David Rocco's Dolce Vita

This is the most gorgeous cook book I've ever had. David Rocco is apparently on the Food Network, but I hadn't heard about him or this book until I discovered it at Chapters. Between the fact that it is recipes from Tuscany and the gorgeous pictures on every page, I wanted it instantly. It's $40, but I found it online on Amazon for $25 Canadian (on Amazon.ca) and so I ordered a copy for myself and one for my mom. I love the little snippets about Italian life and the diversity of dishes. Something for every course, coffee and even left overs!

What is really impressive is how AMAZING and easy the dishes are. Tonight I made the arugula pear salad and the Salsa Di Porcini, an incredible mushroom topping/sauce that can be served with pasta or on bread. It's gourmet, but very easy to make. The philosophy is to create incredible dishes using simple ingredients.

Usually with a cook book I flip through a few pages and get discouraged by the long list of ingredients or the idea that I have to spend 4 hours in the kitchen to make something. This is the opposite. I can't wait to try all of the recipes and impress my dinner guests. The husband is already wowed ;)