Decisive Cravings - Melbourne food cafe and restaurant reviews

Valentina Vigni is the former co-owner of famed Brisbane pizzeria, La Lupa and currently the co-owner of Pilloni, Australia’s newest Sardinian restaurant. Born in Italy, Valentina has been living in Australia for over a decade. We discuss living outside your homeland, how she got into hospitality, why Sardinian food is...

Foodie Stuff / Gifts

My Favourite Cookbooks

by Decisive Cravings

My favourite cookbooks Cookbooks for me are somewhat of a hobby and addiction. At bookstores I always make a beeline to the cookbook section as I’m always keen to see what’s been newly released or which are the bestsellers. I remember listening to a cookbook seminar online a few years...

Recipes

Christmas Coconut Macaroons Recipe (two ways)

by Decisive Cravings

Christmas Coconut Macaroons Recipe This simple and sweet Christmas coconut macaroons recipe makes a festive favourite that is lovely to gift or serve to guests over the holidays. With a twist on the shape, it can create a bit of fun on your Christmas cookie plate. By Jen Curcio ...

Foodie Stuff / Recipes / Sweets

Papassini recipe (Sardinian Christmas biscuits)

by Decisive Cravings

Papassini recipe (Sardinian Christmas biscuits) This biscuit is made with so many variations across the island of Sardinia, also with variations to the name depending on where you come from. With a combination of sultanas, chopped nuts, spices, citrus zest, and a glazing of icing with a scatter of hundreds...

Recipes / Vegetarian

Tomato risoni/orzo with dill and mozzarella

by Decisive Cravings

Tomato risoni /orzo with dill and mozzarella Risoni or orzo as it is also called, is a type of pasta that I associate fondly with my childhood. It was stirred through milk soups or made with a quick broth and I always found it filling and comforting. Now of course,...

Recipes / Vegetarian

Cacio e Pepe Lasagna Recipe

by Decisive Cravings

Cacio e Pepe Lasagna Recipe For cheese lovers, a quick cacio e pepe pasta can be one of the ultimate comfort foods. Introducing cacio e pepe lasagna, an indulgent alternative to traditional lasagna where the layers combine BÉCHAMEL, CHEESE, and of course some freshly ground pepper. Back in 2017 Rome, my husband and I...

Foodie Stuff / Recipes

German Christmas Cookies Recipe (Weihnachtsplätzchen)

by Decisive Cravings

German Christmas Cookies (Weihnachtsplätzchen) Fun and simple, and essential to every Christmas baking schedule By Jen Curcio German Christmas Cookies are a wonderful addition to your baking plans over the festive season. They are like a cookie canvas with countless variations. You can glaze them, sandwich them together with a little...

Foodie Stuff / Recipes / Sweets

Tiramisù Recipe (without cream & alcohol)

by Decisive Cravings

Tiramisù Recipe (without cream and alcohol) By Jen Curcio This tiramisù recipe is a very special dish in my family which Mum only whips up for special celebrations or requests. After a fair bit of begging Mum finally agreed to share her tiramisù recipe. I’ve adapted it ever so slightly...

Recipes

Rum Balls (Yum Balls)

by Decisive Cravings

Rum Balls (Yum Balls) Ironically these rum balls contain no rum, which is why I also refer to them as yum balls. Any visitor to an Australian school fete or bake sale would be familiar with these classic little treats, especially around Christmas time. They’re very easy to put together,...

Recipes

Coconut and Raspberry Cake (Gluten and Dairy Free)

by Decisive Cravings

Coconut and Raspberry Cake (Gluten and Dairy Free) Recipe Serves 8, best consumed within three days Many years ago I was having afternoon tea with a food photographer, his wife had made us a beautiful cake to enjoy with our tea (pictured). He told me it was gluten free – hard...