That’s to say, the nationality you’d be, based on the food you love. I feel as if I’m half Swedish, half Italian (reality: half Cornish, half Welsh, with a bit of French thrown in). I’ve asked a few people this question and Italian crops up frequently. My theory is that’s because Italy has a culture of generosity when it comes to food – an attitude to life that food lovers embrace. Food is about sharing and giving, after all.
Italy is my favourite place to visit. I love the food, the passion, the Welcome, the countryside, the markets, the architecture and the people. We’ve devoted this issue to the country that brought us pizza, risotto, spaghetti, tiramisu, pannacotta… Need I go on? A bevy of favourite chefs have each shared an iconic recipe, and I’m delighted to Welcome Italian food writer Eleonora Galasso temporarily into the delicious. fold as our second food writer in residence.
For our photo shoot, Eleonora spent a day cooking with Gennaro Contaldo. I joined them for a few hours (above) and their energy and enthusiasm were infectious. Eleonora is determined Italian food culture will be preserved, yet she isn’t afraid to put her own twist on traditional dishes – you’ll find her recipes on p64. The pudding might fox your taste buds initially, but I promise it’s one to try.
And now it’s time to mix a negroni and settle down to do Valentina Harris’s quiz to find out how Italian I really am (p62). Do let me know how you get on.