January – December, 2018
Food porn in Rogliano is a culmination of the wonderful times spent in southern Italy’s Calabria region, to indulge in amazingly edible creations!
I’m dedicating this post to my good friend Maria from Le Manche – a couple of kilometres from Rogliano – for continually creating such incredible works of art that sometimes, are just too artistic to eat.
To say that Italians are passionate about food is an understatement. And, this year this passion takes me to Rogliano on food quests countless times.
Where is Rogliano?
As Rogliano isn’t really on the tourist milk-run, then this map gives you a good indication of where in Italy this sleepy village is, should you want to visit.
I’ve published another post on Rogliano, which helps with travel information and tips, but only touches on food.
Food background
I need to give you some background on why Maria creates such works of art.
Running a high-end catering business in London for 25 years, food is not only about tasting amazing, but also about excellent presentation, which makes a dish so much more appealing. I’m learning loads from my naturally gifted, personal Master Chef.
Food garden
Most Italians but especially in southern Italy that have some sort of backyard, will definitely grow their own basics. It’s not uncommon to see various types of tomatoes, olives, fresh herbs, cucumbers, zucchini, citrus fruits, apples, but to name just a few, in backyards – Maria is no different.
I believe that the food prepared at Casa Maria tastes so luscious because everything is picked fresh from the garden moments before going into a pot.

The flavour in locally grown fruits and vegetables is indescribably tasty. Even the plain old potato is taken to another divine level when only steamed or boiled.

Perhaps it’s the soil, the lack of pesticides, how lovingly everything is planted, the fact that everything is seasonal, or it’s just the region in southern Italy…

…I’m not sure, but it’s similar to when I was a child growing up in Australia and my father was a farmer, but also hailed from Calabria.
We used to pick fresh fruit and vegetables straight from the farm, gorging ourselves until so full that laying under a tree was our only recovery.
Now for some food porn…
Although in Australia I never cooked with zucchini flowers, here in southern Italy this fresh ingredient is found in many recipes, of which one of my very favourites is zucchini fritters – simply delicious.
My first attempt at making these for a dinner party in Cosenza was a disaster and a gluggy mess. Luckily, I made a back-up starter so my friends didn’t starve.
These are Maria’s zucchini fritters and are lusciously perfect each time…
Passion fruit flower adorns this moist cake, which is also drizzled with a splattering of fresh passion fruit pulp, and topped with home-grown red currants and citrus peel.
Even breakfast is special…
…but regardless of the meal, everything is a work of art – see what I mean?
I’m happy to be the taste tester for any of Maria’s recipes, especially whilst Keith (Maria’s hubby) insists on keeping my glass topped up!
St. Valentine’s Day
On this lover’s day, a visit to Rogliano sees us eating again at Casa Maria with friends, music, and wine.
The theme is of course, Valentine’s Day. And, the table is adorned with fresh miniature roses for the ladies and cute Ti Amo (I love you) napkins.
Heart-shaped beets with individual quiche on a bed of fresh Rucola, and decorated with petite roses from the garden sets the Antipasto scene.
Fresh hand-made ravioli stuffed with pork and spices in a porcini (mushroom), artichoke, and pork sauce for Primi.
A medley of succulent seafood morsels with home-made Horseradish and refreshing mushy peas for Secondi.
To top off another creative meal is a Floating Island in brandy custard, accompanied with roasted almond slivers and a topping of crunchy caramelised strands.
A break from feasting as snow starts to fall creating a winter wonderland.
Food glorious food…
Just a selection of photos from yummy meals at Casa Maria and by no means all of the meals consumed here this year.
Roasted herbed potatoes with cauliflower mousse, flamed-seared baby carrot, and tender lime chicken.
Sublimely rich chocolate fondant with chocolate coulis. When cut, the centre slowly seeps melting chocolate lava.
Delectable fish mousse garnished with crispy bacon shreds.
Swiss Raclette sitting with individual trays to cook our own selection of meats and vegetables to our liking, whilst outside and of course with wine.
Divinely rich dark chocolate and almond torte accompanied with amaretto cream, fresh raspberries and strawberries, drizzled with passionfruit coulis…
…and I’m wondering why I’m putting on so much weight here – trust me when I say, it really is food porn in Italy!
Pizza parties
Something I’ve also learnt in Italy is that if there’s room in the backyard, then usually a pizza oven is built in somewhere close to the house, and Casa Maria is no exception.

Attending two pizza birthday parties, both times Eugenio the Pizzaiolo (pizza master) made deliciously amazing thin-crust pizzas – 80 to be exact on one night.
Eugenio worked like a beast but also ate, of course.
Check out this serious pizza oven and the master at work in my short video.
Maria is asking Eugenio if her homemade tomato passata is good, whilst others helping like to contribute to making the pizzas and my video attempt.
Family visits
Maria’s daughter is also a brilliant cook – must be in the DNA. Everything is homemade from scratch of course.
This feast includes fresh wild boar pâté with homemade chutney, pickled accompaniments, and crusty wholegrain toast for Antipasto.
Seared salmon with a medley of gently stripped vegetables for Secondi.
Short cake with whiskey cream, fresh red currants, and a red currant coulis for dessert.
A better close-up shot…
On one other occasion, this chef treated us to an Indian curry meal, which I have to say is the best curry that I’ve tried so far.
Any excuse to eat…
After consuming many pizzas during this birthday party for the 2nd generation of great cooks, it’s on to a selection of traditional Calabrese cakes.
Delightful moist torte following another excellent pizza birthday party for the 3rd generation of great cooks.
Ladies lunch
With another kind invitation to a luncheon in Le Manche, it’s off to Rogliano I go.
The table is beautifully set with sprigs of fresh flowers and a bottle of local red.
But first, chilled Prosecco with fresh floating pomegranate arils, awaits.
Smoked salmon drizzled with a citrus vinaigrette on a bed of assorted leafy greens for Antipasto.
So busy enjoying my A La Carte feast that I forgot to take a photo of the Secondi, sorry.
Individual meringues with lemon curd, crushed toasted almonds, fresh passion fruit pulp, and Cointreau cream for dessert.
As always Maria is a wonderful host and dedicates so much time and passion to scrumptious creations in her kitchen.

Food festivals
There always seems to be a festival on that either relates to food or involves food.
Whether the celebration honours the humble olive, wine, chestnut, bread, chocolate, potato, or other food – it’s any excuse for a festival and why not? This is Italy after all: The Land of Food.
Only taking in the Festa del Pane (bread festival) on a visit to Rogliano, this is enough to set eyes on a massive 4-kilogram artisanal, traditional wood-fire oven-baked bread – a creation of the famous Panificio Cuti on via E. Altomare 6, in Rogliano.
Breads from 2 to 4 kilograms are on sale – crusty on the outside and heavenly soft on the inside.
Last year I also popped over to the Chestnut Festival in Carpanzano – a small village only a stone’s throw from Rogliano. Most cities, towns, and villages revel in festivals throughout the year.
In Cosenza, many food festivals are held each year and I’ve published several posts, which you may wish to read: Food and Frivolity around Cosenza, Food and Frivolity around Cosenza, Calabria Part:2, Food and Frivolity around Cosenza, Part: 3, and the Chocolate Festival.
What I’ve learnt about food?
Southern Italians are amazing cooks!
Food is an intrinsic part of Calabrese life and somewhat a mantra. Lunch is never a fleeting moment in time, but usually lasts a few hours, especially on a Sunday.
Everyone in Calabria seems to be an excellent cook. I’m apprehensive about cooking pasta for a local, as it really is a passion here with hundreds of recipes.
On the many occasions that I visit Casa Maria or relatives in Calabria, the pasta is made from scratch with passion that morning.
Pasta making is a skill I’m yet to learn, but for now, I’ll leave you with one of my own creations…
Fresh Fusilli – shop bought pasta – with smoked salmon, sweet cherry tomatoes, yellow and red peppers, in a tangy lemon sauce. A sprinkling of fresh chives from my own pot and a light dusting of grated parmesan cheese, makes this dish very tasty, if I do say so myself. 🙂
Still have loads to learn from Maria, so bring on the 2019 food feasts!
Visit Nilla’s Photography for more global images. More posts on Italy.
Buongiorno Nilla.
Wow. Thanks for such a fulsome response, packed with good advice 😀
I think I have seen some of Nicole’s writing but that is the closest I can claim to know her, but I’d be happy to add her to my network of Calabrian contacts who can provide wise counsel about visiting the province. I am based in London but am slightly familiar with Sheffield…
Much as it grieves me to delay my visit, I think September is looking the most likely jumping off point for me. Having access to your friends, who act as guides, would be really beneficial, so thank you for the offer of assistance.
I read your post on Italian language (and watched the video on hand gestures – some of which I already knew, but mostly the ruder gestures! 😳) which just served to remind me how little of the language I know but, bolstered by my essential words and phrases of Italian , together with a smattering of French + a phrase book and a modicum of charm I hope I’ll survive.
BTW I also stumbled across your food porn post which had my taste buds tingling and my tummy rumbling. You really bring to life the Italian’s atavistic desire to eat well. I always love the expression bella figura – since it sums up so much about how the Italian’s approach their lifestyle and culture and their viewpoint.
I will follow your suggestion to keep in touch, as travel becomes possible once again, it is tremendously reassuring to have your experience and knowledge to tap into as a resource Nilla.
Buona giornata
Michele
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Ciao
Glad you can decipher and glean what you need to start planning your escape, hopefully in the near future. Crazy times right now and hope that September is OK for travelling, time will tell.
Ha, ha, the Italian sign language is very expressive. Everyone usually starts with learning the rude signs (or rude words). I’m sure you’ll survive and a smile usually goes a long way in Italy.
Cool you enjoyed this Food Porn in Rogliano post as much as I enjoyed writing it and yes, it made me hungry also – would love to get back there…
No problem at all and if I can be of any help, I’m happy to do so.
Cheers
Nilla
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Yet again, a “delectable” post from you..!!
Thanks to you, I am getting to learn about so many unexplored places of Italy, each offering not one or two, but countless unique variety of culinary delights..!!
Can’t wait to pay a visit to Italy again..!!
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Italy offers a plethora of wonderful food and traditional dishes. You’ll have a ball eating your way around Italy.
Where in Italy have you visited?
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I paid a visit to Italy in the Summer of 2019 in Turin (Piedmont Region).. Needless to say I was swept off my feet due to the weather (for the first time in life I was happy to be in a warm sunny climate), the amalgamation of the classic and modernity and food.. 🙂
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Lovely! I have relatives in Turin but haven’t visited them there yet…
Sounds as though you had a lovely time in Italy – so much history to absorb.
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Indeed I had a lovely time in Turin..!! Don’t have words to describe it.. 🙂
Glad to know that you have relatives over there.. Hope you write about Turin as well when you pay a visit to that enchanting place..!!
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Yes, I have relatives all over Italy, even in Genoa.
I still haven’t visited everyone.
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Reblogged this on LIVING THE DREAM.
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Many thanks for the re-blog!
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great post….food must be delicious
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Thank you and yes, the food is amazingly delicious!
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Very informative post. Thanks!
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Thank you. I had to remove your link as it displayed an error 404, sorry.
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Gorgeous! My mouth is watering!
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Thank you Rachna – it’s truly scrumptious food!
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Everything looks so delicious! 😋😋 Luckily my hubby is Italian and a great cook 😊😉 Italian cuisine for me is the best 😉 Always fresh ingredients and cooked to perfection 😉
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Glad you enjoyed my post. A visit to Rogliano is always a culinary experience!
Fresh ingredients but also home-grown changes the flavour of any dish. 😉
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Agree 😋😋
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I can see why you are happy to volunteer your services as a taste tester! It all looks delicious.
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Ha, ha always happy to be the guinea pig and just came back from a couple of days of feasting in Rogliano – wonderfully scrumptious!
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Love zucchini flowers! And your pasta dish looks delicious. It’s wonderful that if you (read that, me) have zero inclination to make your own pasta, there are plenty of opportunities to purchase fresh pasta in shops. Enjoy!
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Thanks Karen, they’re wonderfully tasty in meals. I now use the flowers in some pasta sauces and i does add another dimension to the dish.
I still would like to learn how to make pasta from scratch – just can’t remember how my mother used to make it as with gnocchi – a blank. 😉
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Yummy! one of the happiest migrations to Peru is the Italian one with, among other qualities, their delicious cuisine.
I tend to think there are things in the world I would not eat because they are quite exotic to me (and I think others feel the same about the local cuisine of my region) but with Italian food I feel I could try with food porn pleasure everything. Thank you, Nilla for this fantastic voyage ^w^
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Hi Francis, I totally agree with you about Italian food, although delicacies here (and when I was growing up) are tripe, blood pudding, ok tongue, and more – I can’t stomach these…
I’m currently changing WP themes, so hoping that my site is functioning OK? Still have customisation to finish.
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From my side I see the photographs and the text displaying correctly. : )
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Thank you. I’m still working on tweaking everything. 🙂
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So much deliciousness in one post!! Everything looks amazing!!!!
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Indeed and ongoing deliciousness – still so many photos I didn’t include in this post…maybe I need a part 2!
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The photographs are pulling me 😛
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Ha, ha, my food photography doesn’t really do the dishes justice – I need to practice more as these meals and desserts were really delicious and by no means all of the meals I had! 😉
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I need to walk off the calories gained by just looking at dessert!
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ha, ha, that made me laugh but this post is too evil and you’re right – just looking at these amazing creations puts on weight!
Many thanks for your feedback.
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Like your cool shades!
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Thanks. I hate having my photo taken – wrong end of camera for me, so hide behind the shades. 😉
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I suspect your hiding such pretty eyes so you don’t have to beat them off with a stick!
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Ha, ha, thanks Hal for your kind comment, but not sure about beating anyone off with a stick! 🙂
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Beautiful photos! Thank you for sharing!
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Thank you for your feedback and happy that you enjoyed my post.
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Food feasts indeed. Hi Nilla, Happy New Year. What inspirational food. These are the type of photos I need to help me find my cooking mojo. I have a few ideas from the wonderful photos. I like the look of your own pasta recipe too. I do a similar one with baby tomatoes, salmon or tuna and fresh mint! The lemon sauce sounds interesting … any secret ingredient in your sauce for this dish? Bring on more! Louise
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Hi Louise – happy new year to you!
Great to hear your thoughts and that I’ve given your mojo a little spur on! I need to practise food photography as I’m still learning – most of these are taken with my little compact camera and not The Beast.
The fresh mint sounds lovely and I’ll try that version. For the lemon sauce, I vary it depending on what I have in the cupboard or growing in my pots on the balcony. I added fresh lemon basil (tiny leaves) to this version with lemon juice and white wine, and sometimes a little fresh parsley also. In the past, I also added a tiny bit of cream or snipped a dried cilli into the pot, but only so it’s a hint and not spicy at all – just takes it to another level. Let me know how your recipe goes… 😉
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It all looks amazing! Maria is an amazing cook and hostess!
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Yes she definitely is Caterina and Keith (Maria’s husband) is also very hospitable. Both love entertaining and sharing food and wine, with friends and family.
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Excellent narrative and delicious food that left me overwhelmed 👏👏👍🤝
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Thank you!
With meals such as these, they really speak for themselves and I only needed to add a few words – Maria is really a wonderful cook and artist!
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Another great post…makes me want to eat everything!!
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Many thanks for you comment Neil and yes, makes me want to eat everything again!
I need to practise my food photography though…
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Awesome pictures. Looks so yum. Your description is great Nilla.
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Thank you for commenting Sudha and happy that you enjoyed my post!
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Ok, the salivating down here in NZ 🙂 Really enjoyed this post. Well, I would do as I love eating 🙂
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Thanks Suzanne – I was salivating writing and selecting photos for this post!
I have so many more photos of dishes that I didn’t include, but the post is long enough. 😉
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Mille grazie Nilla per avermi ricordato delle meravigliose volte che ci godiamo insieme.
Many thanks Nilla for reminding me of the wonderful times we enjoy together
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I need to thank you for the many times you cook for me and teach me valuable tips! I’m sure there will be many more to come yet…
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Great post 🙂
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Thank you for your feedback and I’m glad you enjoyed my post. 🙂
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