Product Description

Written by leading cookery author Mary Contini, this delightful narrative is in the bestselling tradition of Anthony Bourdain and Annie Hawes. It tells the tale of the Di Ciacca family, tracing their journey from the barren Abruzzi mountains to the chilly streets of post-war Edinburgh. Addressing her daughter Francesca as she embarks on independent life, this is a compelling, often moving, family history in which Contini describes her ancestors' loves and lives in their adopted homeland where traditions were kept alive around the dinner table. With characters as colourful as in any novel, this is a book that will appeal to anyone who loves Italian food and wishes to share in a sense of family. It adds up to one of the most original books for food lovers in recent years, blending great narrative with heartwarming recipes and recollections.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #28467 in Books
• Published on: 2003-06-05
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 352 pages

Review
'part cookery, part storytelling - and wholly beguiling...don't miss it: there won't be a better cookbook published this decade', Elisabeth Luard, Daily Mail .'a charming story...she unravels the family history like a precious thread...Contini's writing has a naturalness and honesty about it that brings a lump to the throat on occasion. It is full of warmth, love and respect for traditional Italian attitudes to food as the cornerstone of a nurturing family life. A lovely unmissable book.', Sunday Herald .'a really heartwarming book of recollections and recipes, recounted with love and gusto', Sainsbury's Magazine .'a remarkable book...a pleasure to read as well as to cook from', Homes & Gardens .'From the barren mountains of Southern Italy to the chilly streets of Edinburgh, this is a joy - both in and out of the kitchen', Choice Magazine

Homes & Gardens
"a remarkable book...a pleasure to read as well as to cook from"

Sainsbury's Magazine
"a really heartwarming book of recollections and recipes, recounted with love and gusto"

Customer Reviews

An absolutely delightful book.
What a delightful book! My copy only arrived this morning and I've been unable to put it down all day. I've already ordered another copy for my daughter's birthday.
This is not just a recipe book it is full of wonderful tales of life, past and present, in Italy and in Scotland. There are superb suggestions on equipment and techniques and I can tell that the recipes are well and truly 'tried and tested'.
It is all written in an easily readable, light-hearted and loving manner by someone who is obviously passionate about food and about her family. I particularly like the description of a '99' Cone - a cone with vanilla ice-cream on top and a Cadbury's Flake stuck into it - but if you have given up sweets for lent, hide the Flake in the cone before topping with the ice-cream!
I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this unique book. Buy one for yourself and for all of your friends and family. They'll love you for it!

A great book
My wife bought this book in paperback before we left for a year in Italy in August 2003. It is a delightful story about two an Italian immigrant families and their lives after leaving Italy for Scotland in the 1900's. It is about coping in a new country, integrating cultures and returning home to the 'famlia' every now and then. It is a hugely readable book and full of authentic Italian recipes. We use it constantly. While we were in Italy, if we were told about a dish and forgotten the ingredients, we would look it up and sure as nuts, Mary Contini's got it! We recently gave it to visiting friends as we left it too late to get them a new copy, so we gave them ours. We survived a week without it. We now have spoilt ourselves with the hardcover! It is a must for anyone who loves Italian Food!

The best Italian cookbook ever
I want to see more stars against this book, which is why I am typing this review. Having lived in Italy, I was searching for an authentic Italian cookbook and when this book was given to me by a discerning friend, I knew I had found what I was looking for. It is a real delight...so full of useful tips ...not just about the process of cooking the recipes but about the ingredients themselves. It is the book every Italian mother should hand on to her daughter! Those readers who may be put off by the lack of photos of the actual recipes should think again...Mary's recipes are delicious and foolproof. Italy on a plate! I struggled for years making my own pasta using the instructions which came with the (Italian) machine....but once I followed Mary's instructions, pasta became 'a breeze' and now I can knock it out like a true Italian 'mamma'! Her lasagne al forno is to die for. The book is also a wonderful story of an Italian family, and I kept it by my bedside and read it from cover to cover. Une vera gioia!!!