The Tuscan Sun Cookbook: Recipes from Our Italian Kitchen Hardcover – March 13, 2012

A beautifully written and photographed book that transports the reader to hills of Tuscany. Following the true course of "la cucina povera" (the poor kitchen) you'll learn how to create masterful Tuscan and Italian dishes utilizing only a few quality ingredients. If you enjoyed the luscious prose and delicious artistry of "Under The Tuscan Sun," "Bella Tuscany" and "Everyday in Tuscany," let Frances and Ed Mayes whisk you to a Tuscan paradise in your own kitchen.Breathtaking photography takes this up another notch and the book inspires creativity in both the food you can create and the inviting tablescapes the authors have prepared for their lucky guests. Accompanying stories and anecdotes allow the reader to sit along side at the Mayes's table as they create their food as you would. Food prepared not by professional chefs but by people who have genuine love for good food, well prepared. A glass of a fine wine is all that is needed to create a total sensory experience. This one is a "don't miss" and sure to become a treasured favorite in your collection.

I am re-reading Under the Tuscan Sun that I got after a trip to Italy in 1999 and it's once again a wonderful book. I had forgotten there were recipes in it and was delighted to discover this cookbook. I just received it. It's GORGEOUS! I am making the Red Pepper Tart on page 59 for dinner tonight. There are beautiful photographs on almost every page. It's a beautiful book and if you enjoy cooking you will absolutely love it. If you don't enjoy cooking, I hope it will inspire you to give it a try. The recipes are simple and easy and the book is a delight to the eye and the appetite. The copy I got was autographed by both Frances and Ed, so a very nice bonus! I love it!

I bought the Tuscan Sun cookbook because I love Frances Mayes' books and, let's face it, we all want to imagine that we are living the good life in a villa in Tuscany. In the introduction, she says, "If you came to visit me in Tuscany, we would cook the food described in this book."Of course the cookbook features great writing with the introductory section and descriptions of how Frances and her husband live in Tuscany. There are many personal notes giving credit to locals from whom they have learned the recipes and providing a back-story to many of the images and recipes.The book is organized in the following sections:- La Cucina - the background of how she came to live and cook in Tuscany at BramasoleKeys to the Pantry - kitchen essentials are described, including ingredients, tools and basic recipes, such as tomato sauce, focaccia, pesto.- Antipasti - bruschetta and crostini and other starters- Primi - ragu and many varieties of pasta, soup, risottos, and pizza- Secondi - chicken, quail, rabbit, pork, veal, ossobuco, steak, lamb, beef, polenta, seafood- Contorni - peppers, potatoes, beans, fennel, eggplant, zucchini, chard- Dolci - gelato, sorbetto, pears, panna cotta, berries, peaches, pudding, tarts, crostata, cake- Aperitivi e Digestivi - nocino, limoncelloBrowsing through the cookbook is a visual feast. The photography is gorgeous, both the environmental images as well as the food images. I uploaded 4 sample images of the stunning photography (see above). I have tried many of the recipes and they are easy to follow and produce consistent and delicious results. The ragu recipe alone is worth the price of the book - I will use it over and over. It makes a large batch and freezes well. The page format is well designed with a clear list of ingredients, followed by easy to follow instructions. Many recipes have photographs of the end product, which are very enticing.Though I love the overall look and feel of the cookbook and plan to use it frequently, I gave it 4 stars rather than 5 because a few of the recipes could have used better proofreading (incomplete instructions and typos), and some of the photographs on the pages don't actually support the recipe with which they are associated. Additionally, some of the ingredients aren't all that accessible to a suburban cook.Nevertheless, I love this beautiful photography / recipe book and will use it for many years to come. I plan to organize a Tuscan dinner party and will use "The Tuscan Sun Cookbook" as my main source of inspiration.

Christmas gift for my sister who'd recently returned from trip to Tuscany. She's an awesome cook who loved the recipes & beautiful photos reminiscent of her trip!

A wonderful cookbook that's a feast for the eyes and the palate!Many of the recipies have simple ingredients, but that doesn't mean they are 'basic'....it just means it allows the flavors to shine through. I have made only a few so far, but have been very pleased.I also like how the author intersperses stories so you actually feel like you're there while she and her dear friends are cooking and enjoying themselves. Truly, cooking isn't just slapping something together...its the process, the rhythms, the fellowship and being present in the moment... just enjoying everything!A wonderful book for yourself or to give as a gift!

I have read through this book more times than I can count. It is also enjoyable as a "coffee table" type book. The photos are vibrant and the text is inspiring. At first glance I was intimidated by the perceived "gourmet" sort of presentation, but don't let that scare you! The food is simple, but very elegant. The recipes are delicious and we have discovered surprising new family favorites such as the "Baked Peppers with Ricotta and Basil" and "Lemon Cake". We have come to love so many of the items in the Antipasti section that many have become favorite summer staples enjoyed outdoors on our Northern Michigan deck or packed up for strolls on the beach. This book was such a pleasure to receive and has become one of my treasured "cookbooks". In reality, it is an inspiring book about life appreciation that happens to include good food.