Manu’s Menu

Authentic Italian Home Cooking & More

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Frozen Piña Colada

Frozen Piña Colada

I love a good rum-based cocktail and this Frozen Piña Colada is one of my all time favourite drinks. I have had some pretty good ones in Central America, where they have amazing pineapples and coconuts. By the way, did you know that piña colada has been the national drink of Puerto Rico since 1978?…

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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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Blueberry Lavender Mojito

Blueberry Lavender Mojito

Ready to say goodbye to 2016?? I definitely am! I am quite happy to leave it behind and I can’t wait to see what the new year will bring! To celebrate in style, I am going to make this Blueberry Lavender Mojito. It is amazingly delicious and it is a great way to use up…

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Cilantro Jalapeno Mojito

Cilantro Jalapeno Mojito #SundaySupper

This week, the #SundaySupper team is celebrating spices and/or spicy food. I am a big fan of spices in general, so I just had to contribute! I think I have a rather interesting Mojito collection on the site already and this Cilantro Jalapeño Mojito is yet another fun addition to it! I think Mojito is…

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Lemongrass and Ginger Mojito served in a tall glass with crushed ice, lime, mint, and fresh ginger on the side.

Lemongrass Mojito with Ginger

A classic mojito with a fragrant twist, this Lemongrass and Ginger Mojito blends herbs, citrus, and sparkle in every sip.

Green Tea Mojito served in a tall glass with mint leaves, lime slices, and ice.

Green Tea Mojito

Fresh citrus, gentle mint, and cold green tea shape this Green Tea Mojito, a crisp cocktail that feels easy and refreshing from the first sip.

Rum Glazed Roasted Pecans

Rum Glazed Roasted Pecans

It is time again for the “Secret recipe club” reveal!  I am sure you all know what the club is about, but for the few of you who still don’t know about it, here goes a brief explanation.  It is a great concept… each month you are assigned a participating food blogger to make a…

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Pineapple Mojito

Pineapple Mojito

I made this Pineapple Mojito to serve to my friends on New Year’s Eve as an aperitivo, just to start things off before we sat down for dinner.  We had a Spanish theme that night and I know Mojito is not a Spanish cocktail, but I made a little exception as it is one of…

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Sweet Dreams Cocktail served in a martini glass, topped with whipped cream, cocoa powder, and coconut shavings.

Sweet Dreams Cocktail

Start the New Year with something sweet. Bailey’s, Kahlua, and Malibu blend perfectly in this creamy Sweet Dreams Cocktail that’s made for toasting with friends.

Royal Tahiti

Royal Tahiti

I am so excited about today’s post: Royal Tahiti! A little over 1 year ago, my family and I were enjoying the sun and turquoise sea of French Polynesia.  The best sea in the world if you ask me! ManuLove travelling as much as cooking? Many of the recipes I share are inspired by places…

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Pomegranate Mojito

Pomegranate Mojito

Mojito is one of my all time favourite drink.  It reminds me of my time in Cuba, a place I love dearly.  I have already shared with you the recipe for the “original” Mojito, made with lime and mint leaves.  There’s nothing better than a minty Mojito, especially on a hot summer evening.  It is…

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Glass of Coco Loco cocktail with lime and paper umbrella on blue table.

Coco Loco

Coco Loco is a creamy Caribbean cocktail made with rum, vodka, tequila, coconut cream, and fresh lime juice. This easy recipe blends into a smooth tropical drink in minutes.

Pomegranate Daiquiri

Pomegranate Daiquiri

The last few weeks have been rainy down here and the weather has turned from hot into “cool” (I won’t say cold, as we probably get about 2 weeks of real winter here in Sydney and even then, it’s a much milder winter than my childhood winters).  Autumn has definitely come and I am quite…

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Ravioli dolci di Carnevale

Ravioli dolci di Carnevale #SundaySupper

This week we are going to have a Fat Sunday celebration for Sunday Supper!  YAY!  As you all know, Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras is on the 4th of March, so we are all sharing decadent or Mardi Gras inspired recipes. This is an absolute treat for me.  If you follow Manu’s Menu, you will know that…

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A Mai Tai served over ice with a frothy top and pineapple garnish.

Mai Tai

Tropical vibes in one glass! Bright, refreshing, and poured over ice, this Mai Tai brings together rum, orange liqueur, and creamy blended pineapple for a sunny escape every time you pour it.

Close-up of a Cuba Libre with lime and ice.

Cuba Libre

Rum, cola, and fresh lime never go out of style in a classic Cuba Libre. This classic Cuba Libre is easy and refreshing to make.

Whole Cassata Siciliana decorated with colorful candied fruits and white icing, placed on a lace tablecloth.

Cassata Siciliana

Layers of sponge filled with sweet ricotta and almond marzipan make Cassata Siciliana a true Sicilian classic known for its rich flavour, vibrant colour, and timeless craftsmanship.

Chestnut Rum Mousse

CHESTNUT RUM MOUSSE

Yesterday I showed you how easy it is to make your own Chestnut and Vanilla Cream… now that you have such a yummy treat in your fridge, how about making something else with it, if you haven’t finished it off the spoon yet, that is! Desserts in a glass are my kind of treat and…

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Two glasses of Halloween Punch with lychee eyeballs, skull and spider web decorations.

Halloween Punch

A glass of Halloween Punch becomes strangely inviting when lychee “eyes” peek through the deep purple drink, a spooky surprise for both little ghouls and grown-ups.

Strawberry Daiquiri

STRAWBERRY DAIQUIRI

Today I want to share with you the recipe for one of my favourite drinks: Strawberry Daiquiri.  I love the sweet and sourish taste given by the combination of strawberries and citrus juice.  I also love rum… I must admit it is my favourite liquor!  There are many different recipes for Strawberry Daiquiri out there…

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Tortelli di Carnevale

TORTELLI DI CARNEVALE

This is a very special time of the year for all Italian children: it is “Carnevale”, the time to wear costumes and parade in the streets playing tricks on other kids and throwing coriandoli (round shaped paper confettis) and stelle filanti (similar to paper streamers) everywhere.  It is like Halloween but it lasts longer (about…

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Babà

BABÀ

Today I am going to show you how to make one of the most popular sweets from Naples.  In fact I am going to take you to the southern region of Campania for my series on Italian Regional dishes.  This region has a vast culinary tradition, so I will be presenting quite a few dishes from…

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RUM, DATE AND PECAN ICE CREAM – THE SECRET RECIPE CLUB

And it is time again for the “Secret recipe club” reveal! I am sure you all know what the club is about, but for the few of you who still don’t know about it, here goes a brief explanation.  Each month you are assigned a participating food blogger to make a recipe from and in…

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Mojito

MOJITO – COOK AROUND THE GLOBE

When I visited Cuba back in 1998, I learnt to appreciate rum and all rum based drinks.  Since then, my 2 favourite cocktails have been Cuba Libre and Mojito, which was made popular by one of its most famous admirers: Ernest Hemingway.  Whenever I drink a Mojito I get to relive the memories of one of…

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CHOCOLATE COVERED MARZIPAN RUM BALLS – MY GUEST POST OVER AT SANDRA’S EASY COOKING

A few days ago I got an email from Sandra of Sandra’s Easy Cooking asking me if I would write a guest post for her fantastic blog.  Would I??  Of course I would!  I felt so flattered and honored to be asked by one of my favorite foodies to be a guest over at her…

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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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqSyzFElbRY
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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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