Dolci: Italy’s Sweets

In this beautifully designed cookbook, veteran cookbook author Segan presents more than 100 recipes for Italian desserts broken down by “Cakes and Sweet Breads,” “Pies,” “Freezer Desserts,” “Spoon Sweets,” as well as chapters on “Holiday Traditions” and “Dessert Basics,” comprising essential dessert components including pie crusts and pastry cream. The author culled recipes from various regions in Italy, providing cultural notes and crediting chefs, restaurateurs, and historical cookbooks for their origins. Even those with a shelf of Italian cookbooks will delight in the chapter featuring dolci particuloari, a collection of “Weird and Wonderful, Unique and Unusual Desserts,” including a sweet spinach pie from Tuscany, packed with a ground almond “spinach” filling; chocolate eggplant from Campania, comprising layers of eggplant with ricotta and chocolate; and angel hair pasta pie from Emilia-Romagna. Traditional dishes, including tiramisù, panettone, and cannoli, balance out this substantial title. Full-page color photos and an elegant design make this a great contender for a gift book. A swoon-worthy title for those with a sweet tooth and open to expanding their dessert repertoire. (Oct.)