Rigatoni is a particular favourite shape in the Southern regions of Italy as they prefer the rigid edges as opposed to the smooth sides of Penne because sauces and cheese stick to the rigatoni better. It is also pronounced ‘rig-uh-toe-nee’ for those wondering.

Bruschetta is a type of antipasto consisting of toasted bread typically topped with fresh tomatoes, cured meats or cheese. The dish is said to date back to Ancient Rome where olive growers would bring their harvested olives to taste on some freshly baked bread.

Italian cuisine has been thought to have been inspired by a wide variety of different cultures, including Ancient Greek, Ancient Rome, Arabic cultures as well as other Mediterranean and European countries. This Italian-sourced recipe has a large French influence, with the tart being thought to have derived from France.

Lasagne is the correct spelling, although it has become more regularly referred to as ‘Lasagna’ outside of Italy. The Italians usually refer to their pasta dishes in the plural sense because there is more than one piece of pasta in a dish. It is usually eaten as a main dish or a primo and is thought to be one of Italy’s oldest dishes, as it is said to have originated in the middle-ages.

An interesting fact about Lemon Posset is that it was considered in the past to be a remedy for the common cold and insomnia. Despite the posset originating in England in the sixteenth century, with the addition of Italian Sicilian lemons and a side of limoncello, this recipe has the influence of Italy.

Spirali is a nickname for the Italian pasta named after their word for ‘corkscrew’ which translates to Cavatappi. Its alternative names are quite humorous ‘Serpentini’ and ‘double elbows’. It is also a common alternative choice of pasta for macaroni recipes.