Senise is a town situated on the edge of Europe's largest reservoir. Actually depending on who you speak to could be second largest or the largest made of beaten earth, no facts are actually fact here and that's all part of the charm. The Pepperoni of Senise, a dried, sweet pepper is probably one of the most delicious snacks produced in Italy. Released on an unsuspecting public it could do a lot of damage. Sweet, crisp with an explotion of flavour in the mouth. Deseeded and

What a pleasure it was to visit Chiramonte, a mountain top town about 40 minutes from Tursi. I was on the trail of some of best Salami, pancetta, Laredo produced in la Basilicata. As always a drama, in fact more than one. The road after Val Sinni was closed and so we were diverted across country, which normally is a disaster but on this occasion we arrived unscathed. Climbing up to this beautiful little town was a joy with glimpses of snow topped mountains and skies heavy wit

San Severino Luciano is in the Pollino National Park, the largest in Europe at almost 2000 square kilometers. Pollino is a wonderful Summer refuge from the searing July and August heat. Its dappled shade a welcome respite. It is also home to the oldest tree in Europe the 1230 year Pino. In the autumn and winter months it is a treasure trove of amazing produce, porcini, truffles, wild saffron and chestnuts. These are then preserved, dried or frozen to be available all year rou