What happens when you send a painter and a cook around Italy? You come up with a gorgeous book that is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

Sacla, the Italian family pesto and antipasto maker whose UK base is in Beaconsfield, did just that when they decided fans of Italian food don't always appreciate the riches of provincial cooking. Sacla director Giuseppe Ercole explains: "The art of the painter and the art of the cook are similar in so many ways." He took Italian food writer Anna Del Conte and still life artist Val Archer on a gastronomic journey around six lesser known Italian regions - Piedmont, Veneto, Liguria, Le Marche, Puglia and Sardinia - introducing them to producers and cooks.

The result is a visually stunning book, with gorgeous food-related paintings alongside Anna's text which reveals her passion for her homeland. It's not a recipe book though it includes many recipes. Rather, it's an exploration of regional cuisine, giving plenty of insights to intrigue the dedicated foodie as well those who want to expand their love affair with Italian food beyond pizza and pasta. A splendid and unique addition to the many books on Italian food.

The Painter, the Cook and the Art of Cucina Anna Del Conte & Val Archer (Conran Octopus £25)

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