The pages of The Vegeterranean evoke the very essence of Mediterranean cooking: the heady fragrance of thyme and rosemary; the sound and smell of simmering tomatoes; the musky aromas of cinnamon and saffron. Not just for vegetarians, this cookbook is full of inspirational recipes that will have you reaching for fresh ingredients and local produce. Whether it is simple breakfast ideas, antipasti platters, soups, soothing risottos, fabulous breads, or irresistible desserts, the emphasis is always on flavor, color, and texture, creating a unique “vegeterranean” feel. This is vegetarian cooking at its best—delicious, innovative, and exciting.Within these pages the secrets of the kitchens of Country House Montali are revealed: how to make the most supple and delicious fresh pasta; how to produce a chocolate cake with minimum effort; and how to combine contrasting flavors and textures to elevate a dish from homely to heavenly.