Cassata

Hidden at the back of Nonna's freezer is a very ordinary looking plastic container which you might easily overlook when reaching for a frozen chicken or a tray of ravioli.

It holds my favourite summer treat.

 

Three layers of gorgeously smooth and exotic icecream, sandwiched together into a cassatta, or basically, an ice cream cake.

 





 

Now these shots are from summer 2013/14 when the Cooking With Nonna project BROUGHT BACK CASSATA. 



 



The biggest benefit of my cooking spree so far, has been the return of family favourites which haven't made an appearance for literally decades.

 

My last memory of cassata had been glace cherries and that hidden container at the back of the freezer.

 

Now cassata is back on the menu, and in the next couple of weeks a fresh batch will be going into the freezer, ready for Christmas '14.

 

Everyone approves.

Zuccotto: Something New

When I first started the Cooking With Nonna project, I had in mind all the flavours, smells and ingredients I grew up experiencing in Nonna's kitchen.

I didn't take into account the Master Chef effect that had spread across Australia.  The Ready Steady Cook, My Kitchen Rules, and Channel 31 Italian cooking effect.

Suddenly the wonderful world of culinary experimentation and foodie adventures has invaded our living rooms.  Who can resist?  

Well, me, because I don't watch much TV.  But Nonna has kept up to date with what's going on and she was ready to try 

something new.

One month since Christmas

Christmas in my world revolves around the birth of my Saviour, sparkly decorations, some crazy gift shopping, family time and home cooked food.

This year we all went back to our childhood Christmas Day place... Nonna's house.  My Christmas lunch

was haunted by memories of the boys claiming the turkey drumsticks, wrapping paper under the couches, posed photos under the gum trees with new presents and the smell of percolating coffee.

2013, and the boys still got the turkey drumsticks.