Book excerpt: The author of The Puglian Cookbook heads to the Italian island of Sardinia for a unique twist on the Mediterranean diet. Sardinia, the isolated and majestic island off the southwest coast of Italy, has a rich and ancient history as home to different Mediterranean peoples whose customs have intertwined over the centuries. The result is an unparalleled richness of cuisine. The Sardinian Cookbook captures these wonderful flavors, delivering more than 100 easy-to-make recipes that are as healthful as they are delicious. Sardinia is an island of many distinct landscapes and nationalities, from its rugged interior and breathtaking coastline to its diverse blend of Spanish, French, Italian, and Moorish cultures. From myrtle, saffron, and honey to lamb, seafood, and specialty cheeses, Sardinian food features a broad variety of flavors for any occasion. Many traditional Sardinian recipes are simple and straightforward—reflecting the peasant cuisine heavy on legumes, fresh vegetables, olive oil, and bread. However, it is common for Sardinians to celebrate holidays with lavish feasts and special delicacies: suckling pig, lobster, bottarga (Sardinian caviar), and the full-bodied yet natural flavorings of Sardinian sausages. Praise for The Puglian Cookbook “We love that before cranking up the heat at the stove, Todorovska pauses to make sure we have a deep understanding of the ingredients that are the fundamentals of Puglian cuisine. She writes for the home cook, with no fancy tricks, no hard-to-find ingredients.” —Chicago Tribune “For those who want a taste of excellent, yet different Italian cooking, The Puglian Cookbook is not to be missed.” —Midwest Book Review