This review was prepared by Ivonne M. of Cream Puffs in Venice.
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I'm sure we all have an "Italy dream". You know the one where we're blissfully driving through the Italian countryside stopping here for a perfect glass of wine and there for the most incredible meal of your life. No cares. No worries. Just lots of fresh, mouth-watering food prepared by soulful Italian women who give you a big hug when it's all said and done, just like grandma used to.

A dream, indeed.

Thankfully, some people are very good at helping others realize their dreams in a way that's most attainable. In this case I speak of Matthew Scialabba and Melissa Pellegrino, authors of The Italian Farmer's Table: Authentic Recipes and Local Lore from Northern Italy.

Championing the many agriturismi of Northern Italy, Scialabba and Pellegrino have embarked an an exhaustive (but fun) journey documenting the popularity of these tourist/foodie havens.

As Scialabba and Pellegrino make their way through Northern Italy, they document 30 working family farms that offer rooms and also meals. Having been to Italy many times, I can attest to the fact that many Italians are still very closely linked to their rural past. While here in North America we may be more far removed from rural life, in Italy it's still very common for people to live and work on farms, to own farmland or have a farmhouse.

This book focusses on the agriturismi of Northern Italy and the food is a meticulous representation of Northern Italian culinary tradition. Lots of polenta, fresh pasta, cured meats, legumes and simple, yet rich sweets.

Each agriturismo that's presented in the book is introduced in the way you would introduce a close friend or family member. I love this feature of the book because the places they visit aren't just another point on a map. Agriturismi with names like La Traversina, Maison Rosset, Cascina Caremma and Baite di Pra (love that name) become real places that you can actually see yourself driving up to one day.

And Scialabba and Pellegrino spare no detail in introducing the tremendous men and women behind these working farms. They give a name and a face to the great farmers and even greater cooks.

If you have plans to visit Northern Italy and really want to visit the spots that are growing and preparing the best of Northern Italian cuisine, this book is a definite must.

But even if a trip to Northern Italy isn't in the cards for you very soon, I still highly recommend this book. The recipes are excellent and well-photographed. Beautifully written, it's a testament to two chefs who have spent a great deal of time researching a subject they so obviously love.

And those are always the best cookbooks!