The co-author of our January 2009 Cookbook Club selection reflects on his unexpected success as a fine-dining chef. (registration required)

There’s no mistaking this book’s restaurant pedigree, but its true appeal stems from its celebration of Italian country cooking.

Nate Appleman, executive chef of A16 in San Francisco, and co-author of A16 Food + Wine, discusses how he stocks his Southern Italian pantry.

Nate Appleman, executive chef of A16 in San Francisco, and co-author of A16 Food + Wine, shares his recipe for Monday Meatballs, a popular dish at his Southern Italian restaurant....

Fresh bread crumbs made from slightly stale bread are tasty. They are also easy to make. (registration required)

I call this recipe the Italian answer to refried beans. (registration required)

Sweet squash and hot chiles make a happy match with salty pancetta. (registration required)

In this earthy salad, the sweetness of the beets and fennel is balanced by the salty black olives. (registration required)

The attraction to this dish is understandable: these meatballs are at once simply and deeply satisfying. (registration required)