Cicchetti

Book excerpt: Anyone who has strolled around Venice in search of something to eat will surely have come across cicchetti. They are served in bars, bàcari, and other eateries from late morning onward and are the Venetian equivalent of Spanish tapas and French canapés; irresistible little snacks of every imaginable configuration. Cicchetti is for those of you in love with Italy and Italian food. Many people find sitting around a table with friends and family to be one of the great joys in life. This book will help bring what wonderful Italian tradition home with regional recipes from all over Italy prepared in irresistible bite-sized portions. "Small plates" have become popular for both restaurants and now home cooking. From tapas of Spain to the mezze of the Middle East and the canapes of France, finger food allows us to eat almost anything guilt free. The smaller bite-size portions make even the most fattening ingredients consumed without concern. This book will teach you all about this Venetian tradition while delivering a unique collection of dishes that span the entire country. In no time you'll be serving your friends irresistible little snacks on sticks or on bread with an ombra, as aperitif or for lunch on a plate with a glass of crisp soave.