The Mediterranean Family Table: 125 Simple, Everyday Recipes Made with the Most Delicious and Healthiest Food on Earth

Acquista, a Sicilian-born physician now living in the U.S., combines the culinary wisdom of his upbringing with his medical knowledge in this wholehearted collection of recipes. Health-conscious readers will find his no-nonsense approach encouraging: “Your well-being, and that of your family, is fundamentally based upon ordinary things done every day.” The book features in-depth nutrition information, with specific tips for all members of the family, from newborns to seniors. It also contains a revised food pyramid that spells out the “fabulous 14” food items, including bullet points pertaining to lifestyle. For example, filed under S one finds stress management, sunshine, and sleep. The recipes are simple but enticing, with a focus on fresh vegetables. A mackerel and potato salad packs an Omega-3 punch while the tabbouleh salad with quinoa is a gluten-free source of protein and fiber. Minestrone Soup, Three Ways is a primer on improvisation: “Our minestrone soup was always changing in Sicily... whatever vegetables were left over got thrown in the pot.” Acquista embraces carbs in moderation (he’s Italian, after all), and the pasta chapter includes toothsome fusilli with broccoli rabe and radicchio, and linguine with swordfish and almonds. For those interested in changing their life through diet, Acquista is an infectiously positive coach, and his recipes make a fine playbook. Agent: Laura Dail, Laura Dail Literary. (Nov.)