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One of the most profound differences between American and European movies is the prominence of cooking and eating in the European films. The occasional American character might stop at a fast food joint for a burger (especially if that chain had paid the film studio a handsome fee for visibility on the silver screen), but in European films, there is almost always at least one scene of characters preparing, relishing, or discussing food that they or a friend had created. Although
From the Tables of Tuscan Women may seem at first glance to be a wonderful cookbook filled with exquisite recipes from the Tuscany, Anne Bianchi's newest book is also a meditation about the intimate interdependence of food and life. Perhaps from a purely materialistic perspective, "we are what we eat" but Bianchi reminds us that "we are how we cook--and how we eat."
Book Description
A Tuscan cookbook with a difference, From the Tables of Tuscan Women turns its gaze away from the overly familiar areas of Florence and Siena, and looks westward to the less familiar province of Lucca. Tuscany's most diverse province geographically, Lucca spans mountains and forests, olive groves and terraced vineyards, with a pristine coastline on the Tyrrhenian Sea.
The cuisine of Lucca reflects both the richness of this diversity and the wealth of ingredients it provides -- from fritto misto di pesce, an assortment of fish battered and fried in olive oil, to cacciucci, a soup made entirely of fish and served on thick slices of toasted bread rubbed with garlic, to castagnaccia a sweet cake made with chestnut flour.
Integral to the way of life there, Lucchesian food is inextricably bound up with the character of its people and their "uniquely Mediterranean lifestyle that mixes marvelous climate, a relaxed attitude, and an unrelenting passion of sitting down at the table," as Anne Bianchi says in her introduction.
So, in order to most fully give the flavor of the cuisine of Lucca, Anne Bianchi, who has spent much of her life in Tuscany, introduces us to the spirit of the province and the soul of any Tuscan meal: its people. "No people anywhere in the world are more dramatic, outspoken, or riotously arrogant," she writes. In these pages we meet nine amazing Tuscan women, "hear their stories, stroll through their towns, and sample the best of their recipes." These virtuoso chefs share their secrets and opinions on everything from sauces to politics, spicing their conversation with witty and revealing anecdotes of life in their rural villages. Accompanied by lively photos, From the Tables of Tuscan Women gives intimate access to the culinary recipes and traditions of Lucca while offering an incomparable Tuscan experience. The voracious reader and adventurous cook will find new roads down which to travel, as well as sumptuous dishes to sample -- whose recipes can be easily replicated in American kitchens.
Customer Reviews:
Tuscan comfort.......2003-10-30
What greets the arrival of colder weather better than Italian food - the comfort of pasta, and long-simmered meats? "From the Tables of Tuscan Women" focuses on the province of Lucca in west Tuscany, and nine women who have spent long, productive lives turning out dishes like potato or chestnut croquettes, stuffed mussels, poached fish with parsley sauce or oven-roasted stuffed rabbit.
Chapters center around ingredients and courses from mushrooms and chestnuts through pasta, fish, game, meat and dessert. Each chapter opens with a visit to one of the chefs who shares Tuscan anecdotes, good-natured arrogance and cooking tips
Bianchi's unabashed admiration gives the book an intimate feel which is borne out through simple recipes like fried polenta or pork sausage with white beans and fennel or more complex dishes like tacconi alla Lucchese which tops homemade pasta squares with a thick herb-flavored sauce of rabbit, beef and red wine. Basil, sage and rosemary are staple herbs, prosciutto is a frequent accent, mushrooms and chestnuts are gathered wild, everything seems infused with the sunshine of the Mediterranean. Bianchi also offers variations and optional ingredients to suit the American kitchen.
A great read before visiting Italy.......1998-12-12
It really works to read this book before visiting Italy. After reading this book, I had a good idea of what I was after in my visit to Italy, of the authenticity of the people, of the places I had to go to in order to find what I wanted. It's a great read, and the recipes are good, really good. Pretty easy, too, a lot of them. It's an odd mix, this book--literary and hands on. I liked it, and it really made my trip (and my cooking!) complete. I think this woman writes books for people who really know how to love food and cooking.
Product Description
Classic Recipes from the Heart of Italy
Customer Reviews:
The Only Cookbook I Own.......2002-07-20
I bought this amazing cookbook when I was traveling in Italy 10 years ago. The illustrations and recipes are wonderful. Even if I don't intend on cooking anything, I love to just read the anecdotes and the history of the recipes. I highly recommended making the Torta della Nonna (pine nut, almond, and custard pie) and the tomato leek soup. I just bought a copy for my friend John D :-)
An Art Book about Food.......2001-07-22
No one who is not already a practiced cook should try to prepare a dish from this book. This is not for beginners. However, if you know your way around the kitchen and love good writing and better watercolors about food, life and Italy you will treasure this little volume. I don't even let my copy into the kitchen for fear that it might get splashed with something but I regularly, especially when the weather is grey and rainy, turn to Leslie Forbes for instant sunshine. Copy down the recipes for use, break open the vino roso, cook for your friends and read A Table in Tuscany to them as they eat.
Book Description
Emotionally resonant, wickedly candid, and warm-hearted, Once Upon a Tuscan Table is a savory stew of tantalizing recipes, memorable characters, and lively anecdotes. As Canadian-born Sharon Oddson Gargani recounts her life, in good times and bad, food is always in the foreground--from Grandma Gerda's roast stuffed goose at Christmas to the signature dishes of her internationally renowned Florentine restaurant and cooking school.
In a narrative worthy of comic opera, we follow the travails and triumphs of Sharon and husband Giuliano, as Trattoria Garga evolves from a tiny hole-in-the-wall to a favored haunt of glitterati set in a fourteenth-century palazzo. Over the years, accolades from Gourmet and other international magazines (including GQ's coveted Golden Dish Award and Bon Appetit's "Best Class in a Restaurant" in Florence) have come in quick succession.
The author penetrates deep into the complex world of the fascinating Gargani family--ruled by its matriarch, the inimitable Zoe--whose immense vitality goes hand in hand with medieval mysticism and Old World superstition. Once Upon a Tuscan Table is a touching love story, a thrilling travel narrative, a boisterously amusing coming-of-age chronicle, and, of course, a fabulous cookbook, in which every recipe is a gem.
Customer Reviews:
Great recipes but . . . .......2006-12-11
I had the pleasure of having my copy of the book signed by the author at a bookstore in Winnipeg recently. I was very excited to have the opportunity to ask a couple of questions of the author at this book signing. Although she seemed a bit shy, she was very good with the audience at the bookstore.
However, I must say I was later a bit uncomfortable after reading the book. Being about the same age as the author (about 3 years older) and having grown up in the same city she did (Winnipeg), I found her submission to her Italian family, particularly the mother-in-law, a bit puzzling. In addition, her husband's difficulties with the gambling that caused them all those financial problems--well, I don't know any of my friends of that era who would have accepted that amount of indebtedness as a result of his hidden gambling habit (although the author obviously did so). It struck me that most of us who had grown up in Winnipeg in that era would have been long gone from that that husband and mother-in-law situation--it certainly had no glamour and obviously caused the author a great deal of pain. I guess the question is whether "enduring" versus "escaping" is the thing to be done in that kind of situation, but the author's subsequent success suggests that "enduring" would the best approach to take. Is that what any of us would necessarily advise a daughter or a niece in a similar situation?
What is amazing are the recipes (much less the successful restaurant) that emerged from all of that turmoil. I look forward to trying them all, inspite of the above comments!
Savory and Unique.......2006-10-04
What a great story to come along with this recipe book...I felt like I was living Sharons life as I read her tales of growing up....the recipes are amazing and easy to prepare....check it out...you won't be sorry!!!
A cookbook which is candid and revealing as well as being filled with recipes, anecdotes, and fun characters.......2006-05-23
It's not often you'll find a cookbook which is candid and revealing as well as being filled with recipes, anecdotes, and fun characters; but here you have it all in one package: ONCE UPON A TUSCAN TABLE: TALES AND RECIPES FROM TRATTORIA GARGA holds it all. Sharon Gargani works with Rena Bulkin as she recounts her life and the importance of food. As her family restaurant changes from a tiny abode to a favored haunt set in a 14th century palazzo, winning mention from Gourmet and other international food magazines, the author/partner reveals the ups, downs and pleasures of being a cook and cooking school partner - and includes many signature dishes from her restaurant and school in the process. No color photos embellish them - but the easy dishes don't need photos to prove appealing.
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
California Bookwatch
Book Description
Cristina's Restaurant is a charming European-style bistro nestled in the mountains of Sun Valley. A favorite of locals and tourists alike, Cristina's serves up its exquisite fare to celebrities, politicians, CEOs, and cosmopolitan travelers who have made Sun Valley their personal retreat. Influenced by rural Tuscany where Cristina grew up, the food is elegant, unpretentious, impeccably presented, and freshly seasonal.
Book Description
Carnival glass authorities Bill Edwards and Mike Carwile have produced another indispensable guide for collectors. Presented in the same user-friendly format as their bestselling Collectors Companion to Carnival Glass, this new title is sure to appeal to glass lovers. Focusing on non-American carnival glass, this handy pocket guide showcases over 350 of the best collectible patterns from Australia, England, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Finland, Sweden, and India. A brief section on foreign marks adds interest for readers. Data given for each pattern includes maker, date of manufacture, shapes, colors, and values. Its bound to be another bestseller for the Edwards Carwile team.
Customer Reviews:
Just Smashing.......2007-03-09
A very good guide for a new collector. Eazy to read and good value.
Average customer rating:
- a catalogue of sand paintings
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The Navajo Art of Sandpainting
Douglas Congdon-Martin
Manufacturer: Schiffer Publishing
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A Guide to Navajo Sandpaintings
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Sandpaintings of the Navajo Shooting Chant
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Tapestries in Sand: The Spirit of Indian Sandpainting
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Earth Is My Mother, Sky Is My Father: Space, Time, and Astronomy in Navajo Sandpainting
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Navaho Symbols of Healing: A Jungian Exploration of Ritual, Image, and Medicine
ASIN: 0764308106 |
Book Description
Sandpainting has it origin in the religious tradition and practice of the Navajo people. It forms a central part of their religious chants, being a place where Earth People and Holy People come into harmony, giving healing and protection. Sandpainting is understood as being very powerful, and for many years it was deemed unwise and even dangerous not to erase the paintings when the ritual was completed. In the course of the twentieth century this attitude has modified allowing for many representations to be made, while still not violating the religious traditions. Sandpainting thus have come to be an internationally appreciated and collected art form. In this newly revised and expanded volume, over 400 sandpaintings are illustrated in full color. They range from the most traditional to the new forms that are being developed today. The sandpaintings are organized by artist, making this an important reference for collectors.
Customer Reviews:
a catalogue of sand paintings.......2007-01-16
This book shows images of sandpaintings by various artists. It's interesting to compare the different styles, but there are very few explanations as to what the myths mean.
Average customer rating:
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A Guide to Navajo Sandpaintings
Mark Bahti ,
Eugene Baatsoslanii Joe , and
Eugene Baatsoslani Joe
Manufacturer: Rio Nuevo Publishers
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Similar Items:
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The Navajo Art of Sandpainting
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Sandpaintings of the Navajo Shooting Chant
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Earth Is My Mother, Sky Is My Father: Space, Time, and Astronomy in Navajo Sandpainting
-
Tapestries in Sand: The Spirit of Indian Sandpainting
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Pueblo Stories and Storytellers
ASIN: 1887896058 |
Book Description
A Guide to Navajo Sandpaintings provides the best introduction to the religious images created by Navajo medicine men as part of traditional curing ceremonies. These carefully prescribed designs depict ancient Navajo gods and heroes to whom medicine men appeal to help restore their patients to harmony. Every shape and color has to be just right lest irremediable harm come to medicine man and his patient.
Although many ancient sandpaintings designs and their accompanying chants have been lost to time, others remain a vital part of Navajo religious practice and have emerged as a dynamic art form. Navajo artists now incorporate heroes, gods, traditional design icons, and landscape features from their homeland into stunning, contemporary.
In A Guide to Navajo Sandpaintings, noted Native American arts authority Mark Bahti describes the history and development of this healing art. For each of the more than sixty individual sandpaintings included, Bahti provides the legend from which the design originated. He also explains how contemporary artists honor the traditions of their elders while breaking new ground for this fascinating art form.
Customer Reviews:
A nice introduction.......2007-01-16
This book is perfect for the novice, explaining the myths behind common sandpainting designs.
Book Description
A classic of ethnology, reproducing in full color 35 sandpaintings from this important Navajo healing ceremony and analyzing their composition and artistic devices. The rites are described and explained and the symbolism and myth they express thoroughly explored.
Average customer rating:
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Navajo Sandpainting: From Religious Act to Commercial Art
Nancy J. Parezo
Manufacturer: Univ of Arizona Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0816507910 |
Product Description
A collection of over 20 academic/scholarly papers and articles on Navajo culture, collected/edited/compiled by noted directer of NCC Ruth Roessel, including the uses of Ore in their culture, weaving, cross-cultural education, rugs, boarding school, sandpainting, the Hogan and more. Outstanding unique reference.
Customer Reviews:
Ideas.......2007-05-13
As a woodworker it is always good to see what some of the leading edge furniture designers and builders make. Some are conservative, to see how the profession has reached it's height throughout furniture building history, others are way out there trying out the new possibilities, all awesome work! It truly is fascinating what these books inspire in furniture designer/builders and interior designers. The photography, in most cases is truly spectacular and very detailed there where it is supposed to be detailed. The only, slightly negative, comment I have is that information is cheap at best. Don't expect any information of why a piece was designed / built the way it was, or some of the woodworking difficulties that were overcome in building a particular piece. I am sure that there would be some very interesting captions and explanations to be written about the furniture and other items displayed in this, otherwise, wonderful coffee table book.
Pretty Is As Pretty Does.......2004-07-31
There is a considerable difference between the following plans part of woodworking and the artistic design part. Like anyone else who enjoys the thrumming sounds of a happy workshop, following plans is a soothing process with a satisfying result. But getting an idea into my head (and then trying to make it real) is more frustrating - my life lacks the spare 'dream time' needed. As a substitute, I like to look at the work of others. And Taunton Press's series of design books is a fine place to start.
Each book is like a juried shop with some 10,000 original entries. There are sections on cabinets, chairs and benches, tables, boxes & chests, desks, beds & furnishings, sculpture & carvings, turnings, and accessories & musical instruments. Some 266 individual pieces are presented. While the pieces will appeal differently to different individuals, they all remarkable in some fashion and invited serious thought on possibilities and techniques.
The range of style and approach presented is wide. There is everything from the ultra-modern to the ultra-traditional, from traditional furniture to sculpture and toy. One of my favorites is the clean lines of Jay Bonaventura's dining chair, that seem echo Arts & Crafts without ever becoming that style. Another is a deceptively simple sideboard by Michael Hoffer. And then there is the jaunty enthusiasm of a Randy Morris clock. I hope one day that a piece of my work merits appearance in a publication like this. Not likely, but with such good sources of inspiration, you never know.
AMAZING.......2002-03-29
Another fantastic collection of woodworking masterpieces. Anyone can appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of these pieces. To have this many excellent works in one book is awesome. One of the best woodworking books I have ever seen.
Inspiring.......1999-08-14
This book contains a compilation of photos of great masterpieces. This book really shows the diversity of design with an wide variety of beautiful hardwoods. This is one of the books I use for inspiration when designing a piece of my own. I recommend it to anyone with an eye for the arts and the confidence to push his/her own limits.
Great photo quality, not very practical for an amature.......1999-07-30
Great photo quality of all the designs categorized by type. Almost 100 more photos than Design Book 6. Each design listed with creator, dimensions and wood type used. I was trying to get some ideas from the book, but only less than 30% the designs fall in my interests. Most of them are way difficult to make for someone like me who has only a little shop at home or require fancy tools (extreme skills). And some of the designs are just unpractical, they are not even good taste, only for showing off the skills in making them, I guess. I was able to get an idea on how different wood were used in the design to have certain artistic effect or looks to enhance the piece. But you have to guess what kind of finish was used on it.
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- Gourmet's In Short Order: 250 Fabulous Recipes in Under 45 Minutes
- Grandma's Favorites: Over 350 Best-Loved Recipes Handed Down through the Generations - From Sunday Pot Roast to Oatmeal Cookies (Taste of Home)
- Graphic Design Cookbook: Mix & Match Recipes for Faster, Better Layouts
- Great American Vegetarian: Traditional and Regional Recipes for the Enlightened Cook
- How to Saute
- How to Taste: A Guide to Enjoying Wine
- I Love Pies and Tarts
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