Judy Witts Francini, a friend as well as a cook and culinary tour guide, just sent me her book Secrets from My Tuscan Kitchen. I'm looking forward to trying her take on classics around pasta, legumes, vegetables, and sweets. I am especially interested in her ragus. Check out her blog, Divina Cucinna. And if you're on your way to Italy, check out one of her tours.

This spring she'll  be visiting New York City. When she comes, I'll try joining her while she's touring here, then sit down for an interview for the blog, and maybe even get her to come over to la casa mio (my house!) for some collaborations in the kitchen.