Cantuccini, also known as Biscotti di Prato, are Italy’s best-loved cookies. They serve many useful purposes. You can dunk them in your morning coffee, in your afternoon gelato and in your evening Vin Santo. They are also, almost fat-free. Mind you, they make up the near absence of butter with a plentiful presence of sugar……
Month: June 2011
Apple and Sultana Tart (Crostata di mele e uvetta)
This is one of my “Desert Island” dishes. I guess it’s because Mamma used to make this a lot when we were little ,and to me it still tastes of home and lazy Sundays snuggled up on the couch watching cartoons, fighting with my brother and my sister over the last slice of crostata. Legend has it…
Grissini (Italian Breadsticks)
Grissini have become very popular world-wide and there are plenty of varieties offered on the market, but they hardly compare to the fragrant crispness of home-made ones. Their irregular, gnarly shape and sun-burnt colour are the promise of something delicious. They look so inviting, they must be good for you! They are far from complicated…
No-knead Bread
“What?? Is she going mad?” You are probably wondering. No, I haven’t lost my mind, my friends. In my recent bread-making frenzy, I have come across an ancient, wondrous recipe that will turn each one of you into an Artisanal Baker. In Italy this bread used to go by the name of Pane Cafone, boorish bread, but it…
Home-made Sourdough
Before you venture into the exciting world of sourdough baking, let me give you a word of warning: this method is not meant to be approached if you need instant gratification. Sourdough-making is a labour of love and it requires dedication, constance and patience. The mature and robust flavour of sourdough can only be obtained by…
Minestrone con Cavolo Nero, (Tuscan Kale Vegetable Soup) Super food in a bowl!
This is the ultimate Italian winter meal. You may call it minestrone, I have dubbed it “super food in a bowl”! How can you go wrong when your meal is packed-full of dark green, robust leaves, antioxidants and vitamins? With the added nutrients of borlotti beans, extra-virgin olive oil and the kick of chillie, you…
Torta Gianduia (Hazelnut and Dark Chocolate flourless cake)
Rain, rain and more rain! Sydney has been wet and cold for days now. As happens every winter, everybody is talking about the ‘wettest and coldest winter of the last 50 years’… Nevermind that, I know just what will turn this cold, wet long week-end into a warm, indulging, chocolate cuddle: A Piemontese chocolate and hazelnut Torta. Piemonte is a region in the…
Focaccia con Taleggio e cipolla
I am not against experimenting with flavour combinations. At times I have been extremely and pleasantly surprised by the daring offerings of Chefs like Tetsuya, although I must admit , when I am cooking I remain loyal to more traditional food marriages. Nothing can beat the marry union of Tomatoes and Basil, Lemon and Vanilla,…
A hearty winter soup: Lentil, Sweet Potato and Cavolo Nero
Whoever said that Sydney doesn’t really have a winter is a big, fat liar! This is my fifth Sydney winter and I can safely say, it does get cold, it does get wet, it definitely does have a winter. I have made the assumption that Australians are in denial about winter because every time I meet some Aussie…
Biscottini agli agrumi (Citrus cookies)
I can’t seem to keep up with my crop of lemons this year. Every time I think I have picked the last two ripe jewels, three more appear from nowhere, begging me to be used in some sort of baking. I can only oblige and obey the call of nature. Today I was very keen…
Silvia Colloca 