Hailed as one of the brightest talents to have emerged on the UK food scene in the past few years, Angela Hartnett has been described by Gordon Ramsay as 'the new Elizabeth David'. As one of the few female British chefs to hold a Michelin star, her innovative cooking has been commended by reviewers and fellow chefs alike. But Angela's real inspiration comes from the food she grew up with - the classic dishes that she learned at her Italian grandmother's side. This is a unique collection of the family recipes that Angela has nurtured and developed over the years, and a celebration of the fantastic tastes, aromas and textures of Italian cooking that she loved from childhood. The freshness and richness of Italy's food, the warmth of its people and the beauty of its countryside shine through in Angela's recipes - in traditional rustic dishes like grilled peppers and courgettes, Aubergines Parmigiana, braised beef in Barolo, Lugarno sausage casserole and wild mushroom risotto.Alongside such classic Italian peasant fayre are refined dishes including Spaghetti with lobster, Mackerel tart with olive tapenade and Onion ravioli with roasted quail, and delectable desserts such as Figs in red wine zabaglione. But, as always for Angela, home is where the heart is, evidenced in the likes of Nonna's home-made ice cream and Auntie Rosina's walnut cake. With stunning food photography by Jonathan Lovekin, and 150 evocative and accessible recipes, "Angela Hartnett's Cucina" brings the warmth of the Italian family kitchen to your home.