The first thing I cooked as a child was spaghetti bolognese – some may have considered fairy cakes or flapjacks more appropriate, but spag bol was my favourite thing, so that was that! Little did I know as I proudly presented my family with my lumpy, tomato-packed creation that in Italy there is technically no such thing!
Read moreAfter an early start and a relatively easy drive out of Bologna in a north-easterly direction, I found myself on the outskirts of the medieval city of Modena.
But for now, the delights of the city would have to wait. I was keen to find the darkest, richest balsamic vinegar I could find, so I headed off into the surrounding countryside, south of the city, to track it down.
Read moreTwo of my most favourite foods are Parmesan and Parma ham. Both must be produced, by law, within the Emilia-Romagna region, close to the attractive city of Parma. So it was without question that I hit the road and headed directly for it.
Read more