Vita Italian Tours
03 9080 3440
  • About Us
  • Small Group Tours
  • Le Marche Region
  • Tailor-Made Tours
  • Italy Day Tours
  • School Tours
  • Blog
  • Contact Us

Pia Gava’s New Cookbook Brings Italian Food to Life

Posted 23 October, 2019 By Vita Italian Tours

Cooking show contestant, Pia Gava, takes us on an Italian journey through her new cookbook titled Pia’s Table. Since returning from her recent travels, booked through Vita Italian Tours/Pronto Travel, Pia found herself inspired by ingredients, destinations and people, with the help of Gianni from Pronto Travel.

What Pia said about her recent travels?

We didn’t dare rewrite Pia’s experience on her privately arranged holiday to Italy, as her story is full of excitement, happiness and inspiration, her love of food radiates. So, these are the words by Pia:


It’s always exciting planning for a trip! I love choosing places to visit, searching hotels, deciding if tours are suitable for you or just roaming around cities you’ve admired for your own personal adventure. I’m so glad that I was able to meet Gianni and his family from Pronto Travel/Vita Italian Tours, although we only meet just before my trip…it felt like I had known them all my life while we chatted about my travel plans whilst sipping coffee!

The travel experience and passion Gianni and his family can definitely be noticed. After every visit or phone chat I had with Gianni I was always uplifted and excited even more to start our travels. Gianni had helped plan our journey so perfectly that I can honestly say our trip was stress free. He had suggested specific places to visit, booked us into hotels that absolutely match our style and even when collating our travel documents Gianni added restaurant/cafes recommendations for every city and town we were visiting.

  • Pia Gava

My Italy trip was to be our own personal food tour with my family. It was the start of research for my next cookbook. My first book ‘Pia’s Table’ was like an old-style, family recipe journal. I’m now aiming for my next book to be broader and so I ate, took food photos and wrote notes throughout our travels.

Pia’s food highlights

Whilst on our Italian food tour I had also taken note of many delicious places we had enjoyed and dishes I had to re-create when I arrived home. Although cicchetti, pasta and gnocchi are my favourites to devour (and still love them!) I had adored the desserts or the ‘little something’ we enjoyed with our morning coffees at a bar or really any time like cannoli, pannacotta or freshly baked crostata. My favourite was the chocolate Torta Tenerina I had seen in Modena. I had to make sure I baked this deliciousness when I arrived back home and yes, I did!

A must-try Italian classic originally from Ferrara in Emilia-Romagna region, Italy. This cake has a gorgeous crisp, macaron-style outer layer. The centre is a luscious, dense but incredibly moist chocolate cake. It’s normal for this heavenly cake to collapse slightly when it cools, you can then notice the delicate cracked crust. If I didn’t see this same cracked, chocolate crust in the windows of cafes or pasticceria (pastry shops) in Italy I would have thought my cake failed! This can be baked as a flourless version with a little almond meal or if preferred using a touch of flour combined with almond meal. The hardest part is waiting for the cake to cool down… so cruel for anyone. I must admit I never really wait!!

What goes into Torta Tenerina?

• 200g dark chocolate, roughly chopped
• 120g unsalted butter, roughly chopped
• 150g brown sugar
• 3 eggs, separated
• 35g plain flour
• 25g almond meal
• 25ml milk, room temp or just heated slightly
• pinch of salt

Method:

  1. Preheat oven at 170°C. Prepare a springform, removable base cake tin (approx. 22cm): grease with olive oil and line base with baking paper.
    Note: The cake is very delicate and preparing your cake tin is very important. It will be easier to remove the cake gently and reduce the risk of splitting in half. The cake texture is soft even when cooled and very important not to turn the cake upside down to remove from tin.
  2. Place chocolate and butter in a double-boiler and heat until fully melted. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In two mixing bowls separate the eggs. In a stand mixer, whisk the egg yolks using half the sugar until creamy and a light airy texture. Then add the melted chocolate mixture and lightly whisk to combine and texture is smooth.
  4. Add the flour, almond meal and then add milk a little at a time. Whisk at low speed until fully combined.
  5. In the separate bowl with egg whites, add the remaining sugar and pinch of salt. Whisk until firm peaks form. Using a spatula, gently fold through the chocolate mixture.
  6. Pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared cake tin. Using an angled cake spatula flatten the top to ensure it is smooth and even.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for approx. 25 min. Using a cake tester check your cake, its still fine if the centre is still slightly moist. The edges of the cake will need to be a drier texture and not moist. If required, bake further 3-5 min with a watchful eye! The top layer will have formed a crust and may have already formed fine cracks, this is fine and normal appearance for this cake.
  8. Remove the cake from the oven and allow to cool 10 min. Then very gently release the springform tin and allow to cool on a cake rack completely. Enjoy!

After our trip and arrival back home, I visited Gianni and his family at their office to recount our trip and share travel/food stories. It was like a family and friends get together and yes again coffee was shared!

I’m already thinking about my next trip and have peace of mind of who will assist me with my travel plans again.


We, at Vita Italian Tours/Pronto Travels, love hearing from our clients once they return from their travels. We feel honoured that our recommendations and suggestions were taken on board and Pia returned inspired and full of excitement about all things Italian, especially food.

You can purchase a signed copy of Pia’s new cookbook, ‘Pia’s Table’, in the Vita Italian Tours/Pronto Travel office in Melbourne located at 1/25 Little Oxford Street Collingwood, VIC 3066. Call us to reserve your copy today +61 3 9080 3440, we can ship anywhere in Australia.

Share this story
Previous
Next
Pasta Alla Norma, a quintessential Sicilian dish, Pasta Alla Norma, a quintessential Sicilian dish, captures the heart of Italy’s rich culinary heritage. Known for its vibrant flavours and simplicity, this iconic recipe is a celebration of the island’s agricultural bounty, its cultural history, and its passion for gastronomy.

Check the link in our bio for the recipe and origins of this wonderful dish. 

#pastalover #pastanorma #catania #sicily #neverstopexploring #vitaitaliantours #pasta #sicily🇮🇹 #igerssicily #slowfoodcatania #slowfoodsicilia #pastarecipes
Milan is a city that effortlessly combines traditi Milan is a city that effortlessly combines traditional and modernity. Known globally for its influence in fashion and design, Milan is also a treasure trove of history, art, and culture making it an essential destination for any traveller. 

Visiting or thinking of visiting Milan? So often over looked by visitors to Italy we share our love and connection to this amazing city in our latest travel blog. Check the link in our bio.

#milan #milano #vitaitaliantours #milanocity #wanderlust #smallgrouptours #neverstopexploring
Magical Matera in the southern Italian Region of B Magical Matera in the southern Italian Region of Basilicata. A UNESCO world heritage site and one of the oldest continually inhabited place on earth. @vitaitaliantours

#vitaitaliantours #slowtourism #neverstopexploring #italy #matera #sassidimatera #basilicata
Stunningly beautiful Lake Como in Northern Italy. Stunningly beautiful Lake Como in Northern Italy. One of our favourite stops on our Northern Lakes & Dolomites small group tour. As crowd numbers swell in Italy in the warmer months small group touring allows travellers just enough structure to see some out of the way gems while still allowing for independent time to explore. Check the link in our bio to find out more about our 2025 small group tour departures or how we can devise a tailor-made travel package for your next italian adventure.
With the seaside city of Pesaro being awarded the With the seaside city of Pesaro being awarded the 2024 Italian Capital of Culture there has never been a better time to explore Le Marche Region on Italy's Adriatic Coast. Get off the tourist trail and away from the crowds. Visit Renaissance & Medieval hill-towns, taste exquisite food & wine and experience genuine local hospitality. Contact us to plan you visit to Le Marche today. Check the link in our bio.
The spectacular UNESCO world heritage Dolomite Mou The spectacular UNESCO world heritage Dolomite Mountains located in the Northern Italian Alps. A vast and dramatic landscape of peaks, rocky pinnacles and valleys with a myraid of contrasting colours. Come and explore this beautiful mountain landscape with us on our Northern Lakes & Dolomites small group tour. For more information check out the link in our bio. 

#vitaitaliantours #slowtourism #dolomites #dolomiti #mountains #dolomitiunesco #italy #neverstopexploring
Nearly 500kms from Naples, the birthplace of the m Nearly 500kms from Naples, the birthplace of the modern pizza, in the seaside city of Pesaro we find La Macelleria – Cucina & Pizza. This humble restaurant known for using only high-quality ingredients has recently been awarded Best Traditional Neapolitan Pizza at the 2024 World Pizza Championships. Check out our recent travel blog to learn more. Link in bio. 

#vitaitaliantours #slowtourism #pesaro2024 #slowfood #volgomarche #igerspesaro #pizza
After 8 years of anticipation and meticulous resto After 8 years of anticipation and meticulous restoration, the once secret passageway for the Medici rulers, the Vasari Corridor has reopened its doors to the public, reclaiming its place as one of Florence’s most enigmatic and evocative treasures. Find out more about this must see historical sites in our latest travel blog. Check the link in our bio.

#vitaitaliantours #pontevecchio #florence #neverstopexploring #smallgrouptours #tuscany
This is Piazza del Popolo, the centre of Pesaro wh This is Piazza del Popolo, the centre of Pesaro where the people come to meet, where they have a coffee and celebrate events. It is the fulcrum of the life of the city. It is surrounded by historical buildings some dating back to the 14th century. Discover Pesaro & Le Marche with us: a place we call home when in Italy.

#piazzadelpopolo #whereismario #pesaro #discoverpesaro #discoverlemarche #vitaitaliantours #mymarche #traveltoitaly #pesaro2024 #smallgrouptours #visititaly #mariovitellone #ladolcevita #marchetourism #passeggiata #wanderlust #neverstopexploring #piazza #forum #hiddengem #discovertheundiscovered #secretdestination #slowtourism #italia
Beautiful cobbled streets lead us to Mario's favou Beautiful cobbled streets lead us to Mario's favourite piazza in Pesaro, where we can feel the echoes of the famous sons of Le Marche Region. A place to enjoy an aperitivo served in one of the oldest buildings in town. 

Discover Pesaro & Le Marche with us: a place we call home when in Italy 

#museicivici #pesaro2024 #vitaitaliantours #discoverpesaro #discoverlemarche #Italy #offthebeatenpath #smallgrouptours #marchetourism #casettavaccaj #hiddengem #secretdestination #wanderlust #neverstopexploring #whereismario #volgomarche #igerslemarche
In the heart of the historical centre of Pesaro yo In the heart of the historical centre of Pesaro you will find the renowned Rossini Conservatory where students come from all of the world to study music and il bel canto. Every year the city hosts the Rossini Opera Festival in August where the composer's most famous and lesser known works are performed to opera and music lovers who come from all over the world. 

Discover Pesaro and Le Marche with us: a place we call home when in Italy. 

#rossini #vitaitaliantours #conservatoriorossini #discoverpesaro #discoverlemarche #pesaro2024 #smallgrouptours #visititaly #marchetourism #crescendorossiniano #mymarche #conservatorio #offthebeatenpath #hiddengem #Italy #pesarocittàdellamusica
Carnevale di Venezia has just wrapped up for anoth Carnevale di Venezia has just wrapped up for another year. Want to learn about the origins of this famous event and the history of masks at this wonderfully colourful and decadent annual festival? Click the link in our bio to find out more. 

📷 @grahamguenther 

#carnevaledivenezia #carnevalevenezia #veniceitaly #venezia #igersvenezia #volgovenezia #vitaitaliantours #smallgrouptours #discoveritaly #veneto #Italy #wanderlust
@vitaitaliantours founder Mario walking with his s @vitaitaliantours founder Mario walking with his son  Gianni in the historical heart of Pesaro for a special treat, the Caffè Completo.

Caffè completo consists of coffee, whipped cream and zabaione. Have you ever tasted it? 

Discover Pesaro and Le Marche with us: a place we call home when in Italy.

#caffècompleto #whereismario #pesaro #caffebarrier #discoverpesaro #discoverlemarche #vitaitaliantours #mymarche #traveltoitaly #pesaro2024 #letsmarche #smallgroup #visititaly #mariovitellone #caffe #italiancoffee #zabaione #ladolcevita #marchetourism #hiddengem #secretdestination #slowtourism #italy
Where is Mario? Follow him in one of Italy's Best Where is Mario? Follow him in one of Italy's Best Kept Secret Destinations. Come and discover Pesaro and Le Marche Region: a place we call home when in Italy.
The spectacular Valley of the Temples in Agrigento The spectacular Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, Sicily. It is the largest archaeological park in Europe and boasts some of the finest ancient Greek temples in the world. Pictured is the Temple of Concordia with a bronze statue by Igor Mitoraj in the foreground. The statue represents the tragic Greek myth of Icarus who flew too close to the sun. This is one of our favourite places to explore on our small group tour the Colours of Sicily. Check the link in our bio for more on this and other small group tours of Italy.
North of Verona you will find the beautifully terr North of Verona you will find the beautifully terraced rolling hills of the Valpolicella wine region. They have been making wine in this area since the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Today there are over 400 wineries here dotted throughout the countryside producing one of Italy's finest reds, Amarone. With characteristic medieval villages and stately wine estates it's no wonder this region is known as the 'Pearl of Verona'. Want a private chauffeur driven tour or custom self-drive itinerary to visit Valpolicella? Check-out the 'Tailor-Made Travel' link in our bio for more info.
The enchanting coastal village of Cefalu in Sicily The enchanting coastal village of Cefalu in Sicily is known for its beautiful crescent shaped beach as well as its stunning 12th century  Norman Cathedral. Always a favourite stop on our Colours of Sicily small group tour. Check the link in our bio for more info.
One of the most beautiful coastal villages in all One of the most beautiful coastal villages in all of Italy, Cefalu is a favourite stop on our Colours of Sicily small group tour. Check the link in our bio for more info.
The vibrant streets of Monopoli in Puglia. One of The vibrant streets of Monopoli in Puglia. One of the jewels of the southern Italian Adriatic Coast. In the warmer months this once traditional fishing village comes alive with movement through its maze of alleyways of the historical centre and ancient port area. This photo was taken from our most recent small group tour the Spectacular South. To find out more check out the link in our bio.
The beautiful seaside town of Termoli on the Adria The beautiful seaside town of Termoli on the Adriatic Coast of Italy. It's historical centre has a maze of little laneways and small cobbled streets dotted with restaurants, bars and craft shops. It is a favourite stop on our Spectacular South small group tour. Find out more about Termoli or our small groups tour via the link in our bio.
  • Sign up for updates and offers

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Menu
  • Small Group Tours
    • Small Group Tour Testimonials
  • Tailor-Made Travel
    • Tailor-Made Travel Testimonials
  • Educational School Tours
    • Educational Tours Testimonials
  • Le Marche Region Small Group Tours
  • Day Tours of Italy
  • Booking Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Contact
1/25 Little Oxford Street
Collingwood VIC 3066
Australia
Ph. 03 9080 3440
Em. [email protected]

Pronto Travel Logo

We accept the following cards:

 

© 2025 Solito Investments Pty. Ltd. Trading as Vita Italian Tours
Pronto Travel ABN 49 585 472 899