Atrattoria is a home away from home for many Italians. Eating in a trattoria is like eating with an Italian family. The mood can be relaxed or boisterous and most of the time very friendly. The food is basic, simple, and honest. The trattoria is a place patronized by young families, by older people on a fixed income, by students, by singles, and by anybody who simply wants to recapture the aroma and taste of a good home-cooked meal. —from the Introduction Biba Caggiano has traveled extensively throughout Italy, seeking out trattorie and collecting recipes at their source, and Trattoria Cooking brings together more than two hundred of Biba's favorite authentic recipes. Trattoria Cooking is filled with dishes that exemplify the simplicity and comfort of this homestyle cooking: Fettunta con Spinaci (Tuscan Garlic Bread with Spinach), Zuppa di Cipolle e Pane (Onion and Bread Soup), Rigatoni alla Fornaia (Rigatoni with Tomatoes, Pesto, and Ricotta), Risotto alla Mozzarella Affumicata (Risotto with Smoked Mozzarella). Entrees are well represented with such recipes as Pollo in Padella con Melanzane e Zucchine (Pan Roasted Chicken with Eggplant and Zucchini) and Buridda (Baked Assorted Fish, Tomatoes, and Onions Genova Style), and vegetables are celebrated in all their freshness and versatility—Piselli alla Pancetta Fritta (Peas with Fried Pancetta), Fagiolini con le Alici e Aglio (String Beans with Anchovies and Garlic), and Padellata di Verdure in Agrodolce (Sweet-and-Sour Mixed Sautéed Vegetables). In addition, there are recipes for homey polentas, filling pizzas, calzones, and frittatas, and such mouthwatering desserts as the flourless Torta di Mele della Trattoria Montagliara (Trattoria Montagliari Apple Cake) and the classic Tiramisú. As typifies trattoria cooking, the recipes are straightforward and easy to follow, accompanied by cooking tips, anecdotes, and wine suggestions. Trattoria Cooking begins with an overview of Italian ingredients, and ends with a list of more than one hundred trattorie with their addresses, in case you'd like to sample trattoria cooking at the source. For those who like their food simple and satisfying, Trattoria Cooking will be a constant kitchen companion.

Advance Praise for Trattoria Cooking "Who wouldn't love doing Biba's research, tracking down the simple, down-to-earth, tasty food that makes Italy such an irresistible destination? For everyone who wishes to know how it is done (and where to go in Italy to find it), she's written a cookbook full of delicious-sounding recipes from the trattorias where real regional cooking goes on. Her recipes are straightforward and easy to follow, and I particularly like all the good tips she gives, like little asides to good friends in the kitchen." —Carol Field, author of The Italian Baker "My friend Biba has done it again with her new book in which she brings the trattoria scene to vivid life." —Giuliano Bugialli "If you are an insatiable cookbook collector, as I have been for the past thirty-odd years, you may feel that the last word has been written about all categories of food. I felt that way until I browsed through Biba Caggiano's Trattoria Cooking and was positively impressed that she does have a great deal of admirable things to add to the subject of Italian cookery. Her book is marvelously inspired and original and it would be an asset to anyone's library." —Craig Claiborne "Biba Caggiano's Trattoria Cooking brings out the Italian in all of us. Her simplicity of method and use of fresh wholesome ingredients make every recipe exciting. Trattoria Cooking has Old World quality and authenticity, making every dish a winner." —Bradley M. Ogden

Bolognese by birth and upbringing, Biba Caggiano is the author of the award-winning Northern Italian Cooking and Modern Italian Cooking. She has taught Italian cooking in the United States and Italy, and is the chef-owner of Biba restaurant in Sacramento, California, which has received glowing reviews since its opening in 1986. Said Caroline Bates of Gourmet magazine, "The highest compliment I can give Biba is that when we dined there, shortly after returning from Italy, we thought we had never come home."

Acknowledgments.

Introduction.

Basic Ingredients.

Antipasti.

Soups.

Pasta.

Gnocchi, Risotto, and Polenta.

Meat, Poultry, and Game.

Fish and Seafood.

Vegetables and Salads.

Pizza, Calzoni, and Other Good Things.

Desserts.

Appendix: Eating Out In Italy.

Index.