Ferragosto: A Cookbook Celebrating Italian Summer

Embrace la dolce vita with this gorgeous, sun-soaked cookbook dedicated to Ferragosto—Italy’s iconic, food-loving August holiday—with over 100 seasonal and festive recipes capturing the endless allure of Italian summer.

Celebrate Ferragosto, Italy’s mid-August national holiday—a unique celebration with food at its heart, when businesses close, cities empty, and gatherings stretch long into the night. Delve into stories steeped in history, and journey from ancient Roman feasts to present-day Puglian parties, to discover the festive foods, customs, and traditions of Ferragosto.

Inside these pages, you’ll find sun-drenched recipes made for sharing—at the beach, by the lakeside, in the mountains, or beneath the shade of a lemon tree—and meant to be savored slowly, with sandy feet and brimming glasses. Picture ripe tomatoes barely dressed with olive oil, pasta tossed with herbs still warm from the garden, and peach juice dripping all over your wrists.

• Experience Italy’s vibrant regional food culture: Discover recipes from the shores of Positano to the peaks of the Dolomites, showcasing local ingredients and the beloved dishes that make each region famous.

• Share simple, seasonal dishes: Explore the appeal and freshness of the Italian table—delicious food that’s easy to prepare and perfect for sharing with family and friends.

• Taste summer all day long: Cook and eat your way through every moment of the day, from breakfast through aperitivo cocktails and antipasti essentials, to mains and side dishes fit for an evening feast, plus afternoon snacks and—of course!—dolci. This sumptuous cookbook also features sections on Italian street food, cooking at the beach and over the fire.

• Escape into idyllic photography: Travel to Italy’s sweeping coasts and rolling hillsides through evocative images that capture the dishes, people, and landscapes of the country’s most enchanting destinations.

From aperitivo to dolci, Ferragosto is a transportive cookbook that joyfully and unabashedly celebrates the essence of la dolce vita. Gather around fresh, seasonal dishes, and let the magic of summer linger just a little longer.