I have an ever increasing amount of cookbooks that is continuing to grow at a rapid speed. My passion for Italian cooking is quiet overwhelming in some respects. I research, test recipes and cook more or less ever day. However,  I am interviewing Tessa Kiros next week and am working my way through her latest masterpiece, ‘Limoncello and Linen Water’, a timeless collection of recipes. It is the sort of cookbook you just can’t put down. It’s an addiction to me, more so than food. The book puts an instant smile on my face and stops me in my tracks whilst I’m cooking and testing in the kitchen. I sit and indulge with my feet tucked up under my bottom, a steaming mug of coffee and my note pad and pen to hand.

Limoncello and linen water is the story of life, of Tessa’s family, her inspiring mother in law Wilma and the beautiful region of Italy Tessa calls home, ‘Tuscany’.

Tessa was born in London to a Greek Cypriot father and a Finnish mother, when she was four her family moved to South Africa. She excitedly found her wings at the age of 18 and set herself to travel, working in various restaurants as she went. Whilst vising Italy to learn more of the food, culture and language she found and fell in love with Giovanni, now her husband. They have now settled in Tuscany and have two adorable children. 
The book is filled with traditional recipes, from a simple ‘Spaghetti aglio olio to crumbed lamb chops, then to a wonderful strawberry focaccia and flavoured salts, sugars and jams. Basil liqueur grabbed my interest immediately. I adore basil and use it in many dishes, but a liqueur, never!! So at the moment my basil is steeping in alcohol and will hopefully be ready for Christmas. My dad Rocco will enjoy having a little fragrant tipple with me, I’m sure.
The photographs that accompany the recipes are like nothing I have ever seen before. Capturing, different, vintage, memories, family, colourful, edible, Italian, inspirational and so much more. When I was working my way through the book my husband said that all he could hear from me was ‘Gasps’ of ohh and wow and so beautiful…… The quality of the book and the thought that has gone into it just shines out, from the pink luscious velvet bookmark to the outer covers sharp and decorative detail. 
When I read a cookbook I really do read it from cover to cover, I am one of those readers who wants to know more and more about the author. I love to see family photos and generations through the book. It makes you feel part of what you are reading. I feel like the author wants me to become involved and in turn it makes you fall in love with that book and the story that goes with with.
A truly inspiring book, and for me a real favourite. Add it to your Christmas wish list.

Grazie mille Tessa.

Carmela x