All Traditions | Recipes | Garden | Pastimes
A Chat with Nonno Carmelo
“Commendatore” is a title awarded by the Italian Government since 1951 for merit to people who have a profound impact on society in the political, social, economic, medical and cultural fields. Assaggio was honoured to have the chance to enjoy a “chiacchierata” (a chat) with Commendatore Carmelo Caruso AM ~ an icon in the Italo-Australian community of Brisbane. Prepare “un bel caffè” (a nice coffee) and enjoy learning about this Nonno’s story!
Nonna Sarina’s Cotolette
Nonna Sarina’s Cotolette (crumbed steak) are a tradition in themselves. Loved by all, they are a true family favourite!
Nonno Franco’s Pomodori (Part 1)
Nonno Franco has refined the art of planting pomodori (tomatoes). This is part one of how to grow your own tomatoes using tomato seeds.
Nonna Carmelina’s Sugo & Polpette
Nonna Carmelina’s Sunday lunch classic! This is a tradition passed down by her Mamma with a sugo (sauce) that’s “meraviglioso” (marvelous/wonderful) and her famous polpette (meatballs), this recipe brings loved ones together…every Sunday!
Nonno Franco’s famose Salsicce siciliane
Nonno Franco’s Salsicce Siciliane (Sicilian-style sausages) will have you wondering why you haven’t been making your own sausages forever! This recipe can be made in your own kitchen with a bit of volontà (good will) as you learn Nonno Franco’s secret to this famous recipe.
Olive Schiacciate
“Squashed Olives” — a traditional and delicious way to prepare, preserve, and savor olives. This recipe experience is guided by Nonna Sarina & Nonno Franco, who lovingly share their three-to-four-day method for making authentic olive schiacciate. All you need are fresh, in-season green olives (autumn is the perfect time!) and your favorite “squashing tool” to take part in this hands-on tradition. According to Nonna Sarina, it’s also an excellent form of stress relief — so get ready to squash, laugh, and enjoy.
Nonna Carmelina’s Pizza
A family favourite and what better way to bring your loved ones together than with a pizza party! Join Nonna Carmelina as she shares with you her homestyle pizza!
Nonna lina’s savoiardi (Biscuits)
Nonna Lina’s Savoiardi, the classic Italian biscuits, are a wonderful simple treat to enjoy on their own, dunked in coffee or in your favourite tiramisù recipe! Nonna Lina loves sharing savoiardi with her family, friends and neighbours to sweeten their day.
Arancini with Nonna Carmelina
Step into the heart of Italian tradition with our Arancini recipe experience, where every bite carries the warmth of Sicily and the love of generations. Make a day of it as we prepare these golden, crispy rice balls, with their perfectly seasoned filling, bursting with flavour and tradition. Join Chiara & Nonna Carmelina to learn the art of Arancini – perfect for sharing with family and friends!
Nonna Carmelina’s Caponata
Nonna Carmelina’s Caponata (vegetable medley) is a delicious mix of eggplant, capsicum and more! This is a classic and delicious mid-week lunch special at Nonna’s house, enjoyed on its own, with fresh pane (bread) or as a side dish!
Briscola (Italian Card Game)
Nonna Maria & Nonno Sebastiano share how to play a much-loved card game, ‘Briscola’. The husband and wife duo both learned how to play with their families and shared some amusing tips and tricks. Come play!
Nonna sarina’s Pasta D’Epoca (Heirloom Pasta)
Nonna Sarina’s heirloom pasta — maccarruni (Sicilian-style fresh pasta) is a special recipe, dear to her heart because of an unlikely but special tool.
NonnA Carmelina’s pasta fresca
There’s nothing quite like making your own pasta, feeling the dough form beneath your palms and admiring the sheets glide through the pasta machine. Join Nonna Carmelina for her Pasta Fresca (Fresh Pasta). Perfect for Lasagna or Fettuccine.
Nonna Carmelina’s Lasagna
A family favourite for special occasions! Come along for a special experience with Nonna Carmelina, together with her sister, as we prepare the most amazing Lasagna. A recipe passed down from their Mamma!
Scopa (Italian Card Game)
Three Nonni and a lesson on how to play the traditional Italian Card game, “Scopa” or sweep…what could go wrong? Join us for this hilarious adventure in traditional Italian pastimes!
Nonna Maria’s Fresh Bread & Pane “cunzato”
If you like fresh bread, you’re going to love this recipe! Nonna Maria shares her bread making journey from when she was 13 years old, beginning with the “lievito madre” (mother yeast) all the way through to “pane cunzato” (a sicilian specialty so delicious no words can do it justice, you just have to try it yourself).
Nonna Carmelina’s Paste di Macadamia
An Assaggio First Birthday Special! A nutty twist on the classic “paste di mandorle” (biscuits traditionally made with almond meal). Paying tribute to our humble beginnings (a granddaughter born in Australia and raised by four Italian grandparents).
Nonna Maria Teresa’s Limoncello
You may have tried Limoncello, but have you tried Nonna Maria Teresa’s Limoncello? In our humble opinion, it’s the best! After much trial and error, this recipe has been crafted to perfection and is the staple for every lunch, dinner and any excuse to savour “un bel bicchierino di limoncello” (a nice little glass of limoncello). An Assaggio first from our brand new Nonna — and she sure has joined us with a bang!
Nonno Franco’s pomodori (part 2)
The tomato growing series continues! Join us for part two of this tomato-growing adventure.
Nonno Franco’s pomodori (part 3)
For the third part of the tomato growing series, we will see how to plant the seedlings in the properly prepared soil!
Nonno Franco’s pomodori (part 4)
The fourth and final part of the tomato growing series will ensure your crops are set up for success and ready to produce some genuine, homegrown quality tomatoes!
“Zappa la Terra” with Nonno Franco
Growing crops is all about the “goodness” of the soil. Roots & weeds absorb the nutrients of the ground, so it’s important to make sure that your patch of land is ready to give all its nourishment to the crops being planted. Join Nonno Franco as he teaches the art of how to “prepare the land” (zappa la terra).
Nonna Sarina’s Pomodori sotto olio
Nonna Sarina’s Pomodori Sotto Olio (pickled tomatoes or tomatoes preserved in olive oil) will leave you wanting more. This simple recipe brings a burst of flavour and pairs perfectly with fresh bread, nestled in a panino or tossed in a salad. Once you’ve tasted them, you’ll understand what makes them a tradition worth savouring.
Nonna Carmelina’s “Zippoli”
A family favourite that spans generations and continents. This is a super simple recipe made from rice, flour and milk, fried and coated in cinnamon and sugar. The name “Zippoli” we believe comes from an old Sicilian Dialect for “zeppole” in Italian — or perhaps Nonna Anna made it up. Enjoy and listen along to Nonna Carmelina’s heart warming and tummy pleasing family tradition!
Nonna Sarina’s Grilled Eggplants
The perfect accompaniment to any meal, this recipe experience features a family heirloom that’s still grilling up a treat 52 years later! Join Nonna Sarina and she shares her version of “milinciani arrustiti” (sicilian for grilled eggplants). We’re even throwing in a bit of a Sicilian Lesson!
Coffee with Nonna Lina
“La chiacchierata” (chat) is a cherished Italian tradition best enjoyed with “un bel caffè” (a nice coffee). Join Nonna Lina as she shares her love story—a tale of love at first sight from a time very different from ours. In this cosy setting, you’ll explore the rich traditions and life lessons that Nonna has to share.
Coffee with Nonna Carmelina
There’s nothing better than pulling up a chair and enjoying “un bel caffè” (a nice coffee) with Nonna! Join us for this “chiacchierata” (chat) where you’ll learn about a charming tradition and an incredibly courageous story of a young Italian “fanciulla” (girl) who was married by proxy! See you at the table!
Nonno Sebastiano’s Pasta!
Nonno Sebastiano’s pasta with garlic, oil and chilli. A simple and delicious recipe for those who need something quick but still want to eat well! In this cooking experience, Nonno Sebastiano will be your guide as he prepares his favorite dish—perfect for those moments when you don’t know what to cook. Join us for this video experience with the legendary Nonno Sebastiano. Buon appetito!
Nonna CARMELINA’S OCTOPUS SALAD
Refreshing, delicious, and fun to make! Join Nonna Carmelina as she shares her recipe for Octopus Salad, complete with her personal tips, tricks, and a touch of Nonna charm.
Le polpette di nonna lina!
Nonna Lina’s meatballs — a recipe made at a lovingly slower pace, one that has joyfully nourished generations of her family. In this experience, you’ll discover that Nonna Lina’s meatballs are more than just a dish — they’re a chant, a celebration! Enjoy this colourful recipe experience with a side of classic Italian music and joyful sing-alongs. We can’t wait to share it with you!
Nonno Franco’s grilled Capsicums
There’s nothing quite like the smell of capsicums being grilled on the barbecue! Join Nonno Franco for this deliciously simple recipe experience to enjoy capsicums in one of the most authentic, traditional simple ways. A fresh, delicious recipe to enjoy alone with some tasty bread or alongside a tavolata (spread) of your favourite dishes.
Nonna Egidia’s Doughnuts!
Join Nonna Egidia for her family-favourite doughnut recipe, feeding the bellies of her five children, their children and now her great grandchildren. You’ll have a hoot with Nonna Egidia preparing this recipe. Roll-up your sleeves, work those elbows and be delighted by these light and fluffy rings of deliciousness!
Nonna carmelina’s sicilian Lamb
A simple but yummy dish prepared in one pot. A recipe typically prepared around Easter time with lamb, peas, potatoes and tomato, leaving a sauce perfect to mix with pasta and the meat to enjoy as a second course. Join Nonna Carmelina for this quick, simple and tasty recipe experience. Inspired by her mamma!