A Sicilian cook is aiming to taste success with her new range of traditional Italian delicacies.

Marina Midolo, 51, will be unveiling the taste bud-teasing cakes, desserts and savouries at the Llangollen Food Festival.

Her company, Marina’s Italian Cookery, is one of four new producers being allowed to set up shop free of charge in a special section for newcomers at the festival.

The other exhibitors in the section for newcomers will be Blodyn Tea from Bangor, Delany’s Gluten Free Bakehouse rom Mold and Mountain Mead Ltd from Bangor.

Marina based in the newly-refurbished kitchen at the smallholding in Cyffylliog, near Ruthin, where she lives with husband Peter.

She believes the festival will provide the perfect launchpad for her fledgling company which she established with the help of a development grant from Denbighshire County Council.

According to Marina, she can’t wait for the annual event that’s now recognised as one of the top 10 food festivals in the UK.

This year it will once again be held at the Llangollen pavilion on Saturday and Sunday, October 13 and 14.

Marina grew up in Catania, the second largest city which lies at the foot of Mount Etna in Sicily, and learnt her culinary skills from her mother and grandmother.

She said: “I visited the Llangollen Food Festival last year and loved the variety of foods and drinks on show and I really loved the atmosphere. It was so warm and welcoming and everyone seemed to enjoy the produce that was on show.

“I’m so looking forward to giving people a real taste of the true Italy. I only use fresh ingredients and if it’s not exactly the same as in Italy then I won’t use it. It has to be absolutely authentic.

“Many Italian restaurants in the UK serve really good food but it’s being adjusted for the British palate, it’s just not the same as we would make it in Italy. However, everything I cook is a taste of real Italy; I’m passionate about ensuring it’s totally authentic.”

Marina’s kitchen has been built and fitted out by her husband, Peter, and has now been certified by Denbighshire County Council which means she can now begin to supply to local delicatessens, hotels and shops.

She added: “Sicilian food will probably always be my favourite as it’s where I grew up and learnt how to cook by watching my mum and grandmother prepare dishes. I want to keep traditional cooking alive. I don’t want to compromise.”

“It’s going to be a real pleasure showing off my cakes deserts and savouries at Llangollen Food Festival. And I’m sure people will enjoy a real taste of Italy right here in North Wales.”

To find out more about the Llangollen Food Festival please visit www.llangollenfoodfestival.com