Biba's Italy: Favorite Recipes from the Splendid Cities

Author of Trattoria Cooking among other cookbooks, PBS personality Biba Caggiano provides Italian recipes that are authentic, approachable and delicious. In Biba's Italy she offers 125-plus formulas from Rome, Florence, Bologna, Milan and Venice--among the great food centers in a country devoted to good eating. The book provides definitive versions of old favorites, including Stuffed Artichokes Roman Style; Potato Gnocchi with Classic Bolognese Ragù; and Roasted Pork with Rosemary, Sage and Garlic, as well as recipes for more innovative fare, such as Chestnut-Flour Tagliatelle with Mushrooms, and Prawns with Cannellini, Rosemary and Hot Pepper, plus formulas for a few homey sweets. Included also are reminiscences of the restaurants that yielded the recipes plus wine and dining information for those wishing to retrace Caggiano's steps. Photo-illustrated, the book excels by offering a superior, easy-to-do repertoire for both everyday and special occasion cooking--one that all cooks will use. --Arthur Boehm