Italy

We are off to England and Italy in June and I can't wait! In anticipation of our week in Tuscany, I have been seeking all things Italian: wine, travel books, shopping tips, food, recipes and of course, buying new cookbooks! Dinners at our house are more Italian-themed these days, including a new obsession of making fresh pasta, which both my husband and daughter love!

Cookbooks are a great way to experience a country, prepare you for your travel and get to know the culture through it's food. I have a few recommendations for those that would like to get more Dolce Vita in their everyday life!

Mario Batali is a family favorite - you can't go wrong. And although I love his Babbo cookbook (recipes from his flagship restaurant) it is laced with "hard-to-find" ingredients for Edmonton. Try his latest cookbook, Molto Gusto - this is a collection of casual and easy-to-prepare meals with a family edge.

My daughter bought me a cookbook for Mother's Day: Jamie Oliver's Italy. This is a collection of some of his favorite regional Italian meals. Simple, but using seasonal and fresh ingredients. What could possibly go wrong?

Lidia Bastianich has written a collection of Italian cookbooks, though her latest, Lidia's Italy is a James Beard Foundation Award winner. And last but not least, a classic and beautifully designed cookbook, The Silver Spoon.

Buono Appetito!

K