What Living in Italy for 20 Years Taught This Cookbook Author About Food
Briefly

The article discusses the essence of Italian dining culture through John Bersani's new book, "20 Amici - 40 Ricette: Friends and Food from the Heart of Chianti." Emphasizing long, leisurely meals rather than quick dining, Bersani intertwines personal anecdotes, recipes linked to friends, and the cultural significance of food in Italy. Having moved to Italy from the U.S., Bersani highlights the relationships fostered through cooking and dining together, making the book more than just a cookbook, but a nostalgic celebration of community and culinary heritage.
Few people understand the power of a four-hour dinner. For most Americans, that probably sounds like a nightmare. But in Italy, it's normal. Expected, even.
Each recipe is tied to a friend, a meal, a memory. There's tagliatelle with foraged porcini mushrooms, inspired by his pal Luciano.
Rather than centering himself, Bersani centers his friends. The people who invited him into their kitchens. The ones who made the wine.
This isn't just a cookbook about Italian cuisine; it’s a love letter to Tuscany and the friendships fostered around the dinner table.
Read at Food52
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