Penguin Michael Joseph acquires Giuseppe Federici's Cooking with Nonna

Penguin Michael Joseph has acquired Giuseppe Federici’s first book, Cooking with Nonna. Known as @Sepps on social media, Federici shares vegan Italian recipes authenticated by his Sicilian grandmother, Nonna Marianna. 

Cookery publisher Dan Hurst pre-empted world rights from Rachel Mills at Rachel Mills Literary, and the book will be published in hardback on 15th August 2024. 

"Food and family have always been intertwined and at the centre of Giuseppe’s life," the synopsis says. "From Lasagna, Arancini, the Perfect Tomato Sauce, Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino, Tiramisu and so many more, Giuseppe shares 80 of his and Nonna’s greatest recipes in this beautiful cookbook which celebrates rustic Italian home cooking and the joy of plant-based eating, but also the power of family and how food transcends generations and brings cultures together."

Giuseppe has over 800,000 followers across social media, and he was the winner of 2023 Digital Creator of the year at the Fortnum and Mason Food and Drink Awards last autumn. He said: "I started making videos with my Nonna less than two years ago and what a journey it’s been—from cooking with Nonna on live TV, winning awards, and now being a published author. I’m so excited to see what people think of the book and for them to read all about Nonna’s story and see the incredible photos but, more importantly, to try the delicious, simple and comforting plant-based recipes that we’ve put so much love into."

Marianna added: "I’m so happy and proud to be doing this with my grandson Giuseppe. At my age in life making a cookbook is something beyond my imagination, and to be able to share recipes with other generations that my mother and grandmother taught me brings me lots of joy. Shooting the book in Sicily was a true highlight for me, as I was able to spend time with all of my sisters and capture beautiful moments that we’ll cherish forever."

Hurst said: "The first time I saw Giuseppe and Nonna Marianna cooking together I knew they were something very special. Not only did the food look delicious but there was so much love and affection shining out through the screen. This is family food that has been passed down through the generations, food to spend time catching up over, and food with the power to transport you to the sun-baked coast of Sicily in a single bite."