Carmela Sereno Hayes

An Italian food writer and cookery tutor, raised on a small farm in the North of Bedfordshire. Though I was raised on the outskirts of Bedford town, known by many as ‘Little Italy’, my family originates from the regions of Puglia and Molise, in the South of Italy. Today, I live in a small Northamptonshire village with my four children and husband where I attempt to balance my family life with work as an Italian food writer, cookery tutor, cook, demonstrator and recipe developer.

Sharing my love of Italian food through my work as an Italian cookery author, magazine contributor and fortnightly food columnist for my local newspaper The Chronicle & Echo. Writing and pasta work gained the attention of ‘Filippo Berio’ Olive Oil who sponsor my fortnightly Supper Club, the success of which sees each session sold out months in advance.

My new book Northern & Central Italian Family Cooking takes the reader on a culinary journey from the breath-taking dolomites and as far south as Lazio and Abruzzo. I explore the northern regions of Italy while focusing on polenta, rice, gnocchi, pasta, meat, game and seafood dishes. Not forgetting cakes and biscotti with a strong selection of aperitivi & digestivi for all palates. My passion for the Italian food and drink culture is at the forefront of every recipe I create. The recipes in Northern and Central Italian Family Cooking, blend the seasonal ingredients of the north with the cucina povera style cooking of the south of Italy.

My first book, Southern Italian Family Cooking, was a true labour of love, which showcased the very best dishes of the South of Italy with a few added personal favourites for good measure. The recipes in this book show my passion for the cucina povera style of cooking and encourages the use of seasonal ingredients in everyday family life. Book 2, A Passion for Pasta, showcases different regional pastas alongside their complimentary sauces.
How to make your own pasta was released during lockdown 2020, giving the a reader a quick yet helpful and concise glance into the wonder of how to make your own pasta, with 'Pasta Fresca', my next book being released October 2021.
For more details please visit: www.carmelas-kitchen.com

Professions

Author

Special subjects

Pastaia - specialising in pasta. Author, chef, tutor.

Regular work

I run Italian cookery classes from my home school 'pasta room' as well teach for La Cucina Caldesi in Marylebone, 57 Dulwich Cookery School, The Yorkshire Wold Cookery School and The Farm Cookery school. Every month I run 2 exclusive supper clubs from a small Italian deli in Northamptonshire and have just launched a range of pasta under the umbrella of #carmelaskitchen. I also write fortnightly food columns for The Chronicle newspaper in Northamptonshire.

Languages spoken

English and Italian

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