Winter In Tuscany: A Culinary Escape
Winter in Tuscany delivers comforting recipes and stunning visuals, celebrating Tuscan culinary traditions and the beauty of slow living. A must-have for foodies and armchair travelers.
Amber Guinness, renowned food writer and resident of Tuscany, invites readers to savor the heart of the Italian countryside with her new cookbook, Winter in Tuscany. Published by Thames & Hudson on September 24th (£30), the book is more than just a collection of recipes; it’s a sensory journey through the region’s culinary traditions and the slower pace of life during the off-season.
Guinness, who grew up in a restored Tuscan farmhouse near Siena, expertly captures the essence of winter in Southern Tuscany, from Florence to her hometown of Buonconvento. The recipes, inspired by the “quanto basta” philosophy – the Italian art of using “just enough” ingredients – emphasize simple, hearty dishes perfect for cozy evenings.
Winter in Tuscany offers a diverse range of hyper-local recipes, from warming zuppe (soups) and comforting brodo (broths) to rustic pasta dishes and flavourful secondi (main courses). The book showcases the region’s seasonal bounty, celebrating the flavors of autumn and winter with a focus on traditional techniques.
But the cookbook is about more than just food. Guinness encourages readers to embrace the slower pace of life in Tuscany during the quieter months, highlighting the beauty of exploring the region’s villages and countryside when the tourist crowds have thinned. She shares personal anecdotes and insights, inviting readers to connect with the culture and landscape on a deeper level.
Whether you’re recreating Guinness’s recipes or simply dreaming of strolling beneath Della Robbia’s cherubs, Winter in Tuscany is an invitation to appreciate the simple pleasures of life, the beauty of the Tuscan landscape, and the warmth of its culinary traditions. This is Guinness’s third cookbook, following the success of A House Party in Tuscany and Italian Coastal. With her background in history and Italian studies from the University of Edinburgh, and experience as a cook in both London and Italy, Guinness brings a unique perspective and expertise to her culinary storytelling.
