Parma ham is a type of prosciutto (pronounced proshooto) a word derived from the Latin perexuctus, and the modern Italian verb prosciugare meaning ‘to deprive...

Parmigiano Reggiano is a hard straw coloured cheese made from raw cow’s milk.  It is commonly used as an ingredient in grated form but is also wonderful to eat on its own in small pieces or shavings.  Parmigiano isn’t salty but is ‘umami’ meaning savoury – this is due to the amino acids breaking down in the slow maturation. Foods...

When you think about choosing an olive oil think about how you would choose a wine- an expensive fine wine at one end of the scale to savour with something special or everyday, quaffable ‘plonk’ at the other.  In my kitchen I have little bottles of single estate extra-virgin olive oils, I buy them when I am in Italy or from Italian deli’s �...

A little alchemy mixed with wine, wood and time makes Balsamic vinegar. Originally made and sold as a medicine in the Middle Ages in the form of a tonic it was used to “heal, soothe and restore”. You can imagine medieval traders shouting out promises of the healing powers of their bottles at markets in Northern Italy. Rather like a port after a...

“Slow” Gin and Tonic has a pretty pink glow – and so do I after drinking a couple of these! Above the pinky orange drinks are sloe gin, the deep purple one is a blackberry version. Sloes are the berries of the blackthorn tree, which have a bluish purple bloom to them, making them appear like small dark grapes. Watch out for the slende...

At La Cucina Caldesi we are frequently asked about our products and cooking ingredients, what to choose and where to source them. Stefano Borella, our Head Lecturer and Katie Caldesi have put together a list of FAQS. Tinned Tomatoes  For making sauces we recommend tinned plum tomatoes which are produced in Italy; good quality brands...

Do let us know of ones in other areas in the UK and the world, we would love to add them to the list. Italian Continental Stores Jubilee House, Denmark St, Maidenhead SL6 7BN Tel: 01628 770110 www.italiancont.co.uk   Camisa and Son 61 Old Compton Stree...