Durban - Italian chef Cecilia di Cecco is keen on recipes that are easy, full of goodness and, most of all, quick to prepare.
“For me, cooking is fun, but this doesn’t mean we need to spend hours and hours in the kitchen preparing a dish,” said Di Cecco, who has lived in Durban for 13 years.
To show how it can be done, the former cello player of the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra (KZNPO), recently released her book titled Cucina in South Africa, which is filled with
Italian recipes with a South African - and largely Durban - flair.
“My recipes have few ingredients, are healthy, easy to prepare and full of flavour. Some Italian recipes call for beef, but I’ve used lamb in those instances because I know lamb is more popular here.
“And I love a good Durban crab curry. In fact, I made a recipe using crab which is not an item used popularly in Italian dishes.
“This book will appeal to everyone, and you know no one likes to miss the conversation at the dinner table because you are stuck in the kitchen. I’m sure this will be one reason people love the recipes because they are easy, healthy, tasty and quick.”
Di Cecco left her Italian home province Abruzzo to work as a musician with the KZNPO, with a love of cooking her other creative passion.
The book contains 70 Italian recipes suited to all kinds of diets such as vegetarian and vegan dishes, made with local ingredients.
She has also included menu ideas for winter and summer, and each recipe contains nutritional information.
Di Cecco’s parents were both cooks; her father specialised in sweet pastries and cakes, and her mother excelled at savoury dishes.
“I’m proud of my Italian roots and hope to share the essence of what makes Italian cooking so special while combining a South African flavour to the recipes in my book.
“I also believe in the importance of factoring in healthy ingredients and methods of cooking, but without compromising on taste,” she said.
The book is available in mainstream bookstores at a recommended retail price of R495.