Entertaining with Massimo Capra

Farmer's Risotto: This is a good dish to clean out the crisper with. Tomatoes, onions, Italian parsley and sausage make this a comforting, stick-to-your-ribs dinner. Don't use too much sausage; the idea is to taste the risotto, not make a meat and rice dish.

Balsamic Roasted Pears with Whipped Goat Cheese: This is super-easy to do and a delicious way to end a meal. Roast the pears with a tiny bit of butter and balsamic and serve with topped whipped goat cheese.

Want to cook like a chef? It's all about the pantry. Here's what Massimo keeps stocked in his kitchen cupboards at home.

A good quality olive oil
"It's a must," he says. "Now, you don't have to spend a lot, but a good oil isn't cheap. It's really a question of palate. I find Tuscan olive oils less acidic and less strong."

Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
"Enough said. You absolutely cannot cook a fabulous Italian meal without it. Whether it's grated into a risotto, shaved on a salad or the rind is steeped in a stew or soup - it's a must."

Good butter
"A good organic butter will make all the difference to your cooking," he adds. "A little goes a long way."

Tomatoes
"Find a brand of canned tomatoes that you like. Test out a few until you find the one that suits you. I use tomato paste all the time. It's good to have a cans at-the-ready."

Stock
"I prefer homemade as it is so much more flavourful, but it's important to have stock in your freezer or pantry. You can add it to so many different dishes."

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