Cooking with Nonna: A Year of Italian Holidays

Rossella Rago, Race Point Publishing, £24.99 (hardback)

Rossella Rago is the creator and host of Cooking with Nonna TV, an online cookery series from the USA (www.cookingwithnonna.com). In each episode, Rossella invites an Italian-American nonna to cook with her and share some traditional recipes and memories from their growing-up days back in Italy.

It’s a hugely popular format and has already translated into one book.

This new volume, as the title suggests, concentrates on classic recipes that are prepared for special occasions and celebrations. From New Year’s Day to Christmas, you’ll find 130 delicious recipes shared by nonne from all corners of Italy. The book also includes their tender reminiscences, as well as plenty of practical tips for success in the preparation of their recipes. The list of major celebrations extends to include Valentine’s Day, Carnevale, All Souls’ Day and even weddings – the unifying factor is the special dishes that are central to the celebration of those particular events.