An Italian Christmas from Diforti: Founded in 1875, Diforti originates in Caltanissetta, Sicily. Michele Diforti, the great-great-grandfather of the current owners, started his business collecting harvesting and preserving olives. That business was expanded by his son Luigi, who added vegetables and almonds to the range of products available…and then by HIS son Salvatore who […]
Easy Truffled Mac and Cheese
Truffled Mac and Cheese with White Truffle Oil: This time of year, with heaps of golden leaves on the ground and the smell of damp, mushroomy autumn into winter, brings with it all kinds of culinary scents and flavours. For me, from late October through winter, I crave comfort foods like this easy truffled Mac and […]
Pasta Arrabbiata
The Easiest Pasta Lunch – Pasta Arrabbiata: I was sent some pasta from Cook Italian and wanted to see how good it was. In my view, the best way to test the quality of ingredients is to use them to make something very simple. But, the other joy of this recipe is that it forms […]
Ostuni Truffle Season Menu Preview:
Cucina Pugliese Ostuni Celebrates Truffle Season with a Murgia Tartufo Menu Just a mention of the word ‘truffle’ tends to get me excited. I have to admit though, although I’ve been to Puglia, I didn’t realise that they had their own truffles! Apparently they do, from the Murgia Plateau, a low limestone plateau that is […]
Macaroni Cheese with the Panasonic CS-894 steam microwave
Mac n Cheese Made Easy – a Steam Microwave recipe: Mac and cheese is ubiquitous these days and this comfort food classic has become a mainstay on the menu of a huge range of restaurants. But making it at home can be quite a faff as it involves a couple of hobs, an oven and a […]
Pasta Remoli
Pasta Remoli – A taste of Italy in Westfield Stratford Nestled away in the quieter “foodie” end of Westfield in Stratford is a new edition to the food hall. Pasta Remoli offers high end, handmade pasta which is paired with a delicious homemade sauce of your choice. Essentially, this is a mix and match service […]
Vapiano Soho – A Simple Concept for Fresh Food
Lunch at Vapiano Soho: I wasn’t entirely certain that I would be ‘target market’ for Vapiano Soho. A pasta and pizza restaurant that is part of a German group sounded just a little unlikely. So, I dragged my 19 yr old God Daughter out for lunch, confident that if it wasn’t right for me, it […]
Smoked Cheese Pesto and Pasta
Smoked Cheese and Pasta with Pesto As a single dad I always have to come up with food ideas for my daughter and myself; the challenge being to keep it interesting and healthy. Never knowing what school meals she will have had before she gets home makes planning things difficult, and most meals are thrown […]
Clams with Pasta and Chilli (Vongole) – 5:2 Fast Diet Recipes
Clams with Pasta, Chilli and Coriander – 5:2 fast diet recipes to share with friends: Sometimes I look at the food I am eating on the 5:2 fast diet and wonder how those with families/partners cope. I LOVE soups and fish, I’ve always eaten a lot of vegetables and I am quite adventurous with what […]
T G Green Giveaway and Creamy Salmon Pasta
Creamy Salmon Pasta and a Pottery Giveaway I have a soft spot for Cornish Blue pottery. My parents travelled abroad a lot, and as a consequence, all things British had a special place in my Mother’s heart. So, I suspect some of my affection comes from her enthusiasm for the pottery, which until now I […]