When we think of Italian cooking, it’s mostly mainstream cooking we’re envisioning. This means a lot of American-Italian dishes like pizza, pasta, ciabatta bread, espresso, etc. This is different from authentic Italian cooking, which tends to follow the seasons and fresh ingredients.
Each region of Italy has something notable to offer and has their own specialties. Puglia is known for being a farming city. They have the highest production of olive oil and durum wheat. Let’s look at what makes it truly unique.
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The Under the Olive Tree: Memories and Flavours of Puglia cookbook by Anna Maggio is going to open the doors to this beautiful region of Puglia!
Many recipes from Puglia have been taught by doing rather than writing them down. The Under the Olive Tree: Memories and Flavours of Puglia cookbook is the first time many of these dishes are actually recorded.
My attention was immediately drawn to the illustrations in this cookbook. Everything is delicately drawn, which gives this cookbook a bit of a wholesome design. It truly feels like these recipes have been passed down from generation to generation. They are stunning pictures and incredibly detailed.
This cookbook was meant to be used seasonally, just like Italian chefs create dishes from Puglia. It encourages us to go to local markets and enjoy fresh herbs and vegetables for future meals. Not only are we eating like we would in Puglia, but living like it.
There are only 112 pages in Under the Olive Tree: Memories and Flavours of Puglia. Not only that, but physically the book is very small, being only 8 inches tall and 6 inches wide. This cookbook is something you can take with you to visit friends and family to share together – exactly how it is meant to be.
Under the Olive Tree: Memories and Flavours of Puglia cookbook is an homage to Maggio’s homeland and reads like a journal. She truly loves her food and takes the time to celebrate each dish.
What are some of your family food traditions and where did they come from? My family makes a dish called “galuskis” which has been passed down from my stepdad’s Norwegian grandparents. These take a lot of care and time to prepare! I’d love to hear your about your family food traditions!
~Kaiti
