Here at Limoncello we haven’t failed to notice ‘that’ time of year has crept upon us again.  No sooner have the first leaves of Autumn touched the ground then it seems time to bring out the Christmas decorations.  Which means it’s also time to think about what to get that one person who is always so difficult to buy for, luckily we’ve got a few ideas for you.  One gift that always works well is the Christmas Hamper due to it being so personal and thougthful.  Here at Limoncello the hampers come in three sizes and can be gift wrapped with cellophane and ribbon for an elegant touch.  You can decide exactly what goes in it or, if you only have an idea of what Uncle M. or Grandma may like, ask us to make one up for you... booze is usually fairly popular!

Those looking for a real decadent treat – and if you can’t be decadent at Christmas when can you? – may want to try something from our truffle selection.  That said if the one you’re purchasing a hamper for has a sweet tooth we have an array of chocolates, biscotti, nougat and our ever popular panettone. 

These incredible Italian Christmas cakes are available in many guises.  Chocolate, fruit, infused with Limoncello (we particularly like this one...obviously!) or Vin Santo which translates as holy wine.  Any one of our panettone would make a great hamper centre piece and, we believe, are among the most succulent and flavoursome Italian cakes you’ll find in Cambridge.

No one’s saying you can’t run around a chain store for Christmas presents or sit at home on your laptop clicking which gifts to buy for people on a website.  But wouldn’t it be nicer to relax in a locally owned independent shop. Drinking a freshly brewed coffee, safe in the knowledge that this year the gift you give will truly be appreciated.

We know which one we’d prefer you do!

Once summer has gone and the colder months stretch out before us we all need a bit of a pick me up and October is that time of year when a treat becomes a necessity, which is where Limoncello can help you out.

When it comes to food, a true delicacy has to be truffles. Usually hunted out by pigs and mixed breed dogs in Italy they have been called the ‘diamond of the kitchen’. Whether you’re trying them for the first time, as a way to impress at a dinner party or are a firm favourite with your family (lucky them!), we have an array of ways you can sample the ultimate indulgence.

Kitchen connoisseurs may want to splash out on white truffles and slice them into risottos or pastas, simple yet sumptuous.  Black truffles have an earthier aroma, my research suggests these are better when cooked (as opposed to the white ones) and used in full-bodied dishes with stronger flavours. 

If the idea of going the whole hog (pardon the pun) is too much for your palate, you could try truffle oil added to your meals as a more affordable way to get a little luxury into supper time.  White truffle honey can be drizzled over cheeses or freshly prepared breads - you can get some lovely ones here! - if you wanted a themed dessert. 

A good fig is a real find.  While it can be difficult to transport ripe figs undamaged from their home country, these ones that have been baked in their own leaves are soft and fruity.  Perfect for the Autumn season.  There’s an inordinate amount of recipes, both sweet and savoury for figs but really all you need is a little good quality ice cream and a drizzle of honey, delicious.  These and many more Italian treats are ready for you to sample and purchase at Limoncello.  Come on in, the door is open!

What’s your favourite truffle or fig recipe? 

August may not have been the heatwave we were all hoping for but Autumn waits for no man, those crisp evenings are drawing ever closer and all the colours of this new season are almost upon us.  Now that the holidays are over and the new school year has started, here at Limoncello we decided it's the right time to relaunch the blog. And we’re hoping you’ll want to be part of it. 

We want to know what it is you would most like to see on these posts.  Whether that be recipes, events, classes or local news. You might just fancy a nose at what we’ve been up to or want early notice of when the latest, unique ingredients are ready for you to taste and discover. Maybe you’ve got questions you want answered about Italian cuisine, whatever it is, we’re all orecchie (ears).

Drop us a comment here or over on our Facebook and Twitter sites.  We also have great plans for new Instagram and Pinterest pages that you can ponder over, follow and find out all about Limoncello. 

We can’t wait to hear from you.