Rosemary and lemon give this simple chicken dish a real taste of the Mediterranean; it is zingy and flavoursome but really child-friendly, so it makes a great midweek family meal. Perfect in summer with a big salad, or try it in winter for a serious vitamin C kick to beat the bugs.

If you’re on the lookout for a vegetarian pasta dish that has the ‘wow’ factor and can be prepared ahead, this is the one for you. When they are stuffed and baked, conchiglioni (giant pasta shells) look so impressive and they taste every bit as good as they look. Fresh sage, which is extremely popular in Italian cooking, gives the dish intriguing, earthy undertones.

Nougat is sold in the street markets in most towns in Sardinia and the variations on offer are vast. The one I have chosen to feature in this book is the classic and most popular version and, in my opinion, the best. You can store it in an airtight container for up to a week, but don’t put it in the fridge as it will become soft and very sticky.

This dessert is usually associated with Germany and Austria, but it is also often prepared in the northern regions of Italy. Although the classic strudel is made with apples, it can also be made with other fruit fillings such as cherries, peaches or pears, depending on the time of year and what fruit is in season. A fantastic dessert that can be eaten warm or cold, as a pudding or served at teatime....