Book excerpt: In Mary Ann Esposito's new book, Ciao Italia Five-Ingredient Favorites, she shows home cooks how to turn just five ingredients into an easy, delicious and economical Italian dish for the family dinner table. Mary Ann Esposito knows that the genius behind great Italian cooking is the simple philosophy of using just a few quality ingredients to create something delicious. In Ciao Italia Five-Ingredient Favorites, she shows home cooks how to make that philosophy work for them so that they can save time and money without sacrificing flavor. With seventy five authentic Italian recipes--from antipasti to pastas, main courses and desserts -Esposito draws on the Italian culinary tradition of simplicity in the kitchen to create such effortless and tasty dishes as: - Prosciutto di Parma, Fontina and Fig Wraps - Spicy Soppressata Tartlets - Cheesy Stuffed Meatballs - Pistachio Dusted Pork Chops - Oven-Poached Halibut with Shallots and Fennel - Escarole Salad with Mustard Dressing - Chocolate, Hazelnut, and Banana Tartlets - Buttermilk Panna Cotta Infused with Vanilla With Ciao Italia Five-Ingredient Favorites, Mary Ann Esposito serves up a surefire way to please family and friends with easy recipes that are quick and delicious.