Exploring southern Italy, Sophie Grigson recalls her Puglian adventures through recipes and anecdotes. With thanks to Liz for her review.
Sophie Grigson has undoubtedly inherited her mother’s talent for food and deep understanding of ingredients.
In this book, Sophie combines simple living with uncomplicated, flavourful dishes inspired by her life in Puglia, Southern Italy. She embraces everything local, and reading her story made me think that perhaps we should all do the same, wherever we live – whether in a town, city, village or rural community. I found myself inspired to discover what and who is local to me and to appreciate both a little more.
Although this is not an illustrated cookbook, it is no less powerful for that. Sophie is a wonderful storyteller, weaving together recipes, culture and her personal experiences of settling into a new country and creating a home and life there. Through her writing, I sensed that she had found a real peace within her surroundings and her way of life. It also made me reflect on the importance of finding that same sense of contentment in our own lives. We all have a story to tell, and our stories can be enriched by the people, places and traditions around us.
The recipes are simple, nourishing and thoughtfully prepared. I imagine that nothing goes to waste in the Grigson kitchen. The aromas must be wonderful, the company relaxed and welcoming, and the local wine flowing freely around the table.
Reading this book felt rather like being invited into that world for a while – and I would very much like to be there.
About the Book
Once settled into her new life in Puglia, Sophie Grigson felt ready for another adventure . . .
Driving along the coastal ‘instep’ of southern Italy in her trusty purple car, she travels between little fishing ports and explores the beaches of Puglia’s west coast, then heads into the wild hills of Basilicata and Calabria’s high Sila, famed for its chestnuts and mushrooms, and ends her journey in the bergamot orchards clustering around Reggio.
In this book, award-winning author, Sophie Grigson charts the local delicacies, ingredients and producers; through recipes and stories, she immerses you in the beauty, culture, food and characters of southern Italy.
Full of delicious, traditional recipes from the different regions, from Puglian Beans in Red Winte Tomato Sauce to Calabrian-style Cheesy Stuffed Aubergines and from Super-Speedy Lemon Ice Cream to Chocolate and Almond Biscuits, discover the south coast of Italy with Sophie.
About The Author
Sophie Grigson is a cook, food writer and television presenter with over 20 books to her name and nine television series for BBC, Channel 4 and UKTV Food, as well as several more for the Travel Channel. She has also written columns and articles for the Evening Standard, Independent, Sunday Times, Country Living, BBC Good Food and Waitrose Food Illustrated. On impulse, after interviewing the late Russell Norman about his book, Venice, in 2019 she sold or gave away the majority of her belongings and packed herself into her small car to move to Puglia in the south of Italy. Since making the town of Ceglie Messapica her home, she has filmed two series of the award-winning Sophie Grigson: Slice of Italy for Discovery/Food Network and started her catering business, Trulli Delicious.
Purchase the Book
This book can be purchased in our store either on its own or in a cosy Book Box.
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