When you think of classic food pairings, the likes of bacon and eggs, burger and chips, and mashed potatoes and gravy spring to mind.
But have you ever considered mixing fruit and pasta? How does chocolate strawberry pasta, Hawaiian pasta bake, blueberry cannelloni and lime lamb fettuccine sound?
Inspired by memories of her childhood, one Werribee mother has written a cookbook which merges fruit and pasta to create a collection of unique, mouth-watering dishes.
For Jane Amparis, the inspiration for Fruity Pasta Sensations was sparked while preparing food for her baby son.
“I was crushing grapes and had cooked some pasta and I thought, I wonder if these would work together,” she said.
“After coming up with the idea for a book, I started brainstorming what kinds of fruit I thought would work with pasta and what flavours could be integrated into sauces.”
Growing up surrounded by a strong Italian culture, Ms Amparis enjoyed sharing meals with her family, while it was her nonna who inspired her passion for cooking.
“She was very much a traditional Italian cook and she would probably say, ‘What have you done to the pasta?’ But I know she would be proud.”
The public is invited to the book’s launch on November 29 from 1pm at WynCity Bowl and Entertainment, 36 Wallace Avenue, Point Cook.
Samples of the book’s recipes will be available, and copies of the book will be on sale for $26 with an e-book for $11.99 available at www.amazon.com.
