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Newsletter: 📚Antonio Carluccio’s Italian classics + romantic cooking for Valentine’s Day💕

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Antonio Carluccio’s legacy: love, food and Italian tradition

Just in time for Valentine's Day, four titles by Antonio Carluccio are added to ckbk this week. We take a look back at Carluccio’s remarkable journey – from the son of a stationmaster in a small Italian village to the UK's cherished "Godfather of Italian food.”

His legacy spans decades, transforming British food culture by bringing authentic Italian flavors, ingredients and recipes into the spotlight with dishes such as Mushroom Arancini, now a firm favorite in the UK.
Be seduced in particular by his lifelong love of mushrooms.

Savor the rich flavours of Carluccio’s Roast Pork with Four Mushrooms, warm up with hearty Rabbit Casserole with Winter Chanterelles, or indulge in the comforting veggie classic, Caponatina di Melanzane.
We caught up with fellow chef and friend Gennaro Contaldo and two of the trustees of the Antonio Carluccio Foundation—Simon Kossoff (co-founder of the Carluccio’s restaurant business) and Sabine Stevenson (Carluccio’s “partner in happiness”). Relive the romance of the very first dish Carluccio ever cooked for Sabine, straight from the pages of his books.
Discover Antonio Carluccio’s legacy with our feature
Pictured above: Polenta Sulla Spianatora from Antonio Carluccio – The Collection by Antonio Carluccio

Preparing for Valentine's

In our recent feature with Jo Pratt we asked her for tips about a romantic dîner à deux at home. She told us "My approach is all about keeping things simple, so you can spend more time enjoying the evening together and less time stressing or making a mess in the kitchen.”
 
She suggested starting with something fun and shareable, like a seafood platter, or impress with her make-ahead Seared Tuna Carpaccio.

For mains, a slow-cooked dish like Redcurrant Venison Bourguignon means no last-minute stress, while Scallop and Pancetta Linguine is perfect for cooking together.

For dessert, try her Rich Chocolate and Orange Mousse or zesty Lime and Passion Fruit Cheesecakes, both easy to prepare ahead.
 

If you’re feeling ambitious, take inspiration from this new addition to ckbk, William Curley’s Couture Chocolate - try his indulgent Chocolate & Peanut Ice Cream, or glossy Chocolate Tarts to impress. For even more show-stopping desserts, Patisserie, co-authored with his wife Suzue Curley, is filled with stunning recipes to elevate your baking.

And for a truly romantic touch – why not make it a team effort and cook together?

For musical accompaniment, you could put on the ckbk Antonio Carluccio Desert Island Disc playlist on Spotify inspired by his appearance on the BBC Radio 4 show back in 2008. La ciliegina sulla torta (the icing on the cake!).

Ingredient focus: salsify

Salsify, sometimes called the "oyster plant" for its subtle, slightly briny flavor, is a delicate root vegetable prized for its versatility.
 
Though its knobbly exterior may not look promising, its creamy, nutty flesh rewards those who take the time to prepare it properly. Cook gently to preserve the tender texture and avoid turning it to mush.

Make the most of salsify’s winter season from late autumn through early spring with our 12 Ways with Salsify collection. Try Salsify Fritters, where the roots are shredded and fried to crisp perfection. Or pair salsify with cider for a comforting dish of Salsifis au cidre.
 
It also shines in a Salad of Sprout Tops, Salsify and Ham Hock, where its mild sweetness complements the smoky richness of the ham.

6 fillings for bagels

On a roll... try these bagel fillings from classic cream cheese and salmon to salt beef brisket, or a clever vegan version reminiscent of a salt beef sandwich.

The Jack Reuben

from Vegan(ish) by Jack Monroe

Boost-Me-Baby Bagel

from The 20-Minute Vegan: Quick, Easy Food (That Just So Happens to be Plant-based) by Calum Harris

Cream cheese, salmon + caper bagel

from Chefs Eat Breakfast Too by Darren Purchese

Salt Beef Bagel

from Brunch with Brother Marcus by Tasos Gaitanos and Alex Large

Peanut butter, cheesy omelette + BLT toasted bagel

from Chefs Eat Toasties Too by Darren Purchese

Goat’s Cheese Filling

from New York Christmas by Lars Wentrup and Lisa Nieschlag