

I love savoury dishes much more than sweets, so I always make sure to have a few savoury options at parties as I know kids will need something more than sugary treats.  I made this bread plait for Victoria’s Frozen party, to simulate Elsa’s long plait.  It’s a soft bread filled with ham and mozzarella. …

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Blue rock candy lollipops displayed in a jar beside a Frozen-themed label.

Rock Candy Lollipops

Crunchy sugar crystals on a stick never stop being fun, and Rock Candy Lollipops make them magical. Perfect for adding a touch of wonder to birthdays, holidays, or weekend treats.

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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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Now on the blog - Low Fodmap Vanilla and Miso Cara Now on the blog - Low Fodmap Vanilla and Miso Caramel Cheesecake Slice.  Clickable recipe link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #baking #lowfodmap #lowfodmapdiet #miso #cheesecake #cake #dessert #japan
Now on the blog - Low Fodmap Ragù Bianco. A tradit Now on the blog - Low Fodmap Ragù Bianco. A traditional pasta sauce from central Italy. Clickable recipe link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #Italian #italy #italianfoodbloggers #italianfood #pasta #pastasauce #ragu
Now on the blog - Trieste, Italy Guide. A surprisi Now on the blog - Trieste, Italy Guide. A surprising city. Come check it out. Clickable link in my profile.

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Now on the blog - Sausage and Potato Sourdough Cre Now on the blog - Sausage and Potato Sourdough Crespelle. The best comfort food. Clickable recipe link in my profile.

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Now on the blog - WWI, Italy Guide. A guide about Now on the blog - WWI, Italy Guide. A guide about some of the most important landmarks of the Great War. Clickable link in my profile.

#manusmenu #manusmenucom #travel #travelblogger #italy #tourism #Europe #cividale #friuliveneziagiulia #beautifuldestinations #war #history
Now on the blog - Sourdough Crêpes. So good. Use u Now on the blog - Sourdough Crêpes. So good. Use up some of your #sourdough discard to make these delicious sweet or savoury crêpes. Clickable recipe link in my profile.

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Now on the blog - Cividale del Friuli, Italy Guide Now on the blog - Cividale del Friuli, Italy Guide. Clickable link in my profile.

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Now on the blog - Hugo. A refreshing Italian cockt Now on the blog - Hugo. A refreshing Italian cocktail and an alternative to your everyday spritz. Clickable recipe link in my profile.

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Now on the blog - Low Fodmap Pork Meatball Satay S Now on the blog - Low Fodmap Pork Meatball Satay Stir Fry. So good. Clickable recipe link in my profile.

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Now on the blog - Quick Pickled Cucumbers. So crun Now on the blog - Quick Pickled Cucumbers. So crunchy and refreshing. Clickable recipe link in my profile.

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Now on the blog - Coffee Panna Cotta. Wobbly and d Now on the blog - Coffee Panna Cotta. Wobbly and delicious. Clickable link in my profile.

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Now on the blog - Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls. Recipe Now on the blog - Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls. Recipe adapted from the wonderful @jennifer_rodda. The best way to use up some of your Sourdough discard. Clickable recipe link on my profile.

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