Experience Umbria -- explore the simple yet refined cuisine of this undiscovered region of Italy with award-winning author Julia della Croce. Replete with stunning beauty and rich in natural resources, Umbria relies on its abundant fields and forests to provide wholesome ingredients for its hearty dishes. The surrounding hill towns produce some of the finest wine and olive oil in all of Italy. It's a wonder that the cuisine of Umbria is only now being brought to light. Julia della Croce, a leading authority on Italian cooking, unveils the foods, recipes, and culinary folklore of a region that has its roots in Etruria, Italy's oldest and most fascinating civilization. Beginning with the classic ingredients of the Umbrian pantry, she presents delicious, authentic recipes for the home cook. From simple basics, such as Black Truffles on Toast (Crostini alla Urbani) to more challenging dishes, including Chicken Roasted in the Manner of Suckling Pig (Pollo alla Porchetta), Umbrian flavors are distinctively robust. Pasta varieties unique to Umbria -- umbricelli and penci -- are particularly delectable topped with unusual sauces made with asparagus or a savory blend of sausage, lemon, and nutmeg.

Sweetheart Cake (Ciaramicola) is quintessentially Umbrian and is guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth. Lush color photographs of the Umbrian countryside, village markets, and -- of course -- the food, are high-lighted by tidbits of history and quotes. Filled with suggestions for intriguing places to stay, important festivals, cooking classes, and sources for hard-to-find ingredients, this comprehensive volume is more than a cookbook, it's an inviting look at one of the most enchanting regions of Italy. Book jacket.