In concert with PBS, much-loved Italian food expert Lidia Bastianich and her art historian daughter guide us on an art-laced culinary tour of Italy. Lidia's Italy begins in the northeast with her home region of Istria, now part of Croatia, where sauerkraut with pork is one of the hearty signature dishes. In contrast, across the country in the northwest, Piemonte is truffle mad. Organization is everything in this book. Not only is there the usual alphabetical index in the back, in the front of the book recipes are listed by course. In addition recipes are listed at the beginning of each region. Colour photos. Hardcover, 364pp, $44.00

Reviewed by Jennifer Grange