My Italian Kitchen

Book excerpt: A collection of authentic Italian family recipes from the Season 4 winner of MasterChef! Most of Italian chef Luca Manfe’s early memories, especially of family holidays, revolve around food. Passed down from his nonnas, these recipes reflect the warm, rustic flavors of Friuli, Italy: rich frico, risotto, and savory polenta. Also showcased are the lighter bites that pair perfectly with a glass of wine: crostini with ricotta and honey, or a tramezzini, the Italian version of English high-tea sandwiches. Standout desserts include the tiramisu he made with his mother when he was eight years old and his now-famous basil panna cotta that helped win him the title of MasterChef. “I love to teach,” says Manfe, “I’ll show you the fundamentals of fantastic Italian food, including homemade stock (I swear, it’s easy), pasta from scratch, and more. My Italian Kitchen is packed with the food that I love and that you and your family will love too.”