Taking her inspiration from her cooking school in beautiful Umbria, Jo Seagar shows us how to make classic Italian recipes the easy way. In her inimitable way Jo teaches us that authentic doesn't have to mean difficult. She demystifies gnocchi, risotto, making your own pasta and pizza bases, and many other classics of Italian cooking through simple step-by-step instructions.

The book takes you through an Italian feast: antipasto (eg crostini with gorgonzola and tapenade); small first courses (eg fava beans with mint, garlic and prosciutto); salads and vegetables (eg aubergine involtini); gnocchi, risotto and polenta (eg bacon, sage and butternut risotto); pasta (eg farfalle with tomato, basil and broccoli butter); breads and pizza (eg focaccia); meat, chicken, game and fish (eg chicken saltimbocca); desserts (eg mama's tiramisu); baking (eg florentines), and drinks (eg papa's limoncello). With over 100 mouth-watering recipes, this is THE Italian cooking bible for New Zealanders.

The divine photography taken on location at a wonderful villa in a small town in Umbria means that this cookbook is also wonderful armchair travel. It's a delight to savour, and the recipes are ones you'll return to again and again.