Spaghetti with spider crab, what a delicacy!

I have always thought that brown crab was delicious.. until I tried spider crab! Almost weekly now, I get a spider crab delivered to my front door, already cooked by my local fishmonger. Spider crab is cheap and very sustainable as there are plenty of them. Their meat is sweeter than brown crab but for…

Salmon & spinach wrapped in pastry – Quick and easy

I was very pleased with this speedy little recipe. This is a good last minute meal, ideal as an appetizer or as an easy lunch when you have little time on your hands. This is when shop bought pastry comes really handy. You can use fresh or frozen fish and spinach or other vegetables you…

Italian pork scaloppine with mushrooms

Italian pork scaloppine with mushrooms By Alida 26/11/2019 Scaloppine are thinly sliced steaks which are very popular in Italy and are one of those classic recipes of the Italian cuisine. The type of meat can vary: from veal to chicken, beef or pork and they can be prepared in different ways. The meat is first…

Pasta with mussels in tomato sauce – Simple recipe

I just love the flavour of the sea. Pasta with mussels is usually a dish I make at weekends simply because the mussels need to be really fresh and therefore bought on the same day but, as this is an easy dish and of quick preparation, you could certainly make it during the week if…

Our family reunion – Midsummer barbecue in Italy

Summer is nearly over and here I am feeling nostalgic again. Every year is the same when I come back from Italy taking with me all those fond memories of sunshine and the time spent with my Italian relatives. This year, summer was particularly good; first we visited Puglia and then we went up North…

Polpettone di tonno – Easy tuna loaf

Polpettone or meatloaf is one of those classic Italian dishes suitable for any day of the week. The most popular one is made with meat but during summertime a lighter version can be made using tuna instead. This fuss-free dish makes a great and tasty meal which can be prepared in advance. You can also…

Sausage, new potato, vegetables BBQ skewers with basil infused olive oil

It’s barbecue weather! Here in the UK we are having an extraordinary summer this year: it feels just like the Mediterranean, hot and sunny every single day.  Wow, all this sunshine makes you feel alive and happy, this weather is the perfect weather that screams of barbecue! I haven’t made many BBQs this year and…

Tagliata di Manzo – Grilled beef steak with arugola

I cook steak once a week. I buy good quality organic beef and I cook it on my griddle pan. The taste is amazing. Good quality meat does not need much to be delicious. One of the ways Italians enjoy steak is by grilling it, carving it and serving it with arugula (rocket) leaves. The…

Prawn & mango appetizers

This year for new year’s eve, I will be having friends around so I have been testing a few appetizer ideas. Appetizers can take a while to prepare and when you are faced with making dinner as well all you want is quick easy and tasty nibbles to go with a glass of bubbly. As…

Chargrilled sardines with lemon and olive oil

Come to my house if you like fresh fish! We eat fish several times a week and all sorts of fish thanks to the fact that we live only across the road to a fishmonger. Fresh seabass, squid, bream, mackerel, sardines or any other beauty like this, provided that it is fresh, will take you…