Gennaro's Limoni

Book excerpt: Ask a foodie about the Amalfi Coast and lemons immediately spring to mind. The sweet, aromatic, large and thick-skinned Sfusato Amalfitano is the extraordinary and delectable citrus fruit which Gennaro Contaldo grew up with. Lemons were and still are a part of daily life for locals of the Amalfi Coast, and, when Gennaro came to the UK over 40 years ago he continued this tradition. From a sliver of zest in his morning espresso to helping with minor ailments and even household chores, lemons have a wealth of uses. No part of the lemon is wasted – flesh, pith and skin are chopped into salads, juice is drizzled over meat, fish and veggies, while the aromatic zest adds a complexity to a dish's flavour. Even the leaves are used to wrap meat, fish and cheese for extra flavour, or finely chopped and made into a tea infusion. Lemons can cleanse, refresh, preserve, ‘cook’ and add a vibrant flavour to dishes as giving colour and an uplifting aroma. From Ravioli with Ricotta, Lemon and Mint, and Sicilian Chicken Involtini, to Lemon Biscuits, and Coffee and Lemon Semi-freddo, this is not only a beautiful and inspiring homage to the most revered of fruit but Gennaro's most inspirational book to date. Chapters are: Introduction – including The Amalfi Lemon and Lemons in the Kitchen) Small Plates Vegetables Fish Meat Desserts Drinks & Preserves Sauces & Dressings