A Fresh Taste of Italy: 250 Authentic Recipes, Undiscoivered Dishes, and New Flavors for Every Day

An extensive collection of recipes plucked from Italy's diverse countrysides, the latest from Scicolone (La Dolce Vita and The Antipasto Table) offers dishes notable for both ease of preparation and inventiveness. Directions are clear and unfussy, while ingredients are frequently original and bracing. The antipasto Spiced Eggplant calls for lemon zest, walnuts and semisweet chocolate. Tempting zuppe extend from Friulian Wild Mushroom Soup to Bean and Escarole Soup cooked with rind of Parmigiano-Reggiano. Uncommon pastas include Spaghetti with Rubies (the sauce of garlic and chopped roasted beets dyes the pasta a brilliant red) and the enticing and cheeseless, anchovy-laced Linguine with Tuna Pesto. Scicolone demystifies risotto with clear words of guidance and 10 easy recipes. Simplicity and elegance of taste are also the earmarks of Grilled Jumbo Shrimp with Sage and Pancetta, Country-Style Roast Chicken with Lemon, Sage and Rosemary and Pork Chops in Red Wine and Juniper. Sweet conclusions vary from Chestnut Tart and Sweet Polenta Cake (good for breakfast, too). Although this cookbook doesn't shout, it offers solid substance and new ideas even for home cooks long-practiced in Italian cuisine. Photos not seen by PW. $50,000 ad-promo; 10-city author tour. (Mar.)