I tried this creamy saffron and prawn risotto on my first trip to Rome many years ago. We had some excellent food on our Roman holiday but this  particular meal near our hotel in Testaccio was without a doubt, the best and most memorable.

Risotto alla Crema di Scampi is clearly a Roman specialty as I haven’t come across it anywhere else in Italy.  I’ve tried hunting down recipes many times over the years without much success  but got lucky a few days ago when I found a few Risotto alla Crema di Scampi recipes…all in Italian! Thank God for Google Translate!

Italy is one of my favourite places in the world. I have visited many times over the years and each trip has been so memorable.

Eating the most divine and authentic pizza in Naples, a beautiful Tuscan holiday with family, driving through the breathtaking Amalfi coast and discovering the best (and worst!) Italian food in Rome are just a few of my favourite memories of Italy.

Last Friday, I caught an episode of Gino’s Italian Escape, an ITV series featuring Italian chef Gino D’Acampo as he travels to various parts of  Italy introducing viewers to classic Italian recipes. In this episode, Gino was in Rome and making a traditional Roman Bucatini alla Carbonara  – without the cream.

On this day, exactly one year ago, I experienced beautiful Tuscany for the very first time. I still vividly remember the long drive from Bologna to our villa at the Castello di Casole, through those spectacular green hills and vineyards. An unforgettable holiday spent with our lovely family enjoying delicious food and wine at the most luxurious  Tuscan villa – pure bliss!

I love to travel and Italy ranks high up (if not, at the top!) of my favourite destinations list. Food, dessert, wine, art, fashion, design – the Italians always seem to get it right, don’t they? From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the striking Amalfi coast, Italy never ceases to amaze me.