Come and see how the Italian fry

It's Friday fry night at Baranduda Community Centre on February 21.

There's going to be fried food galore, but not the kind you are used to, it will be fried food done the Italian way.

The community centre's resident Italian chef Leti will be frying up a storm for the Pop-Up Italian Community Cafe when she prepares and cooks some delicious arancini balls - think a treasure of gooey mozzarella, risotto and more coated in golden crumbs.

Leti will also fry up some eggplant and ricotta tuna balls, along with some other fried favourites.

Her top tip for frying at home? "It comes down to having the right temperature for the oil, so experiment and make sure you get that right and don't use too much oil," Leti explained.

"Using fresh ingredients also helps as well."

Leti described the monthly pop-up community cafe as a great way to bring the community together over a meal.

"It's been great to have a chat together, everyone is very friendly and some know me already," she said.

Bookings essential on (02) 6020 8643. Cost: $10.

Guests are asked to bring along a side dish to share.

The next Pop-Up Italian Community Cafe on March 20 will feature carbonara on the menu (no vegetarian option available).

Here is one of Leti's favourite Italian no-bake summer recipes.

Ricotta and cocoa balls

Ingredients for 4 people: -200g ricotta -150g shredded coconut -100g caster sugar -100g cocoa powder - rum essence (optional) Beat ricotta until smooth then add cocoa, sugar, rum and 80g. of coconut. Let the mixture rest for one hour in the fridge. Make little balls and roll them into the remaining coconut or if you prefer into grated nuts/almonds or bright sprinkles. Put back in the fridge for at least two hours before eating.