When Fabio Viviani was growing up in a housing project in Florence, Italy, the center of his world was the kitchen, where his mother, grandmother, and especially his great-grandmother instilled in him a love for cooking and good food. Now he shares the best of Italian home cooking while telling the story of his hardscrabble childhood, his success as a chef in the United States, and the women in his family who inspired him.

Includes index.

Baby steps -- Appetizers -- Soups -- Pasta, Gnocchi, & Risotto -- Meat -- Seafood -- Chicken -- Salads & Vegetables -- Desserts -- My mom's bragging rights -- Fundamentals & breads.