The Italian Summer Kitchen: Timeless Recipes for La Dolce Vita

Brief Description:
"In her debut cookbook, Cathy brings together dishes from Italy's many and varied regions, united by her masterful interpretation of cucina povera--literally "food of the poor," which means fresh produce, local meats, handmade pasta and pizza, and simple cooking methods. These recipes for drinks, appetizers, pasta, pizza, risottos, meat and fish, and desserts are united not by region but by feeling: everything is authentically Italian yet easy for the home cook to create no matter where they live. Step-by-step instructions demystify essential skills like how to make fresh pasta, cook a perfect risotto, and craft heavenly, light-as-a-cloud gnocchi. Readers will find tips and techniques from professional chefs and everyday home cooks, seasoned with Cathy's always-engaging wit and reflections on history and on food, life, travel, and more"--

Publisher Marketing:

For a culinary tour of Italy or a master class in creating the nation's many regional gems in your home kitchen, you couldn't ask for a better guide than Cathy Whims. And to showcase the ingredients that make Italian cooking one of the best-known and most-appreciated gastronomies worldwide, there's no better season than summer.

In her debut cookbook, Whims brings together dishes from Italy's many and varied regions, united by her masterful interpretation of cucina povera--literally "food of the poor," meaning fresh produce, local meats, handmade pasta and pizza, and simple cooking methods. Inventive recipes for drinks, appetizers, pasta, pizza, risottos, meat and fish, and desserts are united not by region but by feeling. Everything is authentically Italian yet easy for the home cook to create no matter where they live. Step-by-step instructions demystify essential skills, such as how to make fresh pasta, cook a perfect risotto, and craft heavenly, light-as-a-cloud gnocchi. Adorned with dreamy, original watercolor illustrations, The Italian Summer Kitchen is a one-way ticket to la dolce vita.

Review Citations:

• Library Journal 02/01/2025 pg. 90 (EAN 9781682689189, Hardcover)
• Booklist 04/01/2025 pg. 13 (EAN 9781682689189, Hardcover)
• Publishers Weekly 05/05/2025 (EAN 9781682689189, Hardcover)

Contributor Bio:Whims, Cathy
Chef Cathy Whims is a chef, restaurateur, and food-lover extraordinaire who studied with Marcella Hazan in Venice, Italy. At all three of her acclaimed restaurants, Whims' elemental regional Italian cooking has earned her six consecutive nominations for James Beard Best Chef Northwest. She lives in Portland, Oregon.