Williams-Sonoma Foods of the World: Florence: Authentic Recipes Celebrating the Foods of the World [Hardcover]

Lori De Mori (Author)

Book Description

Series: Williams-Sonoma Foods of the World | Publication Date: October 15, 2004

An insider’s guide to the recipes, ingredients, and traditions that define international city cuisine, the Foods of the World series is the definitive cookbook collection for anyone passionate about food and travel. Richly photographed, with over 45 authentic recipes and in-depth culinary features, each book brings readers closer to the best eating experiences each city has to offer from a culinary authority Americans trust.

In Florence, culinary artisans, bakers, winemakers and chefs are equally revered as masters of their crafts. From antipasti to dessert, the city’s classic recipes include Ribollita, Grilled Florentine Steak, and Almond Biscotti.

Key Features:

* Bring Tuscan cuisine to your kitchen with well-loved recipes such as Bruschetta with White Beans and Olive Oil or Ricotta Ravioli with Fresh Tomatoes

* Read about how culinary practices such as pressing fresh olive oil, baking bread, and making wine have formed the foundation of Tuscan cuisine for centuries

* Discover recipes and tips from chefs at some of Florence’s favorite trattorias, osterias, and restaurants

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Oxmoor House; 1 edition (October 15, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0848728556
• ISBN-13: 978-0848728557
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 0.9 x 10.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #402,667 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book on the food, cooking and culture of Florence, May 2, 2006

By 

Amalfi Coast Girl (Mid-Atlantic, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Williams-Sonoma Foods of the World: Florence: Authentic Recipes Celebrating the Foods of the World (Hardcover)

This review is written from the perspective of someone that has been studying cooking for 25 years, and concentrating on Italian cooking for the last 10 years. I have more than 100 cookbooks on Italian cooking and have traveled to Italy many times. I am a tough critic on Italian cookbooks.

This book begins with a little history of Italian cooking, the outdoor markets and specialty shops in Florence. Then the book discusses the following topics from a Florentine perspective:
Salumi and Affettati (cured meat)
Tuscan Olive Oil
Cafes
Tuscan Wine
Artisan Bread
Artisan Cheese
Gelato

The recipe section is subdivided as follows:
Antipasti
Primi (first course: soup, pasta, pizza)
Secondi (second course: meat and fish
Contorni (side dishes: vegetables)
Dolci (sweets)

The photography i nbook is fabulous. They did a wonderful job of capturing what it is like to walk down the streets in Florence. As you turn the pages each new photo is another little peak into Florentine life and food. If you have traveled to Florence you will recognize many of the street scenes that were photographed.

The recipes are authentic. I am especially fond of the recipe for Grilled Florentine Steak with Arugula and Parmesan. Of the recipes that I have prepared (approximately 80% of the book) all have turned out exactly as I expected. A few of the recipes are time consuming. It is not reasonable to expect to make homemade pizza in a hurry, not if you want it to be excellent. The recipe for pizza makes individual pies for each diner, as is the custom in Italy.

If you are looking for a nice authentic cookbook on the cooking of Florence, written for Americans you will love this book. My only complaint is that the book left me wanting more photographs and more recipes. Overall, this is an excellent book for those that love Italian cooking or love Florence. A well executed book on the food, cooking and culture of Firenze.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars not only a cookbook..., March 23, 2006

By 

Cesar Matsufuji (Miami Beach) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Williams-Sonoma Foods of the World: Florence: Authentic Recipes Celebrating the Foods of the World (Hardcover)

This book is just great, besides the perfect recipes it has nice pictures from Florence. I've been there and first time I opened the book: lots of nice memories came to my mind. As a culinary aficionado I will strongly recommend this book for those who like to know more about this lovely city and it's amazing food.
I bought this book as a gift for a very special person and I know she will love it!

5.0 out of 5 stars For amateur chef at home, October 19, 2011

By 

Kindle is great - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Williams-Sonoma Foods of the World: Florence: Authentic Recipes Celebrating the Foods of the World (Hardcover)

FLORENCE is one of the best cooking books I've ever had. It includes not only recipes but also many beautiful photographs you can enjoy as if you were in Italy.