Andrea Mainardi, also known as ‘The Atomic Chef’, is the proprietor of Officina Cucina in Brescia, Northern Italy where he serves a single table of 2-10 people for a ten-course sensory tasting experience.

Andrea first worked with the California Prune Board on “Cotto & Mangiato”, a daily programme on Italia 1 TV and has since developed ‘the purple menu’, creating exciting and enticing statement dishes using California Prunes that can be made at home to impress friends and family, whilst making full use of the fantastic flavour profile of California Prunes.

California Prune and Pear Cake

California Prune and Pear CakeMakes: 12Prep Time: 25 minutesCook Time: 35 minutesEMAIL PIN SHARE INGREDIENTS  80grams California Prunes 3 Pears White Rum 250grams Caster Sugar 50grams Dark Chocolate Chips A knob of butter 4 eggs 200grams sifted flour 20grams unsweetened cocoa  DIRECTIONS1. Cut the Pears and remove the core 2. Brown them in a pan…

Vegetable Skewer with California Prunes

Vegetable Skewer with California PrunesPrep Time: 5 mninutesCook Time: 60 minutesEMAIL PIN SHARE INGREDIENTS  California Prunes Red and yellow peppers Eggplant Zucchini Potatoes Sage Extra virgin olive oil Garlic Soy sauceDIRECTIONS 1. Cut the red and yellow peppers, aubergines, potatoes, zucchini and skewer them , interspersing the vegetables with the California Prunes. 2. Continue to…

Puff Pastry with Brie, California Prunes and Thyme

Puff Pastry with Brie, California Prunes and ThymeMakes: 2-4Prep Time: 30 minutesCook Time: 20 minutesEMAILPRINT PIN SHARE INGREDIENTS  80g California Prunes 1 roll of Puff Pastry 200g Brie 1 Leek 2 Potatoes 1 knob of butter 1 bunch ThymeDIRECTIONS  1. In a pan, put a knob of butter and the potatoes cut into thin slices.…

Frittelle with California Prunes

Frittelle with California PrunesMakes: 2 PeoplePrep Time: 10 MinutesCook Time: 1 MinuteEMAILPRINT PIN SHARE INGREDIENTS  3 eggs 200g flour Milk to taste 1 sachet baking powder 200g sliced bacon 300g California Prunes 1 litre sunflower oil 100g gorgonzola cheese Smoked paprika to taste Salt and pepperDIRECTIONS Beat the eggs with the flour, add salt and…

Chicken Roll with California Prunes

Chicken Roll with California PrunesThis healthy recipe works perfectly as a sharing appetizer or light lunch. If you’re looking for a twist on chicken to impress family or friends, you’ve come to the right place! Makes: 2-4 PeoplePrep Time: 15 MinutesCook Time: 10 – 12 MinutesEMAILPRINT PIN SHARE INGREDIENTS  200 g of chicken breast 50…