20 Amici – 40 Ricette (20 Friends — 40 Recipes)

Friends and Food from the Heart of Chianti

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Pub Date Apr 08 2025 | Archive Date Jan 30 2025

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Description

Truly experience the Chianti region—with over 40 authentic Tuscan recipes & stories from locals who will feel like friends.

“Just when you think there can’t possibly be anything left to discover about the food and culture of Tuscany . . . here comes John Bersani with an alluring personal tribute to the place, its cuisine, and most of all, its people."—Domenica Marchetti, author of The Glorious Pasta of Italy and Preserving Italy

"One of the most stunning cookbooks I've ever seen."—Meryl Feinstein, founder of Pasta Social Club and author of Pasta Every Day

Experience what it’s like to not only eat in Tuscany, but also how it feels to live there. With traditional Tuscan recipes, heartwarming stories, and insider’s tips from local chefs and family cooks in 20 Amici – 40 Ricette you’ll learn—and taste—why that translates to 20 Friends, 40 Great Recipes.

Feel like you’re wandering the streets of Gaiole, a Tuscan village named “One of Europe’s Most Idyllic Places to Live” by Forbes, as you meet local chefs who share their stories and recipes, from a creamy Risotto Semplice (basic risotto) to a tantalizing Branzino al Forno (whole roasted Mediterranean sea bass). Bring a taste of authentic Italian cooking to your kitchen and a touch of Tuscany to your home with the tales from locals who will feel like friends.

20 Amici – 40 Ricette (20 Friends — 40 Recipes) is an Italian cookbook that offers the complete Italian experience:

• Taste & See Chianti, Tuscany—More than 80 stunning photographs of street markets, homemade dishes, and more take you on a journey that looks as real as it tastes.

• A Local Perspective—Written by a longtime resident of the charming village of Gaiole, this Italian cookbook includes tips and tricks that come from a lifetime of experience.

• Beautiful Display—The eye-catching glossy hardcover looks great on any shelf, and is made to hold up after countless nights of amazing Italian cooking.

Take your family and friends on a culinary journey to Tuscany with 20 Amici – 40 Ricette.
Truly experience the Chianti region—with over 40 authentic Tuscan recipes & stories from locals who will feel like friends.

“Just when you think there can’t possibly be anything left to discover about...

Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781685556686
PRICE $35.00 (USD)
PAGES 256

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Average rating from 16 members


Featured Reviews

20 Amici – 40 Ricette invites readers to truly experience the Chianti region through over 40 authentic Tuscan recipes and heartwarming stories from locals who feel like friends. Written by John Bersani, the book offers a personal tribute to Tuscany’s food, culture, and people, featuring insights from local chefs and home cooks. It showcases the charm of Gaiole, a village celebrated for its idyllic lifestyle, and includes recipes like Risotto Semplice and Branzino al Forno. With stunning photography and practical tips from a longtime resident, this beautifully designed hardcover serves as both a cookbook and a window into the rich culinary tradition of Tuscany, perfect for bringing a taste of Italy into your home.

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A fabulous book of recipes I can’t wait to try. The pictures are fantastic and the rustic vibe is perfection. I love a cozy cookbook like this!

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Thank you, The Collective Book Studio for the copy of 20 Amici – 40 Ricette (20 Friends — 40 Recipes). Do you want to feel like you’re visiting Tuscany? John Bersani introduces us to the region by writing about his friends and their recipes and his love for the food and the people shines through. I’m not sure I would ever make the recipes, but they all sound delicious, and I appreciated the little cooking hints and the loved ones about repurposing ingredients. This would be a great gift for anyone with a hankering to travel to Tuscany.

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Book Review: 20 Amici – 40 Ricette: Friends and Food from the Heart of Chianti by John Bersani

John Bersani’s 20 Amici – 40 Ricette is far more than just a cookbook; it’s an invitation into the heart of Tuscany, offering readers an authentic taste of Chianti’s culinary traditions through recipes, vivid photographs, and the stories of the locals who make this region unforgettable. This beautifully curated book presents 40 authentic Tuscan recipes alongside stories from 20 friends and locals, allowing readers to experience the culture and cuisine of Chianti in a way that feels intimate and deeply connected to place.

The book’s structure—20 friends, 40 recipes—gives it a unique and engaging rhythm. Each featured local, from family cooks to seasoned chefs, shares both a part of their life in Tuscany and a cherished recipe that reflects their personal connection to the region’s cuisine. From comforting, familiar dishes like Risotto Semplice (basic risotto) to traditional specialties like Branzino al Forno (whole roasted Mediterranean sea bass), the recipes bring Tuscan flavors into the home kitchen with simplicity and elegance. Each recipe is presented with detailed instructions that encourage home cooks of all skill levels to recreate the dishes authentically.

Bersani’s writing feels like a guided tour, offering readers tips and insights that only a long-time resident could provide. His background and experience living in Gaiole—a village celebrated for its beauty and tradition—shine through in every page, making it clear that this book is a genuine expression of his affection for the region. This local perspective is invaluable, giving readers not only cooking guidance but also a glimpse into Tuscan traditions, regional produce, and local ingredients.

The visual appeal of 20 Amici – 40 Ricette is stunning, with over 80 photographs that capture the essence of Tuscan life. From bustling street markets and scenic views to the rustic kitchens where these dishes are made, the photos transport readers into the very heart of Chianti. The quality of the book’s production—the glossy hardcover and artful layout—makes it a beautiful addition to any cookbook collection, one that invites repeated use and admiration.

Bersani’s 20 Amici – 40 Ricette will appeal to lovers of Italian cuisine and culture, as well as those who dream of experiencing Tuscany firsthand. It is an ideal choice for readers looking to expand their repertoire of Italian dishes with genuine recipes that celebrate simplicity, flavor, and tradition. Whether used as a functional cookbook or a coffee table treasure, it’s a culinary journey that brings the warmth and spirit of Chianti into any home, leaving readers with both a sense of satisfaction and a deepened appreciation for Tuscany’s rich culinary heritage.

For anyone seeking a cookbook that goes beyond recipes to convey a sense of place, 20 Amici – 40 Ricette offers a rich, multi-sensory experience that will inspire both cooking and wanderlust.

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Suh a lovely premise with beautiful photography, a wide range of recipes, and lovely context around the locations that helped yield this cookbook.

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