Inspired by the romantic writing and stunning photography of Australian author Emiko Davies in her book Acquacotta, I planned a holiday in the Maremma, otherwise known as the silver coast of Southern Tuscany. I persuaded my friend Frances to accompany me and she suggested adding Naples to our itinerary. The holiday could not have happened without Frances’ fluent Italian, her get-up-and-go and her positivity. No challenge was too great for Frances. I did my best and managed to mostly keep up. I walked more than I have walked in years!

To read more, subscribe to the Cook’s Companion Club. You’ll be sent an immediate email with links to my current and past newsletters.