Review-Limoncello and Linen Water–Tessa Kiros

I have only recently discovered Tessa Kiros’s books.  I must hasten to add that I am so glad that I have done so.  This book is absolutely beautiful.  To me it is a celebration of Italian women.  It is a book written by a woman for women to share.  Kiros has shared more than 100 achievable and tested recipes.

Tessa Kiros was born in London to a Finnish mother and a Greek-Cypriot father.  The family moved to South Africa when she was four, and at the age of 18, Tessa set off to travel and learn all she could about the world’s cultures and eating.  She has cooked at London’s The Groucho Club and in Sydney, Athens and Mexico.  On a trip to Italy to study the language and food, she met her husband, Giovanni, and they now live in Tuscany with their two children.

ISBN – 9781742668789

352 pp

RRP  £25.00

Release date: 11th October 2012

Description:

In Limoncello and Linen Water, much-loved author Tessa Kiros celebrates the heritage of the country she has chosen to call home.  This whimsically feminine book is a tribute to the women in our lives – mothers, mother-in-laws, grandmothers – and the important lessons we learn from them.  With accessible, delicious recipes ranging from robust family dishes to quirky cakes and old-fashioned sauces and preserves, this book is a precious heirloom for today.

Review:

I truly loved this book from the first page.  It is a sumptuous celebration of femininity.    There are 180 gorgeous photos throughout the book that add to its beauty.

It is divided up into 9 chapters:

• The Linen Cupboard
• The Pantry
• The Bread Oven
• The Snack Box
• The Vegetable Patch
• The Pasta Pot
• The Dining Room
• The Sugar Bin
• The Ice Box

A tavola non si invecchia

(At the table one does not get old)

I like how the recipes are presented.  There is the ingredient list on the left hand side of the page, and below how many servings are made.  Then on the right there is the title of the recipe, a brief description and then the method.  I love the sound of so many of the recipes, I may be increasing my repertoire by 134 recipes including Valeriana, Pecorino & Hazelnut Salad.  I never would have imagined that radicchio can be used to make a cake and topped with chocolate icing!  There are also several recipes with fennel that I want to try.  The front cover holds a must make recipe: mascarpone & lavender ice cream with strawberries.

What I have taken from this book is some Italian culinary inspiration reflecting that it is truly – A Trousseau of Italian Recipes.

Review copy provided courtesy of Murdoch Books