The Wine Lover Cooks Italian by Brian St. PierreUS$24.95/UK£11.89
Since its arrival from Amazon this book is rapidly becoming a favourite. It combines good information on the main grapes of Italy and matches many to specific recipes.
Each region of Italy is covered with each forming a chapter in the book. The recipes, often 'rustic' in nature, have two recommended wines to accompany. This rusticity makes them easy to recreate in the kitchen - even if the US measurements (ie cups) are tricky to convert for an Englishman. They are also easy to modify - my first success being 'Sarah's Guinea Hens alla Rusticana' where I had to use Chicken due to a total absence of any Guinea fowl where I live!
Recipes range from Butternut Squash Risotto with Prosciutto (recommended with a Sauvignon Blanc) and Leek and Ricotta Pie with Chickpea Sauce (with a Vermentino) through to Grilled Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with Vegetables (Rosso Conero) and Double Chocolate Fantasia with Coffee Zabaglione (with Moscato).
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