Naples!

July 15, 2013
With a dash of magic, a pinch of Auntie Mame, and a love for food and history, celebrity chef De Laurentiis begins her Recipe for Adventure series introducing the flavors of the world. Naples, Italy, is the first stop for siblings Alfie and Emilia, 11 and 12, who are magically transported to the city while listening to their visiting great-aunt Zia Donatella’s stories of her childhood home—and eating her homemade zeppole, which have a secret ingredient. On the streets of Naples, the children meet a boy shopping for the ingredients that will help his family’s trattoria win the local pizza festival. Information about basil, San Marzano tomatoes, and mozzarella di bufala is stirred into the kids’ scavenger hunt–like chase through the city. Back at home, Alfie and Emilia gain new appreciation for homemade pizza rather than their usual takeout. Gambatesa’s perky spot illustrations keep pace with the action, as De Laurentiis sprinkles Italian words and phrases throughout the story. An author’s note and recipe cards for pizza and zeppole are included. A second volume, Paris! is simultaneously available. Ages 7–11