Rosemary and Bitter Oranges - by Patrizia Chen (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Patrizia Chen's childhood was suffused with the scent of simmering pots of cacciucco -- a local, hearty seafood stew -- and of the pittosporum blooming along the Tuscan coast. Her family's house and sumptuous garden in the Italian seaside town of Livorno are at the center of this captivating book that weaves together simple, delicious recipes with a love of home, family, nature, custom, and, above all, food.

The family cook, Emilia, a feisty, temperamental woman from a nearby fishing village, dutifully produces bland white dishes for every family meal, as dictated by Patrizia's grandfather. But behind the kitchen door it's a different story. One day seven-year-old Patrizia is led by a wonderful smell into the kitchen, where Emilia is preparing a spicy red sauce bursting with garlic and onion. With one bite, Patrizia becomes hooked. In the spacious, sun-drenched kitchen and adjoining herb garden, Emilia takes Patrizia under her wing, disclosing the secrets of her favorite Tuscan dishes.

Through vivid descriptions and charming anecdotes, Chen brings to life the white Carrara marble terraces, the coal-burning stoves, antique roses, and sacks of chestnut flour that fill the family house, kitchen, and garden. This delightful and evocative narrative will welcome you into the heart of Patrizia's Tuscan home and allow you to bring the robust flavors of Emilia's cooking into your own kitchen.

Review Quotes

"Kirkus Reviews" A beguiling memoir of growing up in a Tuscan city, learning to cook local and family favorites...A richly textured past intimately evoked.

Christopher Buckley author of "No Way to Treat a First Lady""Rosemary and Bitter Oranges "is the most delicious, soul-satisfying meal I've had in a very long time. It is to Italian food what the madeleine was to Proust.

Giuliano Hazan Author of "Every Night Italian" What a wonderful and beautifully written book is Patrizia Chen's "Rosemary and Bitter Oranges!" The vignettes she paints are so vivid and true they remind me of many similar experiences in my childhood. Her description of Emilia's negotiating skills at Livorno's food market is just perfect. This is a book I will treasure.

Mauro Maccioni Co-owner of Osteria del Circo and Le Cirque With grace, charm, and wit, Patrizia Chen takes readers to an Italy that no longer exists, an Italy you can taste through Chen's masterful rendering in "Rosemary and Bitter Oranges."

Michael and Ariane Batterberry Founders of "Food Arts" and "Food & Wine""In Rosemary and Bitter Oranges, " Patrizia Chen makes us a gift of her Mediterranean upbringing. Such is the power of her conjurings in this memoir-cookbook that readers of whatever nationality will be transformed into naturalized citizens of the Tuscan table. A stirring performance in every sense.

Patricia Volk Author of "Stuffed" Patrizia Chen does the impossible. She makes you experience her childhood. I loved "Rosemary and Bitter Oranges." It's as fresh as zabaione.

Christopher Buckley

author of "No Way to Treat a First Lady"

"Rosemary and Bitter Oranges "is the most delicious, soul-satisfying meal I've had in a very long time. It is to Italian food what the madeleine was to Proust.

Giuliano Hazan

Author of "Every Night Italian"

What a wonderful and beautifully written book is Patrizia Chen's "Rosemary and Bitter Oranges!" The vignettes she paints are so vivid and true they remind me of many similar experiences in my childhood. Her description of Emilia's negotiating skills at Livorno's food market is just perfect. This is a book I will treasure.

Mauro Maccioni

Co-owner of Osteria del Circo and Le Cirque

With grace, charm, and wit, Patrizia Chen takes readers to an Italy that no longer exists, an Italy you can taste through Chen's masterful rendering in "Rosemary and Bitter Oranges."

Michael and Ariane Batterberry

Founders of "Food Arts" and "Food & Wine"

"In Rosemary and Bitter Oranges," Patrizia Chen makes us a gift of her Mediterranean upbringing. Such is the power of her conjurings in this memoir-cookbook that readers of whatever nationality will be transformed into naturalized citizens of the Tuscan table. A stirring performance in every sense.

Patricia Volk

Author of "Stuffed"

Patrizia Chen does the impossible. She makes you experience her childhood. I loved "Rosemary and Bitter Oranges." It's as fresh as zabaione.