Manu’s Menu

Authentic Italian Home Cooking & More

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Finished Instagram Cake decorated with coloured chocolates and fondant logo.

Instagram Cake

Thick brownie layers, smooth chocolate ganache, and colourful toppings give Instagram Cake a rich chocolate hit made for birthdays and busy party tables.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Close-up of M&M’s forming a gravity effect on a Kit Kat cake with a flowing candy stream.

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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Baked Kitty Cat Bread Buns with chocolate dough facial details on a wooden surface.

Kitty Cat Bread Buns

Soft, fluffy bread shaped into the cutest little cats. These Kitty Cat Bread Buns are almost too adorable to eat.

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 arranged on a white serving plate.

Cheese Mouse on a Cracker

Creamy cheese pressed onto crunchy crackers shapes Cheese Mouse on a Cracker and brings a smooth mouthfeel with a crisp, salty finish.

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 decorated with chocolate icing and marshmallow paw shapes 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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Blue Daiquiri cocktail beside a bottle of Blue Curaçao liqueur.

Blue Daiquiri (Glacier Fusion Cocktail)

Served in a sugar-rimmed Martini glass, this Blue Daiquiri combines refreshing rum, bright lemon, and sweet apple flavours for a crisp turquoise cocktail with a zesty finish.

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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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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