Suh a lovely premise with beautiful photography, a wide range of recipes, and lovely context around the locations that helped yield this cookbook.

A stunning and immersive take on a cookbook that leaves you wanting to visit the Chianti region. Including an array of recipes from John Bersani's friends that bring out the culture of Tuscany. Recipes are simple to follow and include beautiful images enticing the reader to make themselves.

Book Review: 20 Amici – 40 Ricette: Friends and Food from the Heart of Chianti by John Bersani

John Bersani’s 20 Amici – 40 Ricette is far more than just a cookbook; it’s an invitation into the heart of Tuscany, offering readers an authentic taste of Chianti’s culinary traditions through recipes, vivid photographs, and the stories of the locals who make this region unforgettable. This beautifully curated book presents 40 authentic Tuscan recipes alongside stories from 20 friends and locals, allowing readers to experience the culture and cuisine of Chianti in a way that feels intimate and deeply connected to place.

The book’s structure—20 friends, 40 recipes—gives it a unique and engaging rhythm. Each featured local, from family cooks to seasoned chefs, shares both a part of their life in Tuscany and a cherished recipe that reflects their personal connection to the region’s cuisine. From comforting, familiar dishes like Risotto Semplice (basic risotto) to traditional specialties like Branzino al Forno (whole roasted Mediterranean sea bass), the recipes bring Tuscan flavors into the home kitchen with simplicity and elegance. Each recipe is presented with detailed instructions that encourage home cooks of all skill levels to recreate the dishes authentically.

Bersani’s writing feels like a guided tour, offering readers tips and insights that only a long-time resident could provide. His background and experience living in Gaiole—a village celebrated for its beauty and tradition—shine through in every page, making it clear that this book is a genuine expression of his affection for the region. This local perspective is invaluable, giving readers not only cooking guidance but also a glimpse into Tuscan traditions, regional produce, and local ingredients.

The visual appeal of 20 Amici – 40 Ricette is stunning, with over 80 photographs that capture the essence of Tuscan life. From bustling street markets and scenic views to the rustic kitchens where these dishes are made, the photos transport readers into the very heart of Chianti. The quality of the book’s production—the glossy hardcover and artful layout—makes it a beautiful addition to any cookbook collection, one that invites repeated use and admiration.

Bersani’s 20 Amici – 40 Ricette will appeal to lovers of Italian cuisine and culture, as well as those who dream of experiencing Tuscany firsthand. It is an ideal choice for readers looking to expand their repertoire of Italian dishes with genuine recipes that celebrate simplicity, flavor, and tradition. Whether used as a functional cookbook or a coffee table treasure, it’s a culinary journey that brings the warmth and spirit of Chianti into any home, leaving readers with both a sense of satisfaction and a deepened appreciation for Tuscany’s rich culinary heritage.

For anyone seeking a cookbook that goes beyond recipes to convey a sense of place, 20 Amici – 40 Ricette offers a rich, multi-sensory experience that will inspire both cooking and wanderlust.

This cookbook is a love letter to Italy, written like a travelogue.
We are presented an array of Italian cooks from the Author's life who share a favourite.
Nothing very new under the sun, lots of the recipes that seem so popular with Americans were present, but the photography is beautiful and the recipes are simple and hearty.
This is good for people who don't have many Italian cookery books.

Thank you, The Collective Book Studio for the copy of 20 Amici – 40 Ricette (20 Friends — 40 Recipes). Do you want to feel like you’re visiting Tuscany? John Bersani introduces us to the region by writing about his friends and their recipes and his love for the food and the people shines through. I’m not sure I would ever make the recipes, but they all sound delicious, and I appreciated the little cooking hints and the loved ones about repurposing ingredients. This would be a great gift for anyone with a hankering to travel to Tuscany.

A fabulous book of recipes I can’t wait to try. The pictures are fantastic and the rustic vibe is perfection. I love a cozy cookbook like this!

Lots of amazing recipes and stories. Most recipes are more complicated than I’d likely make. But they all sounded delicious!

20 Amici – 40 Ricette invites readers to truly experience the Chianti region through over 40 authentic Tuscan recipes and heartwarming stories from locals who feel like friends. Written by John Bersani, the book offers a personal tribute to Tuscany’s food, culture, and people, featuring insights from local chefs and home cooks. It showcases the charm of Gaiole, a village celebrated for its idyllic lifestyle, and includes recipes like Risotto Semplice and Branzino al Forno. With stunning photography and practical tips from a longtime resident, this beautifully designed hardcover serves as both a cookbook and a window into the rich culinary tradition of Tuscany, perfect for bringing a taste of Italy into your home.

20 Amici - 40 Ricette gives 40 authentic Tuscan recipes.
The text formating felt a bit dense at times, but that may have been exacerbated by reading on mobile. The photos were absolutely beautiful and everything looked delicious. Some of the recipes looked a little bit beyond my skill set, but were still written clearly.

Thanks to The Collective Book Studio and NetGalley for an eARC of this cookbook for an honest review.