A passion for fruit - Lorenza De' Medici Stucchi

Inspired by the delicate paintings of Giovanna Garzoni, the seventeenth-century Florentine artist, Mike Newton has created an exquisite collection of still-life photographs of all varieties of fruit. The gentle art of the court miniaturist to the Medici is reflected in these delicious images, from fresh, sun-warmed figs to the season's first sweet strawberries and the velvety seductiveness of the peach. Lorenza de'Medici, renowned Italian cookery author and direct descendent of Garzoni's Medici patrons, complements these photographs with an elegant narrative and over 100 Italian-inspired recipes. Using well-loved fruits such as apple, fig and apricot as well as the more unusual medlar and quince and exotic fruits such as guava and papaya, she provides recipes for classic dishes, desserts, sorbets and preserves as well as a wonderful selection of savoury dishes. A Passion for Fruit captures the essence of these fruits and will inspire cooks, art lovers and gardeners alike.