Let’s face it, it might be some time before we can travel internationally and fully enjoy what this world has to offer. But nothing stops us from recreating a miniature traveling experience through our kitchens. This week, we take to Italy—courtesy of French cook and writer Mimi Thorisson.
Her recent cookbook, Old World Italian: Recipes and Secrets from Our Travels in Italy, provides the perfect introduction to Italian cooking. Providing 100 recipes for authentic, classic dishes that are mostly easy to prepare, the book is also enriched by Thorisson’s conversations with devoted local food experts. More importantly—it’s a beautifully curated book, making it a pleasure to flip through.
According to Thorisson, the French and Italian kitchens differ greatly. “I think that is a very big difference because France is all about sauce, and just building up a beautiful sauce and reduction with your meats and whatever you were braising,” she told La Cucina Italiana.
“In Italy, first and foremost, the ceremonial making of pastas is already very unique compared to France. Just the whole art of making pasta for me was very important and very different for me. But you know, French people they fetishize food, but in Italy—it’s all about family. It’s cooking for the family. It’s a celebration.”
