Well, here we are again ? Volume Two of our little Italian adventure. After all your lovely messages about slightly singed pizzas and triumphant pasta victories, I couldn't resist diving back in. This time we're heading north through Veneto, across to Liguria, south to Puglia, and everywhere in between.

If you're new here, let me catch you up: this is still very much an unofficial guide inspired by Stanley Tucci's wanderings in Searching for Italy. And just like the first book, you won't find any glossy food photos (still haven't learned food styling), and my kitchen remains steadfastly offal-free (though I'll happily point you to where you can find the best tripe in Milan, if that's your thing).

What you will find are recipes that work in real kitchens ? yours and mine. Want to master that legendary spaghetti all'assassina that had Mr. Tucci sweating in Bari? It's here. Craving the perfect scampi alla Busara? Got you covered. Dreaming of recreating that silky smooth trenette al pesto? Let's do it.

Just like before, everything's measured for both sides of the Atlantic (because who wants to do math while cooking?), and I've included all those little tricks that turn good dishes into great ones. Whether you're tackling Venetian cicchetti in your kitchen or planning a grand tour of northern Italy's finest eateries, consider this your friendly guide to the next leg of our journey.

Thanks so much for coming back for seconds - it's an immeasurable thrill for a normal gal like me to see you enjoy these recipes.