Torta di mele e rosmarino
Apple & Rosemary Cake

For me, limoncello is the scent and flavour of home. Traditionally, this citrus liqueur is made from the best lemons in the world – Sorrento lemons. In Italy it is a hugely popular drink, with many people in the south making their own version. It’s really strong, about 40% proof, so you only need a small amount. Here, limoncello is mixed with creamy Italian cheeses and fresh seasonal strawberries...

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....

Carbonara is the Italian word for 'charcoal burner', so some people believe this dish was first made for charcoal workers in the Apennine mountains. The general view now, though, is that it was an urban dish invented in Rome. Note that cream is not used in an authentic carbonara, so none is included below. Fettuccine or bucatini can be substituted for the more usual spaghetti.

Saffron, sometimes referred to as 'red gold' because of its deep ruby-red colour, flourishes in the fertile hills of Sardinia's Medio Campinado province in southwestern Sardinia. The locals use it liberally in their cooking, but given its high price in Britain I tend to use it sparingly and in dishes where it will be one of the star attractions such as this delicately-flavoured risotto. The courgette...

Most babies are weaned off their mother’s milk with puréed food, I’m sure my mother weaned us off on pizza as I just don’t ever remember life without it. This classic tomato and mozzarella pizza originally was created for the Queen of Naples, Margherita. Never use buffalo mozzarella as it is too milky and will make your pizza base very soggy. Fresh basil is a must: don’t you ever attempt to...

My wife often used to go out and buy small brioches or sweet breads as a snack for the kids, until I created this recipe; now my pear and banana bread is baked at least once every ten days in the D’Acampo household. The process is so quick and easy but the effect is very wow. It is absolutely delicious and never lasts more than twenty-four hours in our house. We’ve eaten it for breakfast, snacks...