The ultimate insider’s look at life in a small hilltop town in Tuscany.
In the heart of Chianti, friends & food go hand in hand.
Follow author John Bersani - a 20-year resident of Gaiole-in-Chianti - as he retraces his personal journey in search of authentic Tuscan food, and equally important, a place in the hearts and at the tables of his local friends and neighbors.
With traditional Tuscan recipes (curated in a very nontraditional way––by friend rather than by dish), heartwarming stories, and insider tips, 20 Amici 40 Ricette offers readers, whether passionate home cooks or armchair travelers, an authentic look at this ever-captivating region of Italy.
Each chapter introduces one of John’s “amici” (friends), either professional chef or home cook, and shares some of their signature recipes: porcini-tossed tagliatelle; braised drunken chicken; rich multi-layered lasagna the Tuscan way; the storied bistecca alla fiorentina; classic, comforting “coccoli” (fried dough balls whose name translates to "snuggles"), and many more.
A personal reflection on the nexus of great food, friends, and sense of place, 20 Amici 40 Ricette is a love letter to this beautiful place, taking readers into the heart of village life and, by extension, into local kitchens.
“This book is a tribute to our friends, our acquaintances, and the locals who make the heart of this place beat, day in and day out. It’s a love letter to our town in all of its beautiful, quirky ways.”
– John Bersani
BETWEEN THE COVERS
esperienzaExperience rustic, authentic Tuscan cooking and adopt the Italian way of having fun in the kitchen while being creative, resourceful, and wasting less.
condividereShare a culinary journey through the eyes of 20 local friends who love to cook. You’ll get a peek into their kitchens and an up-close look at their unique culinary signatures across 40 approachable recipes.
gustare“Gustare” translates both to taste and savour … taste the results of your efforts in the kitchen and savour beautiful images and stories that will take you to this seductive place from the comfort of your own living room.
An authentic Tuscan experience.
Visit Chianti through the eyes of John Bersani and his local friends. Together they’ll show you more than 40 authentic Tuscan recipes, they’ll guide you toward stocking your pantry with all the right ingredients, and they’ll share stories that will draw you into their world.
Adventure beyond the recipes …
Some thoughts on pasta.
Everything you need to know about making pasta, at home, the Italian way. Al dente to punto giusto.
Wine pairings and tasting suggestions plus a guide to local wine bars and regional wineries.
Some thoughts on wine.
Seasonality insights.
Ideas for pairing dishes seasonally that naturally complement one another.
An insider’s guide to local restaurants, wineries and regional 3-, 4- and 5-star accommodations from a longtime resident.
Your invitation.
About the Author
John Bersani is a writer, teacher and passionate advocate of Italian food, wine and culture.
A 2nd generation Italian-American with roots in his grandparent’s kitchen, John’s cooking philosophy has been shaped by more than 20 years of living in a small hilltop town in central Tuscany.
When he’s not in the kitchen, chances are John is off sharing his inside knowledge of the Tuscan countryside with small bespoke tour groups, discovering new culinary inspiration up and down the Italian boot, or spending time with his wife and three adult children.
John is the author of 20 Amici 40 Ricette: Friends and Food from the Heart of Chianti and a founder of Avventura Trips. He and his wife, Cyndy, split their time between Gaiole-in-Chianti, Italy and Scottsdale, AZ.
