Healthy food on a sensible budget is important to many of us today but in Southern Italy, la cucina povera has been a philosophy for generations. These are delicious, filling recipes that will become family favourites in your own home, such as: Antipasti traditional starters, cured meats with bread and vegetables in oil. Slow cooked meals such as ragu a delicious tomato based sauce with meat. Stuffed peppers, using stale bread and herbs to fill peppers prior to baking. Mussels in a tomato and white wine sauce. Pork cotolette, pork escalopes covered in egg and seasoned breadcrumbs, flash fried. And a range of fabulous desserts for when we want a sweet treat smooth panna cotta with berries and tasty tiramisu.It s not just about the food; it s about the whole ethos of Italian family life. This books shows you how to be creative with what s available to you and gives you an incredibly healthy way to live and enjoy food with family and friends.