The Figs Table - Paperback

by Todd English (Author), Sally Sampson (Author)

"Never trust a round pizza"

-- Todd English

Todd English, the renowned chef who brought you The Olives Table, shares his savory, innovative, Mediterranean-inspired food in this collection of more than 100 home-tested recipes from his award-winning restaurant Figs. At Figs, which was voted Best Italian Restaurant by USA Today and cited by Boston magazine and Zagat's as having the best pizza in Boston, there's something for everyone in the family, from Macaroni Simoni for the kids, to Portobello Mushrooms, Mushroom Purée, and Fontina Cheese Pizza for more sophisticated palates. And no one will turn down a taste of the White-Chocolate Challah Pudding with Caramel Sauce.

Everyone loves pizza, and at Figs, pizza is the main attraction. But that's not all you'll find in these pages. The Figs Table showcases Todd English's trademark style: layering flavors to create bold and soulful food, now available to the home cook. Fennel Watermelon, and Black Olive Salad with Feta Cheese makes a refreshing starter on a hot summer day, while the flavors of Roasted, Fried Pear Quarters with Frisée, Prosciutto, and Balsamic Glaze warm a cool autumn evening. Mushroom Minestrone or Black Bean Chill is filling enough to make a meal. Couscous Carbonara with Country Ham is a new twist on an old favorite; Spaghetti with Hazelnuts and Green Beans makes a simple but elegant supper. And why not try Creamy Cheddar and Spinach Polenta or the Asparagus Butter Risotto with Shrimp as a change from pasta? And of course, there's the pizza: White Bean Hummus and Asiago; Fig and Prosciutto; Clam; Spicy Shrimp Pizza with Caramelized Leeks and Tomato Sauce; Classico; even Kielbasa, Sauerkraut, and Potato Pizza with Dijon Mustard Aloli. And for just a taste of something sweet, try a Cranberry Pecan Biscotti, a slice of Torta Caprese, or the Tiramisu that The Boston Phoenix called "the best in town."

Simple or complex, sweet or savory, any dish from The Figs Table makes any meal special.

Author Biography

Todd English is the chef-owner of Olives and the three branches of Figs, all award-winning restuarants located in Boston. English graduated from the Culinary Institute of America with honors and was named Best Chef in the Northeast by the James Beard Foundation in 1994. He has taught cooking classes in the U.S. and abroad and has been featured in Bon Appetit, The New York Times, Food & Wine, The Boston Globe and The Boston Phoenix. He lives with his family in Boston.

Sally Sampson is the author of Recipes from the Night Kitchen: A Practical Guide to Spectacular Soups, Stews, and Chilies; The Diet Workshop's Recipes for Healthy Living; and Chic Simple Cooking. She writes for The Boston Phoenix, The Boston Globe, and Boston magazine, among other publications. She lives with her family in Boston.

Sally Sampson is the founder of ChopChop magazine and the author and coauthor of numerous cookbooks, including the James Beard Award-nominated The $50 Dinner Party, Throw Me a Bone (with Cooper Gillespie), and The Olives Table (with Todd English). She has contributed to Self, Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, The Atlantic, The Boston Globe, and The Boston Phoenix. She lives with her family in Watertown, Massachusetts.