Ciao Italia

Book excerpt: From the Foreword by Jasper White, chef, restauranteur and author; "Fabulous recipes aside, this book is worth possessingjust for the in depth dissertations Mary Ann gives on so manyingredients like olive oil, cheese, rice, lentils, pasta, pasta sauces,tomatoes, bread, artichokes, radicchio, prosciutto, mortadella,balsamic vinegar and other stars of Italian cuisine. She teaches theimportance of each and their connections to particular regions, citiesand villages with a knowledge that can only come from firsthandexperience. Mary Ann tells fun stories of Saints and extraordinarypeople and their connections to particular customs, history, holidays,farming and techniques of food preparation. These delightful tales,like the one of her grandmother preparing elaborate dishes honoringSt. Joseph for granting her wish of saving her husband's life, give usa deeper understanding of how food is so much more than fuel forthe body. It is a celebration of love and of life.Mary Ann Esposito has spent her life cooking, traveling andteaching. The pages that follow are the culmination of her amazingcareer accomplishments, vast experience, intelligence, and most ofall her connection to the food and the people she loves. Grazia, MaryAnn, for sharing your great adventure with us.""In Ciao Italia, her very personal gastronomic journey, Mary Annreveals to us the extraordinary diversity and complexity of Italiancuisine and the importance of traditions, ingredients and regionalcooking. Full of useful information and historical references, her livelystory is told with the right touch of flair and confidence and revealsthe soul of Italy." -Jacques Pépin, chef and author