KEY POINTS:
Irresistible Italy: A journey of the senses
by Bill and Patsy Rowe
New Holland, $49.99
When I think of Italy I think first of food and wine being made and consumed with great gusto.
Sure, there's also amazing history, wonderful old buildings, a beautiful landscape and vivacious, often elegant, people with a marvellous zest for life.
But it's above all the tastes that linger in my mouth that draw me to return to Italy.
Unfortunately that's not on the agenda just yet, but in the meantime Bill and Patsy Rowe's journey of the senses through the storied Italian landscape is not a bad substitute.
The book mixes visits to beautiful places - ancient villages, churches emblazoned with magnificent art, bustling cities, traditional farms, unique cafes - with recipes to match the locations.
While dreaming of Rome you can make yourself some sweet tiramisu.
Joining the Rowes in a stroll around a Tuscan farm can be accompanied with a fennel and orange salad.
Admiring the art and architecture of magnificent Florence you can enjoy spaghetti with mussels in white wine.
They also visit places including Siena, Portofino, Cinque Terre, Verona, Venice, Naples and Sorrento. It's a delicious journey.
Next time I go to Italy I'm definitely going on one of those food tours. But until then I'll get by with creating a taste of Italy for myself with words, pictures and recipes like these.
