TX723.H31

1A Story of Family Folklore: How the Sforzas Fought for Milan 8 2 My Russian Ancestress, Valentina 22 3 Rose at Claridge's Having Tea 32 4 Lili and the Prince of Montenegro 42 5 Turkish Delight-The Love Story of Valentine and Carlo 52 6 Fiammetta Never Got the Hang of Using Chopsticks 64 7 Fascism and Parisian Cuisine with Carlo 76 8 The Tale of Mother Superior and Nanny Mischa 90 9 Escape to Belgium and the Comforts of Le Grand Pin 100 10 Exile on Cape Cod and Tea with Eleanor 114 11 Montignoso Under German Occupation 128 12 The Return to Italy Via the Spice-Scented Port of Casablanca 138 13 Mamma and Dad: Their Scandalous Marriage 150 14 Beppino, The Master of Risotto 164 15 The Dogs are Barking at the Milkman, Marietto 176 16 Summer Nights at the Cinema Romanina 186 17 At School with La Signora Leonora 198 18 Italia the Cook (and Her Sister America) 210 19 La Mia Dolce Vita: Eating Cakes on Via Veneto 226 20 Il Pino: My First Restaurant 240

This evocative "foodoir"—a piquant blend of cookbook and memoir—relates the unforgettable history of chef Valentina Harris's family, along with a menu of international dishes that have deeply personal meaning for her. Valentina lovingly recalls her virulently anti-fascist grandfather, a former Italian ambassador forced into exile during WWII; parents whose relationship caused a family scandal; her childhood in Tuscany; and the family cook who taught her all about food. These heartfelt memories unfold with 85 recipes, from Braised Cinnamon Duck with Caramelized Pears to Seafood Risotto to Belgrade Almond Cake.