"Let me invite you on a journey with me from my childhood," beckons Lidia Bastianich, hostess of the television series of the same name. And what an incredible journey it proves to be!

Lidia's Italian Table is overflowing with glorious Italian food, highlighted by Lidia's personal collection of recipes accumulated since her childhood in Istria, located in northern Italy on the Adriatic Sea. Hearty and heartwarming Italian fare is what Lidia understands best, and each chapter of this gorgeous cookbook is infused with Lidia's warm memories of a lifetime of eating and cooking Italian food.

Since good Italian food is based on good ingredients, Lidia includes an eloquent discourse on those products that are the cornerstones of Italian cuisine. She also explains the importance of regional wines and grappa (in flavors from honey to dried fig) in the Italian food experience.

Lidia explores every corner of Italian cuisine, from fresh and dry pasta to gnocchi and risotto to game and shellfish, all of which Lidia transforms into exceptional Italian dishes. But that is only the beginning. There are Italian soups to savor, and Lidia's luscious dolci, or desserts.

This gastronomic adventure is more than just a cookbook: it is an exploration into the heart of Italian cuisine.