Florentine by Emiko Davies grabs you from its first line: “In Florence, history has a way of weaving itself through every aspect of life, and food is no exception.” After the book has us in its warm embrace, the stories and photographs keep us there content to page through and experience the beauty of Florence.
When a cookbook’s first recipes are a Crostata di Marmellata (Apricot Jam Crostata), Pastry Cream and a Cornetti (Italian Brioche Croissants) and it’s pictures are simply gorgeous — I graciously surrender my heart and find room for it on my overpopulated shelves. Have no fear, Florentine is not just about the sweet side of life – every course is covered.
Emiko Davies’ tour of Florence begins with The Pastry Shop (pastries, doughnuts), continues with The Bakery (breads, pizza, cake), The Market (vegetables, salads, beans), The Trattoria (soups, crepes, sauces), The Butcher (meats, of course) and finishes with Out & About (crostini, sandwiches, gelato).
I love the details covered in this title – from photographs detailing “the butter block”, step-by-step process photos of the Sfogliatine (sweet puff pastries) to narrative as simple as describing a typical Florentine breakfast – it is a true joy to read.
The recipes of Florence are beautiful, yet simple. Pear & Ricotta Ravioloni, Florentine Fried Chicken, Polenta with Tuscan Kale and Fennel Frittata will entice us and draw us into the kitchen to dream of Italy while creating these dishes.
Random Number Generator picked #96 Valorie Wolf – an email has been sent.
GIVEAWAY: I ordered this book and a week later a review copy was delivered – so I am going to pass on this good fortune to one of you. One U.S. reader will win a copy of the book from me. To enter: please leave a comment on this post telling me if you have ever traveled to Italy. For a second chance, please share this post. Be sure to leave two separate comments if taking advantage of both options. A random winner will be chosen on April 3rd, 2016. Good luck.
Thanks to Hardie Grant for the review copy of this title which allows me to share my ordered copy.
I’ve never traveled out of the country.
I’ve always wanted to visit Italy where my grandparents are from. My mom’s parents are from Sicily and my dad’s from Naples and Rome.
I have been to Italy only in my dreams. (Sigh)
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I went to Italy the first time with my daughter and her new husband on their honeymoon! We attended a cooking class in Florence. Next time, I went with the same daughter to a cooking school in Abruzzo. I fell in love with Italy!
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I wish!
I spent six weeks in Italy. It was fabulous
Lived in Naples as a child.
I was literally on a culinary tour of Italy 4 years ago to the day! Miss it so much and can’t wait to return!!
I haven’t traveled to Italy…yet!
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I shared the FB post on this.
I’ve never been but would love to go.
Shared
I’ve never been to Europe, but Italy is on the list for sure!
I haven’t been to Italy 🙁
I shared on Facebook
Lucky enough to have spent time in both Rome and Venice, though not Florence (yet :))
We plan to go to Italy next year ❤️
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No, but I am ready Jenny!!!!
I’ve never been to Italy… It’s on my wish list!
I’ve never been to Italy. It’s on my list!
I have never been to Italy, but taking my grandmother to the Vatican is on my bucket list.
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Yes we went pre-kids and Florence was my favorite city.
I’ve been to Italy several times–love the food and history and art.
My husband has been to Italy on a business trip but I’ve never had the pleasure.
I shared about the giveaway on Facebook.
I’ve never been to Italy, though it’s near the top of my bucket list.
Yes, I traveled to the Northern part of Italy. To the beautiful Lago Maggiore. It was beautiful. Across the lake you can see the Swiss.
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After watching the movie Gran Blue, I wanted to go visit Italy 🙂
I was lucky enough to visit the town Taormina in Sicily ( where it was filmed ), with a couple of nights in Rome and visited Pompei & Naples. Florence, Tuscany and Milan is on my bucket list in this lifetime or the next.
shared 🙂
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/126311964527325476/
Four times so far!
Shared on FB!
I lived in Italy for three years.
Yes! Can’t way to go back!
I just came back from Rome. I’ve been on vacation to Italy three times now and always love the food the most. Once we travelled through Tuscany on a food-trip adventure. It was a bliss! I would love to win this cookbook 🙂
I went to Florence for a cooking class vacation
LOVED THE WHOLE TRIP
Italy is a bucket list trip for sure, but I have not been there yet.
I traveled to Italy many years ago as a student and then again recently to Sicily. I can never get tired of Italian food.
I have travelled to Italy twice now, and can’t wait to go back!
I have not been to Italy but I would love to go
On my bucket list–cooking lessons in Italy. The Cookbook Junkies should take a field trip. Wouldn’t that be a blast?
Have yet to be to Italy, but want to visit Le Marche badly!
i have several times and it’s such a wonderful place especially Venice… of to share on fb
I have been to Italy and fell in love with Italy during my week in Florence. A very special place to me…Very interested in the cornetti! Thank you for the giveaway!
I have never been officially to Italy but only through books and love every bit of it.
I re-tweeted! Such a treat, thank you.
Fifty plus years ago I landed in Italy for about an hour on my way to Greece and then on to Ethiopia with the Peace Corps. And I know that doesn’t really count. So the only other way is in books and dreams.
I have not been to Italy…yet.
Shared on FB…good luck everyone!
I have been to Italy several times and spent three months in Florence when in college.
No, maybe someday 🙂
Some day I will make it to Italy! It is on my bucket list 🙂 Until then, I shall travel vicariously via reading!
And I shared via email to a couple of friends (this giveaway and the others!) Thanks so much for being so generous 🙂
I have never traveled outside the US before, maybe one day I will get the chance!
I was briefly in Florence for pur thirtyfive anniversary i Kent walking With my nose in the air The whole City is a Museum
The food !!!!!!!’n
I agates on Facebook
I’ve been to Italy twice! Favorite destination ever!
I’ve been to Venice. And from all the places I’ve traveled, I found it the most surprising. There is no duplication here of knowing you have to take a boat to cross a street.
shared
I have not yet traveled to Italy, but it is a dream of mine to do so.
I shared on pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/pin/300193131393464284/
I have never been to Italy, but it’s on my bucket list. I plan to eat my way through the country when I get there!
I have been to Florence and Tuscany, and I would love to have this beautiful book!
Unfortunately, I haven’t made it to Italy. Yet.
We went to Montalcino last year and drank amazing Brunello.
I’ve never traveled overseas, I’d love to one day. Italy offers us so many wonderful dishes and desserts that our family enjoys. I’ve been looking for cannoli forms and will probably order on Amazon as my husbands favorite dessert is Cannoli. I bet the pictures in this cookbook are gorgeous, cookbooks like this usually have such nice stories or sentiments too.
I shared the post on facebook with my facebook friends
About 16 years ago I spent time in Sorrento, visiting Pompeii and Herculaneum. Got introduced to limoncello, a beautiful friendship has ensued!
Have only traveled around Italy via virtual tours via the internet, TV and many books, especially those by Mario and Lidia!
I’ve been to Italy a couple of times and have always loved it! I’ve been fortunate enough to go to Rome, Venice, Pompei, Vicenza, Nove and Pisa. My last trip to Italy I took my boys on Spring Break and we stayed with a friend stationed in Vicenza. While in Italy getting a scoop of gelato became a daily routine and we had some of the most amazing food. The Vicenza region has a local specialty of Pear stuffed ravioli with fresh sage – it was absolutely amazing!
I have never traveled to Italy but would love to some day! Italian food is my favorite cuisine!
Unfortunately I haven’t been able to visite lovely county of Italy. Love olives, pasta,handbags, shoes and wine. I am sure Italy would suit me just fine :}
Haven’t been to Italy…afraid I’d gain weight like in “Eat, pray, love”. I know I’d have to have pasta with wine everyday followed by copious amounts of gelato!
I have not traveled to Italy but this book will make me feel like I have
I have not been to Italy but my Great grandparents and Family came from the Lake Como area in 1906-7. So this would a Wonderful Journey for me.
I have not traveled to Italy. Yet. Haven’t been to Europe actually. Need to get there soon!
I have never been to Italy, sadly! I’d love to go someday though.
No I have not but dream about going some day.
No, not yet! But Florence has been on my list since friends of ours vacationed there a few years ago. They did not stay in a hotel, but rented an apartment, did all their own cooking – every day, they would visit the various markets to figure out what to make for dinner. Sounded like heaven to me! 😉
What a beauty!
I’ve never been, but definitely on my bucket list!
I’ve never been to Italy, sadly.
shared the giveaway : https://www.pinterest.com/pin/38280665562031803/
I have! When I was in high school, I visited some friends living in Milan. We also went to Venice. A wonderful trip.
I have traveled to Italy, twice! Florence was actually one of my favorite cities of all I visited, the food was incredible. It’s literally the most amazing place in the world and I am dreaming of the day I get to go back.
We first traveled to Italy to visit friends who were seconded to the NATO base in La Spezia for 3 years. It was a great visit as we got an insiders peek at the everyday lives of the locals. Priceless! Then we were there at various ports on a cruise for our 25th anniversary. Wonderful country. And I have fond memories of our lunch in Florence. And yes, I’d be happy to share my US address should I win…..
I’ve never been, but I will someday 🙂 There are several places I want to visit, and I want to take some cooking classes.
I have never been to Italy, but I love wine and Italian food! My husband and I never got to go on a honeymoon, so I am really, really hoping that we can get to Italy in the next year or 2, to celebrate either our 7th or 8th anniversary. Italy is on my wish list of places around the world to travel to!
We went to Italy for our 10th Anniversary – our best trip ever!
I have never been to Italy, but have watched a lot of specials on the country 🙂
One of my daughters lives in Florence so I’ve been to Italy many times.
No I have not been to Italy
ive never traveled to Italy.
I have not yet traveled to Italy but we are planning a trip for fall of 2017!!
I have traveled to Italy! Florence and nearby attractions for my honeymoon 5 years ago.