The Tuscan Year: Life And Food In An Italian Valley

(Paperback)

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Description

In 1972 Elizabeth Romer moved to a farmhouse in Tuscany, where she discovered a life moulded by the past and tasted the simple, sublime flavours of traditional Italian cooking for the first time.

Here, she introduces the Cerotti family who farm one section of the valley, and vividly describes, month by month, the Tuscan year. From January's prosciutto and salame, to cheese-making in March, to threshing the corn in high summer, to the game and chanterelles of autumn, and the chestnut woods of November and December.

In the heart of the Cerotti household wonderful meals are prepared using fresh and simple ingredients, governed by the rhythms of the changing seasons. Elizabeth Romer presents the fare for high days and holidays as well as every day, from fresh garlic and wild herbs to fried flowers and carnival cakes. This magical book reveals the secrets of an ancient way of life and cuisine, with dozens of delicious recipes to bring the flavour of Tuscany to any kitchen.

Reviews

Elizabeth Romer succeeds where before only Elizabeth David dared - Harpers and Queen

Faithfully observed, enthusiastic, this gives a whole bouquet garni of insights into one of Europe's finer regional cuisines - Observer

Evocative and authentic . . . beautifully written - Food and Wine

Vastly more than a book of recipes . . . a lyrical celebration of the green and secret valley joining Umbria and Tuscany - Economist

Author Bio

Elizabeth Romer was born in Wales and studied textile design at the Royal College of Art in London. She has written upon Italian food and culture and contributed to journals and newspapers in the spheres of both gastronomy and Egyptian archaeology. In addition to THE TUSCAN YEAR, her books include ITALIAN PIZZA & SAVOURY BREADS, which won the IACP Seagram Award 1987, and THE RAPE OF TUTANKHAMUN and THE SEVEN WONDERS OF THE WORLD. She has been living in Tuscany since 1972 with her husband John Romer, an archaeologist, writer and TV presenter.