Claire's Italian Feast

It is this simple, yet profound sentiment that is at the heart of Claire Criscuolo's book, Claire's Italian Feast 165 Vegetarian Recipes From Nonna's Kitchen. When her grandmother emigrated from southern Italy to the city streets of New Haven, Connecticut, she brought a little bit of Amalfi with her. Delicious foods from the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean rich tomato sauces, bountiful antipasto platters heaped with marinated vegetables, and dishes drenched in fresh lemon juice found their place in the bustling, multi-generational kitchen on Wooster Street. In a household full of family and friends, every holiday and special occasion was celebrated around the large kitchen table, with traditional dishes lovingly prepared. It is these savory dishes, and the emotions they recall, that she affectionately shares in Claire's Italian Feast. Flavorful vegetarian meals are common to southern Italy, with its generous cornucopia of vegetables and fruit. Spaghetti with Olive Oil, Garlic Chips and Capers - aglio e olio is a quintessential Friday night meal in many Italian homes, and rich, tomato-laden marinara sauce is an Amalfi staple, yet many dishes are traditionally made with meat. By using what she terms new meats soy or wheat-based products that have the taste, texture and appearance of meat Claire adapts classic southern Italian dishes to delicious, healthful alternatives for the vegetarian palate. Eggplant Lasagna, made with ground meatless beef is every bit as mouth-watering as the original meat-based variety, and meatless Sausage and Pepper Rolls will summon up the enticing smells that waft through the air of an Italian street festival. The aromatic combinations in Portabello Mushroom Caps, Roasted with Mint and Garlic, and the earthy, sensual tastes of Pizza Dough with Goat Cheese and Truffle Oil are equally evocative of the fresh abundance of the Amalfi coast. Accompanying the recipes in Claire's Italian Feast is an informative section on stocking the Italian pantry, with tips on selecting wines, cheeses, beans and grains, and the all-important pastas. It also includes a chapter on preparing meals for the myriad special occasions that families celebrate. After all, what Italian Christmas would be complete without Holiday Lasagna, Anginettes and Fried Strufolli? And imagine Easter without Lemon-Caper Stuffed Baby Artichokes or an authentic Italian Easter Sweet Bread? Claire's Italian Feast is as much about the loving memories of growing up in an Italian family as it is about recipes and food. The 165 vegetarian recipes gathered here are Claire Criscuolo's personal favorites from her grandmother's kitchen, adapted with love and respect, and presented in the hope that you, too, will make the kitchen the heart of your home.