Here's an interesting idea proposed by the Antica Trattoria Schönburg at Malborghetto in the province of Udine.

The trattoria dates from 1724 and in 1809 young captain Friedrich Hansel, in the service of the Hapsburg Francis I, walked in and had this soup.

This dish is a little on the heavy side and is best eaten with a glass of Cabernet.

Don't forget to use the typical Friuli 'saluto' of 'Mandi' when beginning the meal by raising a glass.

This basically means 'che il Signore ti accompagni' or 'che il Signore sia con te' or 'God be with You'. It is a very personable greeting.

This dish is called 'frico'. It is a sort of mashed potato with cheese and no doubt perfect for the cold days in Italy's wettest region.

This dish is small ravioli filled with a pear sauce.

In German it is called Klotznnudl. We thank the Antica Trattoria Schönburg for kindly sending us the recipe.

Pasta e patate, typical winter dish that going back to traditional farming

Cividale del Friuli is a great place for finding a quaint local restaurant. If you are lucky, you may tuck into the 'Gubana', a dessert speciality of the town. Here's how to make it.