Sweet Myrtle and Bitter Honey by Efisio Farris Books in Review
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Sweet Myrtle and Bitter Honey - The Mediterranean Flavors of Sardinia
by Efisio Farris
Rizzoli
ISBN 0-8478-2992-8
Published October 2007 - Hardcover - 272 pages - $39.95

I saw Efisio Farris on the Martha Stewart Show and was drawn in by his passion for his homeland of Sardinia.  Although the Italian island is known as a "nation of shepherds," there's much more to this charming place than sheep.  I've always adored islands but I never visited Sardinia - sad for me.  However, I was delighted to open this book and encounter a map (I also love maps for some reason) and to discover how "busy" this place is - just look at the organization of the land on pages 2 and 3.  Restaurant owner Farris gives us an exquisite look at the culinary aspect (not something most people would assume) of his homeland as he adoringly promotes Sardinian fare.  He also imparts a little history of the place.  His book is divided into: Starters; Pastas & Risottos; Main Courses, and Desserts, and features over 125 recipes.  It's also filled with interesting and informative sidebars of thoughts and memories - quite enchanting.  These mouthwatering dishes appealed to my love of Italian cuisine: Salad of Arugula, Pears, Ricotta Salata, and Walnuts; Mussels on the Half Shell with a Spicy Tomato Relish; Sardinian Paella (my idea of heaven!); Macarrones de Busa with Chicken Livers and Passito Wine; Risotto with Sausage and Pecorino; Beef Braised in Red Wine, and Sweet Ravioli with Bitter Honey.  For the more adventurous, there are recipes for eel, octopus, cuttlefish, and sea urchin.  The book's title comes from two ingredients from the island.  Farris has his own import company, GourmetSardinia - visit their website.
Beautifully illustrated.  No nutritional guides.
Conclusion - I do need to visit Sardinia.  A joy of a cookbook - get one!

book cover


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