Containing over 200 recipes drawn from all regions of Italy, this book typifies the variety, ingenuity and traditions of Italian cuisine. The book explores the many kinds of ingredients - from the familiar to the exotic - and shows how to prepare these recipes, with feature panels providing detailed information on the ingredients and cooking methods involved. Also included is information on equipment, preparation techniques and the place of food in Italian culture. Illustrated throughout, this book is designed to appeal to both the devotee of Italian cooking and to uninitiated enthusiast who wants to learn more about the secrets of this popular cuisine.