Latest News from Basil House

5 ways with Sacla'

21st January 2010

• For a tempting party snack serve smoked salmon on blinis with a topping of your favouirte Sacla` pesto.
• Brush Parma ham with Sacla` pesto, wrap around asparagus and lightly grill - wonderful!
• Try stirring Sacla` pesto into fromage frais for a quick dip.
• Perk up a quiche by brushing the bottom of a pastry case with Sacla` pesto before you bake.
• Give mashed potato a wake-up call and add a spoonful of Sacla` pesto.

Try It!

29th September 2009

Former England rugby captain Lawrence Dallaglio is teaming up with the famous Italian Sacla' family to create an exciting new range of pasta sauces, it was announced today.

Lawrence Dallaglio OBE, 37, has been working with his father, Vincenzo, to perfect the authentic taste of the sauces, which will carry the Dallaglio by Sacla' name, when launched all over the UK later this year.

Mr. Dallaglio Snr. has always been an enthusiastic cook and passed on his passion to his son, who is also a keen cook at home with his wife and three young children near Richmond, Surrey.

The Dallaglio food heritage dates back to his aunt and uncle, who both ran fruit and vegetable markets in Piemonte's Turin.

Lawrence and his father have travelled backwards and forwards to the Sacla' family business based in Asti, also in Piemonte, founded 70 years ago by Signore Secondo Ercole, to offer their views on the initial range of the three sauces.

They are Barbera Bolognese, a Barbera (again, from Piemonte) wine-rich classic Bolognese sauce; Tricolore, a herby tomato, mozzarella and basil sauce and Diavola, a fiery garlic and chili tomato sauce, which is big on flavour and high on heat.

Sacla' is well-established as the brand leader in Pesto sauces with a 53% share and has established a global reputation based on its commitment to producing fine foods with fresh ingredients, based on traditional Italian recipes.

Dallaglio commented: “This partnership is a marriage made in heaven. The Italians have a fantastic tradition of family values and fine food preparation, things that my family and I value. We've also loved the whole experience of developing this range, especially the taste testing!”

“It's also been an emotional experience for me because I didn't really know how much my father knew about cooking and his great knowledge of ingredients. I don't think he did either. We've had a real battle of egos in the kitchen but it's been great fun.”

UK's Sacla' Managing Director, Clare Blampied, added: “The Sacla' and Dallaglio values are what makes this such a strong partnership. We both share a deep respect and love for authentic Italian food. Vincenzo's background and interest in ingredients and cooking, Lawrence's passion and commitment, and our knowledge and expertise have combined to make a powerful partnership.

It's been a joy helping the two families co-operate so closely on the birth of this exciting new brand. Watch this space; this is just the start!”

Vincenzo said: “It's been a tough job but, as they say, someone has to do it! I must be honest and say it's the best job I have ever had!”

These new sauces are available in supermarkets now!

Our New Website

7th August 2009

Here at Sacla', we like to keep things fresh, just like our ingredients, so we've given our website a glossy new look. Just like the perfect Pesto, we're keeping things simple so you'll still find all the best bits without the clutter. From tasty recipes to Sacla' secrets, not forgetting our hot new news page - bringing you all the ripest hand picked news.

Be inspired and get creative - rifle through our recipes and with a drizzle or a dollop, Sacla' Pesto can turn a dreary dinner into a memorable meal. Small in size but big in flavour, keep it within easy reach, to help you transform any middle-of-the-road menu at the last minute. Or why not try our Stir Through sauces, which coat your pasta with an intense and well-rounded flavour of contemporary Italy. Start enjoying pasta as the Italians do - dressed not drowned then let the flavours do the talking! Don't be shy, all our tasty little treasures deserve pride of place in your store cupboard.

And the really great news is we can now share our newest creations with food lovers everywhere at the touch of a button. Just Sign up to our newsletter and you'll be the first to hear the latest Sacla' stories.

Go on, spread the word. Broaden your horizons - and your palate.