Manu’s Menu

Authentic Italian Home Cooking & More

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Mulberry granita served with whipped cream, mint, and fresh mulberries.

Mulberry Granita

Cool down with Mulberry Granita, a classic Sicilian frozen dessert made with fresh mulberries, lemon juice, and sugar. Light, fruity, and refreshing, it’s the perfect way to enjoy summer.

Meatball Marsala

Meatball Marsala

A few weeks ago, I shared with you the recipe for Veal Marsala. Today instead I am back with a modern twist to the classic recipe. In fact, I will show you how to make Meatball Marsala. The sauce is not exactly the same as the one used for Veal Marsala, so make sure you…

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Pasta with Baby Eggplants

Pasta with Baby Eggplants

Finally I am back with another pasta recipe! This Pasta with Baby Eggplants is a dish my grandmother used to make in Sicily. I have always loved it… it’s very easy to make and whenever I find baby eggplants at the grocer, I always buy them to make this pasta. What sets this sauce aside…

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Finished Pignoccata shaped into a mound with almonds and sprinkles.

Pignoccata (Italian Honey Balls)

Pignoccata, or Italian honey balls, are coated in syrup that makes them sweet and sticky. Almonds bring crunch, sprinkles add colour, and the taste is light enough to enjoy at Carnevale.

Sicilian Sweet and Sour Mackerel

Sicilian Sweet and Sour Mackerel

My parents are here for the holidays and, like every year, I get to eat food from my childhood cooked by my mother. We used to eat a lot of fish when living in Italy and today I will share my mother’s recipe for one of my favourite dishes: Sicilian Sweet and Sour Mackerel –…

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Swordfish Caponata served in a rustic bowl with fresh basil and warm bread on the side.

Swordfish Caponata

A Sicilian classic with a seafood twist, Swordfish Caponata blends tender eggplant and firm fish in a rich sweet and sour tomato glaze.

Baked Nutella Iris dusted with icing sugar and filled with creamy chocolate hazelnut spread.

Baked Nutella Iris (Italian Nutella Buns)

Baked Nutella Iris combines fluffy dough and rich Nutella in one cosy homemade treat with soft centres and lightly golden tops, perfect for breakfast or afternoon coffee.

Marzipan Lambs

Marzipan Lambs

Today’s recipe is a classic Sicilian sweet that is made and eaten to celebrate Easter. In Italian these delicious treats are called Pecorelle di Pasqua or Agnelli Pasquali which literally mean Easter Lambs. As they are made out of marzipan, I thought that Marzipan Lambs would be a better translation… at the end of the…

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Pasticceria Peralta – San Vito Lo Capo

I am very excited about today’s post as I will be taking you all back to the beautiful little town of San Vito Lo Capo, in Sicily.  Today I will be reviewing one of my all-time favourite pastry shops: Pasticceria Peralta.  Their sweets, pastries and cakes are the best in town!

Panificio La Sala – San Vito Lo Capo

I am very happy about today’s post as I will be taking you all back to the beautiful seaside town of San Vito Lo Capo, in Sicily.  Today I will be reviewing one of my all-time favourite bakeries: Panificio La Sala.  Everyone knows it in town… their bread, cookies and other yummy treats are THAT…

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Azzurra – Macari

I am very happy about today’s post as I will be reviewing one of my all-time favourite restaurants: Azzurra.  It’s not a famous or hatted restaurant, but it serves delicious and hearty food. Besides, it has an added bonus… you can eat on their terrace while enjoying a spectacular view.

San Vito Lo Capo

San Vito Lo Capo Guide – Italy

After a few weeks’ break, I am back with my guides about Italy. Today I will take you all back to Sicily, to explore another area with my San Vito Lo Capo Guide.  San Vito Lo Capo – San Vito for short – is a beautiful little seaside village near Trapani.  It is a place…

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Trapani

Trapani, Erice and Segesta Guide – Italy

After last week’s break, I am back with my guides about Italy. Today I will take you all back to Sicily, to explore another area with my Trapani, Erice and Segesta Guide.  Trapani is my mother’s home town and it is a place I know very well, as I used to spend about 2 months…

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Palermo Guide – Italy

I am very excited about the next few posts on Italy, as I will be taking you with me to Sicily. You see, I was born in Milan (in the north of Italy), but my family comes from the beautiful island of Sicily and being away from Italy made me realise how much I owe…

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Tuna, Olive and Caper Pasta with Garlic Breadcrumbs

Tuna, Olive and Caper Pasta with Garlic Breadcrumbs

Today’s recipe is a classic in my kitchen.  I make it often and it is one of my husband’s favourite pasta dishes.  I cannot believe that I have been blogging for over 4 years and I haven’t shared this recipe yet!  But I guess it’s like all the things that you are very familiar with:…

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Close-up of swordfish and pistachio pasta on a plate.

Swordfish and Pistachio Pasta

Seared swordfish, olive oil, tomatoes, basil, and crunchy pistachio crumbs come together in Swordfish and Pistachio Pasta, a simple pasta dish inspired by classic Sicilian cooking.

Cubbaita

Cubbaita

Tomorrow is a very special day for all Italian children, as we celebrate the day of the Epiphany and the visitation of the Biblical Magi to the baby Jesus.  The night between January 5th and 6th is the night of Befana, who, in Italian folklore, is “an old woman who fills children’s stockings with candy…

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Sarde Allinguate

Sarde Allinguate

I know I have said this before, but sardines are my favourite fish ever.  They are cheap and so good for you and I highly recommend you try them.  I just wish I could find them more often here in Sydney!  Today I will share with you a traditonal Sicilian recipe, very common in the…

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Arancine with Spinach

ARANCINE WITH SPINACH

If you have read my latest post, you will know that I am hosting this month’s challenge at the Daring Cooks!  I chose to challenge my fellow daring cooks to make Arancine from scratch, including risotto!  I also shared 3 different recipes with them: Arancine al Ragu’, Arancine al Burro and Arancine agli Spinaci. The…

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THE DARING COOKS’ JANUARY 2014 CHALLENGE: ARANCINE

This month’s challenge is very special for a few reasons. For starters, our hostess, Manu, graciously stepped in with very little notice and created an entire amazing challenge in pretty much no time at all. Secondly, Manu managed to do all of this while publishing her very first e-cookbook. Seriously, you simply must check it…

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Polpette di Sarde alla Siciliana - Sicilian Sardine Patties

POLPETTE DI SARDE ALLA SICILIANA – SICILIAN SARDINE PATTIES

I know I have said this already, but sardines are my favourite fish.  Unfortunately it is not easy to come across fresh sardines in Sydney.  I find it weird as they are so common in Italy, but that’s just the way it is.  So whenever I see some, I buy them!  Today I will share…

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Gelatina di caffe - Coffee Jello

GELATINA DI CAFFÈ – COFFEE JELLO

I have been blogging for almost 3 years now and when I look back at all the the things I learnt, I almost can’t believe it.  I am talking about cooking techniques and also about computer skills and photography!  But what I am the most grateful for are the friendships I made along the way. …

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Close-up of a sugar-coated Pesche Dolce with ricotta filling and mint leaf.

Pesche Dolci alla Siciliana

Bite into these soft, syrup-dipped Pesche Dolci alla Siciliana with creamy ricotta inside. They’re the prettiest little sweets to brighten your morning and a treat you want to snack on right away.

Sliced beef roast topped with onion glaze and served with fries.

Girello Roast (Sicilian Beef Agglassato)

Everyday cooking feels easier when Girello Roast delivers tender beef and a mild onion sauce that suits simple weekday plates.

Close-up of pan-fried sausage with golden potatoes and fennel seeds.

Pan-Fried Sicilian Pork Sausage with Fennel

Homemade cooking feels easy with Pan-Fried Sicilian Pork Sausage with Fennel, using only three ingredients to create tender pork, crisp edges, and a mild fennel aroma.

Homemade Sicilian Pork Sausage with Fennel coiled on a white plate.

Homemade Sicilian Pork Sausage with Fennel

Fire up the grill for Homemade Sicilian Pork Sausage with Fennel. Juicy, flavourful, and easy to cook, it’s made for outdoor meals and relaxed gatherings.

Bowl of Sicilian Matarocco topped with diced tomatoes and basil served with grilled crostini.

Matarocco (Sicilian Tomato Pesto)

Sicilian Matarocco brings together fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil for a rustic bruschetta topping. Spoon it over toasted bread and enjoy a taste of Sicily.

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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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