The Peasant Gourmet is a culmination of many years of hands-on cooking experience and family traditions coupled with the nuances of modern-day Italy. Oftentimes my memories of traveling throughout the Italian countryside were inspiration for a few new recipes. My intent was to write a cookbook that would invite the reader to enjoy the delicious recipes within, inspire their enthusiasm for creative cooking and encourage them throughout to add their own unique recipes along with mine, making this book a vital part of their kitchen and family traditions. Remembera aIf you cook with love it will always come out delicious a and aFood has to look good and smell good before it can taste good.a Bon appetiteafrom my table to yours with love Arlene, I am the Peasant Gourmet.