Visiting the Mercato Centrale, indoor food market, in Florence with Flavours Holidays\r\n\r\nAt Stefano Funghi they have a choice of dried porcini mushrooms, excellent for adding an earthy, richness to many dishes (including my mixed mushroom pasta recipe on page 20).\r\n\r\nAt Panetteria Pizzicheria Clara, I pick up some aged Parmigiano Reggiano, a strong flavoured hard cheese. It’s a semi-fat cheese, made from partially skimmed milk and due to its strength you only need a little. It’s perfect for sprinkling over pasta.\r\n\r\nIf, like me, you have questions to ask and your Italian is somewhat lacking, then the stall Conti I Sapori Della Toscana, is the perfect place to visit. Their staff are extremely helpful and speak excellent English. Selling a tempting range of food products, including fresh fruits and vegetables, balsamic vinegars, olive oils, herbs, salts and spices to name but a few, you are bound to find something essential that your larder is lacking. I splash out on a jar of truffle butter. It\'s expensive but it\'s well worth it.