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The Glorious Soups and Stews of Italy
by Domenica Marchetti
Chronicle Books
ISBN 978-0-8118-4817-6
Published July 2006 - Softcover - 168 pages - $19.95

In my opinion, there's no greater meal than a one-pot dish, and to me, soups and stews are one-pot meals.  Of course Italian food is in my top three all-time favorite noshes, as you might know if you're a regular reader of my cookbook reviews.  Domenica Marchetti's first cookbook takes care of many of my food needs, and I loved her seasonal take on her recipes.  Using seasonal and the freshest ingredients really does make all the difference.  Her book covers all the seasons, starting with autumn.  Many people associate soups and stews with winter, but there are light soup and stew recipes very suitable for warmer days.  There's something very comforting about homemade soups and stews, very family-ish.  Some of her recipes I found enticing include: Zuppa di Magro alla Campagnola (Country Vegetable Soup); Spezzatino di Maiale al Sapore di Finocchio (Fennel-Scented Pork Stew); Zuppa di Cipolle al Pecorino (Onion Soup with Pecorino); Stufato di Pollo con Scarola e Porri (Smothered Chicken with Escarole and Leeks), and Zuppa di Cozze con Peperoni Arrosti (Mussel Stew with Roasted Peppers).  I do fancy the Crostata di Albicocche e Amarene (Apricot and Sour Cherry Tart) as something for dessert.  We're also given cooking techniques, ingredients we should have on hand, homemade broth recipes, and accompaniments.  Most recipes come with a Cook's Note - very handy.
Illustrated.  No nutritional guides.
Conclusion - Good, healthy, and always satisfying meals.  A great first book.