Description: The Italians call it l'arte dell'arrangiarsi, or the "art of making do with what you've got." This centuries-old approach to ingredients and techniques, known as cucina povera, or peasant cooking, reveals the soul of Italian food at its best.
Brief description: Giulia Scarpaleggia is a Tuscan-born and -bred home cook. She is a food writer, podcaster, and cooking school instructor who has written five cookbooks in Italian. Her blog, Juls' Kitchen, was named by Saveur as 2019's best food culture blog. Scarpaleggia lives in Tuscany with her parents; grandparents; husband/photographer, Tommaso; and daughter, Livia. Her favorite comfort food is pappa al pomodoro (Tuscan tomato soup)--the ultimate in cucina povera. Find her on Instagram at @julskitchen.
Review Quotes: "Italian cooks are known for their ability to turn humble ingredients into delicious food. But in the hands (and kitchen) of Tuscan food writer Giulia Scarpaleggia, the art of la cucina povera shines with new allure. Giulia's deep knowledge of and respect for her native country's culinary traditions come through in every recipe of this beautifully photographed book."--Domenica Marchetti, author of Preserving Italy