Essentials of Italian: Recipes and Techniques for Delicious Italian Meals

Expanding on the success of the Williams-Sonoma Essentials series, Essentials of Italian is the series' first foray into the realm of international cuisine. The book reveals the secrets that regional Italian cooks have known for ages for preparing simple, flavorful meals.

The book opens with a thorough discussion of the culinary traditions for which Italy is famous, with information on ingredients and dishes that define each region. Beautifully photographed recipes rely on only the best ingredients.

Features:

Over 130 delicious classic Italian recipes; full-color photography

Suggestions for alternative ingredients, recipe variations, and accompaniments

Comprehensive glossary of ingredients and culinary terminology

MICHELE SCICOLONE

Michele Scicolone is an award winning food writer and the author of 16 cookbooks. Her latest book, THE ITALIAN SLOW COOKER, was published in January 2010. She is also one of the editors of the 75th Anniversary edition of the classic, Joy of Cooking, and writes about food, wine, and travel for many publications, including Prevention Magazine, The Washington Post, The Wine Spectator, Gourmet, and Bon Appetit. Previous books include The BLT Cookbook with Chef Laurent Tourondel, The Sopranos Family Cookbook, a #1 New York Times Best Seller that was published in 9 languages and a sequel, Entertaining with the Sopranos, both co-authored with Allen Rucker. She has also written 1000 Italian Recipes, and Pizza--Anyway You Slice It!, co-authored with her husband Charles Scicolone, an Italian wine (and pizza) authority.

Michele's television appearances include Emeril Live, The CBS Morning Show, Good Morning America, and Cooking Live with Sara Moulton, as well as many local television and radio programs She teaches cooking at schools around the country including De Gustibus at Macy's, Sur la Table, and the Institute for Culinary Education and is a consultant to many restaurants. Michele has been a spokesperson for the Italian Trade Commission and Williams Sonoma, and lecturer on Italian culture and cuisine at Hofstra and Henderson State Universities, and The Smithsonian Institute. Michele is also a menu consultant for several restaurants and food companies.

Together with her husband, Michele hosts culinary tours to Italy several times a year. Visit her website at www.MicheleScicolone.com.