A table in Tuscany: Classic recipes from the heart of Italy

I bought this amazing cookbook when I was traveling in Italy 10 years ago. The illustrations and recipes are wonderful. Even if I don't intend on cooking anything, I love to just read the anecdotes and the history of the recipes. I highly recommended making the Torta della Nonna (pine nut, almond, and custard pie) and the tomato leek soup. I just bought a copy for my friend John D :-)

No one who is not already a practiced cook should try to prepare a dish from this book. This is not for beginners. However, if you know your way around the kitchen and love good writing and better watercolors about food, life and Italy you will treasure this little volume. I don't even let my copy into the kitchen for fear that it might get splashed with something but I regularly, especially when the weather is grey and rainy, turn to Leslie Forbes for instant sunshine. Copy down the recipes for use, break open the vino roso, cook for your friends and read A Table in Tuscany to them as they eat.