Claire's Italian Feast

Book excerpt: Claire Criscuolo's latest cookbook contains the personal favorite recipes from her Italian grandmother for colorful, authentic meals. All recipes are vegetarian, and for classic Southern Italian dishes which require meat products, Criscuolo provides suggestions for alternatives. With chapters on appetizers, side dishes, pastas, entrees and desserts, "Claire's Italian Feast" evokes the fresh, abundant flavors of Italy with dishes like: -- Portobello Mushroom Caps, roasted with mint and garlic-- Fresh tomato soup with Garlic Toasts-- Pizza Dough with goat cheese and truffle oil-- Red Bell Peppers stuffed with arborio rice and artichoke hearts-- Easter Sweet Bread-- Chocolate Covered Eggplant"Claire's Italian Feast" also features tips on selecting wine, cheese, and grains and includes a chapter on preparing several-course meals for special family and religious celebrations. It is a healthy and irresistible take on what Italian cooking is all about.