The Figs Table—More Than 100 Recipes for Pizza, Pastas, Salads, and Desserts

"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 Puree, 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 Frisee, 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.

Todd English, coauthor of The Olives Table, is the chef-owner of Olives and the four branches of Figs, all award-winning restaurants located in the Boston area. English graduated from the Culinary Institute of America with honors. In 1994, English was named Best Chef in the Northeast by the James Beard Foundation after having been named National Rising Star in 1991; he is also the recipient of the first Robert Mondavi Award for Culinary Excellence. He has taught cooking classes in the United States and abroad and has been featured in Bon Appetit, The New York Times, Food & Wine, The Boston Globe, The Boston Phoenix, and other periodicals too numerous to mention. English is the cohost of The Olives Table radio program and host of the public television series Cooking In. He lives with his family in Boston.