This recipe shows you how easy it is to make potato gnocchi. The fresher they are, the better they taste. This is also a great way to eat an artichoke as a little goes a long way. Enjoy with a chilled glass of Italian Rose. Have a great Bank Holiday weekend!

This may sound an unusual combination but it really works. The peppers have to be black when you cook them so they have a smoky flavour. Make sure you peel them of all the charred bits and chop them finely. The addition of basil and plenty of Parmesan makes this risotto really creamy and delicious in fact its one of my favourites!

This veal dish is a Italian classic called saltimbocca which means jump in the mouth. By using veal loin it is much more tender than the traditional cushion of veal. The combination of veal and prosciutto is delicious especially when it is crispy. Try it!

This recipe is a great way to cook aubergine as by boiling them, you remove any bitter juices and you ensure they are cooked. The combination of aubergine and tomato is a classic too. Perfect for vegetarians - try with a glass of Primitivo di Puglia. Have a lovely weekend!

This is a very tasty pasta dish because of the sweet tasting red mullet and cherry tomatoes. The addition of the black olives add a saltiness that works really well. The pangratto adds a crunch that makes the whole dish very appetising.

This is a great alternative to roast lamb rack. When you try it you will notice how easy it is to prepare and how tasty the lamb is.

This classic Tuscan Acquacotta is a packed full of vegetables and enriched with poached egg. A great meal for lunch or dinner, the thick and tasty soup is ideal to warm-up the last weeks of February. Pair with a glass of Morellino di Scansano (which originates from the same region as the dish) and enjoy the weekend.

This is an all year favourite for me. The ingredients can vary depending on what's available, but the mix of fish, tomatoes, and chilli makes for a bright and flavourful dish. Open a bottle of Pinot Bianco (riserva if you can find) and enjoy the weekend.

This unfussy, rustic dish is fantastic for sharing and great for a dinner party with friends. Once you have mastered de-boning the chicken, it is a quick, easy, and an interesting take on a classic. Serve with a chilled glass of Orvieto and have a great weekend!

This pasta dish is one of my all time favourites. It is quick and delicious, which makes it a perfect Friday night dish.

This tasty recipe is ideal for January when you want something a little lighter, but still need a bit of indulgence.

Whether you are back to work this week or enjoying one last weekend of respite, my penne with zucchini and prosciutto dish will be a welcome pick-me-up. It is quick and easy, and pairs well with a glass of verdicchio from le Marche - this beautiful white wine is perfect.

This deliciously rich dish is the ideal festive treat and a perfect recipe for Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve or a special dinner this weekend. Splash out on the best quality sirloin you can find and enjoy with good bottle of Barbera D'Alba. Happy Christmas!

A delicious twist on possibly the most well-known Italian dish, my tagliatelle with beef fillet is a great weekend winter warmer. The ragu itself is so simple and is a great staple sauce which you can use in different dishes; the classic combination of beef and celery is fantastic. Nothing complements this tasty treat better than a nice bottle of Chianti Classico.

This slightly spicy dish is a fresh take on classic fried calamari and will definitely warm-up a cold winter night. This recipe for homemade batter is very light and delicate, and really simple to do.

This lovely rich frittata con funghi is a versatile weekend dish that can be served as a celebratory breakfast or hearty brunch. The fresh girolles, trompette de la mort and two types of cheese make it special enough for an evening meal too. Pair it with a Barbera d'Alba and enjoy!

This lovely rich dish is ideal for a weekend treat. The calves liver work really well with the pancetta, lentils, and the sweetness of the balsamic vinegar. The lentils take a bit of time to cook, but after that it is very quick.

Yesterday I saw the news on the fact that the Mediterranean diet can help you live a longer life. I must tell you my friends this is not news to me. I know the secret to looking and feeling great comes down to what you are eating! Here are a few Mediterranean ideas to help boost your life expectancy.

In Italy, our friends and relations are everything; we grow up with all our cousins, aunties, uncles and everyone around us, and the thing we like to do together most is EAT!