Author: Antonio Carluccio

Published by: Quadrille Publishing Ltd

Rating:

Antonio Carluccio is one of the better known Italians in the UK, though in case you were wondering the cover of the book is not a picture of the author – he has not had a sex change, yet. This cookery book is a celebration of Italy and its regions, giving the reader an insight into the specialities from the various Italian regions and providing background to the produce that is particular to them.

There is something about the cover of the book that seems a little dated and this feel continues throughout; however it could be said that it adds to the charm of the book. This is not a book for anyone looking for modern, delicate restaurant food– this is a book about the joy of real Italian food; something for families to sit down and share.

The book goes through region by region with the author recounting stories from his life; telling us about the region’s produce – such as a cheeses of the region section for each region - and a mixture of recipes for regional classics. The recipes cover a huge spectrum, set out in a easy to follow way. Having tried a number of the recipes I can confirm that they are extremely easy to follow. Carluccio has selected recipes that translate easily to a cookbook and that can be explained easily; that is not to say that the flavours are simple. The rabbit ragu was divine.

The majority of dishes in this book could be put together for a supper, or with those with a longer cooking time a great Sunday lunch. Carluccio’s passion for food and his country come through on each page and few people would not learn something from this book.

This isn’t a flash or pretentious book; it instead has a genuineness and simplicity that I find endearing. I doubt this is everyone’s cup of tea, however for me it is a book that I will return to again and again.