Have you ever wanted to know what the Pope's favourite meal is or what kind of dishes are regularly served up in the Vatican? Well, the wait is almost over. And not only will you be able to get an insight into the culinary tastes of Pope Francis, the residents of Vatican City and members of the Swiss Guard, but you'll also be able to recreate the meals in the comfort of your own home. The Vatican is set to release a cookbook in English in April full of recipes of the meals which are favourites at the Pope's residence, and have been served and enjoyed throughout the years.
Despite sharing with the press last year that the one thing he'd like to be able to do one day is to go and get pizza without being recognised, the cookbook reveals that the Pope's favourite foods include Argentinian empanadas, sirloin steak and dulce de leche - a nod to the culinary delights of his home country.
Polish nuns are responsible for most of the cooking that takes place within the Vatican, with the Swiss Guard chefs cooking on occasion. The 60 recipes in the cookbook have been put together by members of the Swiss Guard, including David Geisser, a chef and member of the Swiss Guard and former Guard Commander Daniel Rudolf Anrig. Not only does it boast classic recipes spanning 500 years, it also features papal tributes, exclusive images of life and art at the Vatican and prayers.
The book isn't just full of good food, it's also promoting a good cause. Readers are encouraged to make a donation to Caritas International, the Catholic aid organisation which reflects the social mission and core values of the Catholic Church. World hunger and food scarcity is one of the main areas which Caritas International works to address.
With such an array of delicious and indulgent meal ideas, it's probably a good thing that the cookbook isn't being released during Lent.
The cookbook was initially released in 2014 under the title Buon Appetito. This is the first time it is being published in English.
