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Antonetta Santagata©,
since 2016

A citrus surprise: why the cedro is different from lemon or lime


Did you know that the cedro (citron) turns the usual citrus logic upside down? With lemons or limes we usually enjoy the fragrant zest and avoid the bitter white pith. The cedro, one of the oldest citrus fruits, does exactly the opposite. Its thick white pith is mild, fragrant and completely edible, […]

White bean hummus with red onions and radicchio — how to make


More than five years ago, I shared this white bean hummus with red onions and radicchio recipe on my blog. A dish rooted in simplicity, seasonality, and deep flavour. You can find the original post here:https://antonettasantagata.com/2021/02/white-bean-hummus-with-red-onions-and-radicchio/ Returning to it now, it feels just as relevant. Perhaps even more so. This […]

Did You Know? No Roses, but Radicchio 🌹


Did you know that the classic bouquet of roses in February is one of the least sustainable gifts you can choose? Most roses sold around Valentine’s Day are imported from countries far away. They travel thousands of kilometres, often grown in heated greenhouses, treated for durability, and flown in under […]

Homemade nectarine chutney: a sweet & spiced preserve for cheese boards


There is something deeply satisfying about preserving the best flavours of each season. This homemade nectarine chutney, with its balance of sweetness, gentle warmth, and subtle acidity, captures late-summer sunshine in a jar. It’s one of those small kitchen projects that rewards you again and again — especially when paired […]

🌾 Breaking bread with gratitude: reflections on World Food Day & World Bread Day


There is something deeply grounding about bread. A loaf begins with the simplest ingredients: flour, water, salt, and time. Yet it holds centuries of human history, tradition, and care. Bread nourishes us not only through what it gives our bodies, but also through what it represents: patience, community, and the […]

Flowers we trust: from Bluemehof to the Cibo & Vino table


At Cibo & Vino, every pop-up dinner is more than a menu – it’s a celebration of stories, traditions, and the people behind the ingredients. Just as we carefully choose producers who share our values when it comes to food, the same care goes into everything that sets the scene […]

A bowl for a heatwave


Some meals are best eaten slowly. Others are simply made to refresh, nourish, and carry you through the summer heat – like this salad we enjoyed some nights ago. With the temperature still lingering high well past sunset, we turned to what felt right: lukewarm Beluga lentils, tender tuna, juicy […]

Just me, my thoughts, and an unforgettable solo dinner at Oga in Asunción


There’s something quietly powerful about dining alone—giving your full attention to each bite, each sip, and how it all makes you feel. No distractions. Just presence. At Oga, this moment felt almost sacred. The flavours were exquisite, the care in every detail undeniable. It reminded me that food is not […]

From soil to supper: cooking with intention


Slow food isn’t just a movement — it’s a mindset It begins with ingredients that matter: organic potatoes from the local farm turned into creamy mash, Swiss white asparagus grown with care, slow-cooked organic chicken, and oven-roasted carrots full of natural sweetness. Every element on this plate tells a story […]

Discover the Magic of Magnolia Salt: A Floral Culinary Adventure


This weekend, I embarked on a fun project—making my very own magnolia salt! Not only is it a stunning addition to any dish, but it also brings a unique floral twist to your cooking. Let’s dive into the adventure of turning these gorgeous blossoms into a culinary delight! The Magic […]

A bowl of goodness: nourishment beyond the plate


Some dishes are more than just food—they are an experience, a moment of connection, a source of strength and purpose. This warming bowl, inspired by Anna Jones, embodies everything we believe in: slow food, homemade and real ingredients, and the power of gathering around the table. At Cibo & Vino, […]

My own version of good luck lentils – first receipe gift of 2025


At Cibo & Vino Cookbook Club, we love honouring traditions while adding our own modern, healthy, and delicious twist. Good luck lentils may not be my invention, but this recipe strikes the perfect balance. Think of the lentils as “jewels” representing prosperity, the richness of sausages as a nod to […]

Indonesian cuisine


Do you love exploring the world through food? For me, as a devoted foodie, one of the most delightful ways to dive into a new culture is by savouring its local cuisine. On a recent trip to Indonesia, I seized every chance to immerse myself in its vibrant flavours—and yes, […]

Kale and mozzarella


Who knew kale and mozzarella could be such a perfect match? While mozzarella often conjures up memories of sun-drenched summer days, I recently discovered how well Switzerland’s favorite cheese pairs with heartier, winter ingredients. Just think: two varieties of kale, each with its own vibrant crunch, brought to life by […]

Save the Date: exclusive Cibo & Vino Pop-Up Dinner on December 3rd!


Following the success of the last Cibo & Vino Cookbook Club gathering, I’m thrilled to announce the next edition of our pop-up dinner experience: Tuesday, December 3rd, 19:00 CET Location: Zürich, Switzerland This special evening will be dedicated to celebrating the culinary creations of Zürich’s very own Patrizia Fontana. We’ll […]

World Egg Day


🥚 It’s World Egg Day, and did you know that around 1.2 TRILLION eggs are eaten globally each year? Yep, that’s 1,200,000,000,000 eggs! 🤯 So let’s crack open some love for this little powerhouse of nutrition! Fun fact: The world record for the most eggs laid by a chicken in […]

Viva il pomodoro


Just one week ago, Cibo & Vino Cookbook Club hosted a mouthwatering pop-up dinner celebrating our star ingredient—the beloved tomato! 🍅 As I look back on that delicious evening, I can still taste the harmony of flavors. Food lovers indulged in a variety of dishes, some familiar and some delightfully unexpected. […]

Tomato – my love


The best part of the year is finally here! It’s the season when those lush, vibrant tomatoes, bursting with colors and flavors, are at their peak. This is when my creativity truly flourishes… Join me for an exclusive evening at the Cibo & Vino Cookbook Club Dinner on Thursday, September […]

And finally the evening came …


For those of you who follow my culinary adventures closely, you might have noticed that the much-anticipated inaugural Cibo & Vino Cookbook Club Dinner didn’t take place on April 25 as planned. However, last week the stars finally aligned, and I hosted my very first guests for an evening of […]

When it’s strawberry season


  For me, there are countless delightful ways to savor the brief but glorious strawberry season—my favorite being plucking them fresh, right from the plant. Some of you might have noticed that I’ve discovered a passion for baking in recent years. Naturally, my latest creation features strawberries since we are […]

Morning Glory


What better name than “morning glory” for someone like me who absolutely adores the quiet early hours of the day? But why is water spinach also called morning glory? Well, if you’re a bit of a plant enthusiast, you’ll quickly spot that the flowers of this lovely vegetable look a […]

The beauty of imperfection


Imagine this: you are standing in front of the oven, anticipation bubbling up as you reach for the handle. With a dramatic flourish, you swing open the door, expecting a culinary masterpiece. But instead of perfection, you’re greeted by… well, let’s just say it’s not exactly what you had in […]

A day of resties


You might find yourself wondering: what exactly are “resties”? Well, they’re simply leftovers – but I’ve taken a liking to the term. Quite unexpectedly, we found ourselves with a day of resties just a few days back. Perhaps it was the wintry weather creeping in again, or maybe it was […]

Pinky springy


Spring brings out my inner pink fanatic. This year, I went all out and decided to jazz up some homemade cookies in—you guessed it—pink. First things first, with those deliciously juicy blood oranges in season, I couldn’t resist incorporating their natural vibrant color into my baking. Picture the classic shortbread […]

Hasselback beetroot


Indulge in an early Spring delight with this light dinner that not only satisfies your taste buds but also delights your senses! Picture this: tender beetroot, sliced with precision just like Hasselback potatoes, lovingly seasoned with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and a hint of […]

Pretzel rolls


I find myself journeying to a corner of the world where the delightful concept of pretzel rolls is yet to be discovered. Despite the hotel I’m fortunate to stay in embracing a diverse array of bread from across the globe, the absence of pretzel baked goods is palpable. Enter the […]

An unusual lasagne


Imagine a culinary escapade that’s not just about fulfilling a lasagne craving but embarking on a flavor-filled odyssey. After a lasagne hiatus of 2-3 years, the inspiration has struck, and now, my kitchen is buzzing with creativity. Barely 10 days have passed since my last culinary masterpiece, and this time, […]

Winter’s Symphony Lasagne


Embark on a culinary adventure as we bid adieu to the pumpkin season in style! Picture this: layers of golden pumpkin intertwined with robust salsicce, crafting a masterpiece that transforms an ordinary winter day into a gastronomic delight. In this enchanting gastronomic symphony, the bold trio of sage, rosemary, and […]

Deep in the winter tastes and textures


Embracing the depths of winter in Switzerland, where the weather fluctuates between snowy landscapes and the first hints of spring, I felt inspired to craft a hearty meal using two wonderfully “earthy” ingredients. Rather than opting for the traditional Italian rabbit recipe, which usually involves roasting it with tomatoes and […]

Culinary highlights of 2023


What a year … full of emotions, health issues and surprises …! I am thankful for what 2023 gave me and am looking forward to 2024 and what it has to offer. 2023 was of course filled with culinary highlights … may this flow of creativity continue …!     […]

Züri Trüffel


While the days are gradually growing shorter, there’s a silver lining in Switzerland – mushroom season is currently in full swing, and it’s a delight to behold. Thanks to the perfect blend of sunshine and rain, these diverse fungi are not only abundant but also exceptionally flavorful. For the past […]

Bread and butter


It may sound simple, but trust me, it’s not as easy as it seems! Imagine this: a delicious loaf of bread paired with some creamy butter – it’s a heavenly combination! I recently attended a workshop where I learned how to bake a perfect, tangy bread and craft my own […]

World Pasta Day


Just a couple of days ago, we marked World Pasta Day (25.10), and I took a moment to reflect on what pasta means to me: the World! I mean, come on, is there anything more comforting, loving, and soul-filling than a plate of heavenly pasta? Some folks might tease Italians […]

The perfect weekend


What makes a weekend truly perfect, you ask? Well, let me paint you a vibrant picture! On Friday night, we had the absolute pleasure of hosting a dinner for a long-lost family friend. After years of lost contact, our paths crossed again a couple of weeks ago. Picture this: porcini […]

Mushrooms


As the days grow colder and autumn’s touch lingers in the air, there’s something special about heading to the local market for a handful of fresh, hearty mushrooms. Start by gently brushing off any lingering earth from the mushrooms, and remember, never soak them in water – that’s the secret […]

Autumn in my plate


The recent weather drop had me yearning for some hearty eats. As a meat lover, I couldn’t wait for game season, which is in full swing right now. I’m lucky to be in a city that serves up local Swiss game with some strict but much-needed rules – especially for […]

Who said you can’t eat a sandwich Sunday lunchtime


True, if you ask me what I typically like to eat for lunch on a Sunday,  a sandwich is not far from being at the very bottom of the list. Today is a different Sunday: being very low on energy the last three weeks, I decided this morning to both […]

Moqueca de peixe – a reunion


I can’t recommend this dish highly enough: three different tastes and textures of fish/seafood, the creaminess of coconut milk and the tang of a garlic, corriander and lime marinade. Served in a bowl of hearty rice this is a warm hug both for your soul and your stomach. You will […]

Puntarelle with orecchiette


Puntarelle are another of my beloved bitter winter greens. After having eaten them earlier this week as a salad, I decided to make up a quick pasta dish. The bitterness is more intense … a tiny spoon of sugar did the trick to make the dish “rounder”. To finish off, […]