The Tuscan Life With Cookbook Author Amber Guinness

The Tuscan Life With Cookbook Author Amber Guinness

From Radio Cherry Bombe by The Cherry Bombe Podcast Network

March 25, 2026 · 47 min

About this episode

Amber Guinness discusses her Tuscan upbringing and her cookbook 'Winter in Tuscany' with host Kerry Diamond.

Today’s guest is Amber Guinness—cookbook author and co-founder of The Arniano Painting School. Amber grew up in the Tuscan countryside, where food was a way of life and meals were all about gathering, generosity, and instinct. Amber joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about her latest book, “Winter in Tuscany: Cozy Recipes and the Quanto Basta Way,” and the philosophy that guides her cooking: quanto basta, or “as much as you need.” It’s a beautifully simple idea that encourages cooks to trust themselves, embrace imperfection, and focus on flavor over formulas. Amber shares stories from her childhood in rural Italy, her time working at London’s iconic River Cafe, and how she came to host intimate painting retreats at her family home, where she cooks for guests using recipes passed down through generations. The two also dive into Amber’s favorite dishes, from lemony meatballs and “drunk” spaghetti to cozy lentil stews and emergency pantry pasta. Plus, Amber talks about writing three books in three years, the magic of Tuscan olive oil, and why sometimes the simplest meals are the most memorable. Click here for Amber’s Sausage, Lentil, & Chickpea Stew recipe. This interview was recorded…

People in this episode

Host: Kerry Diamond

Guest: Amber Guinness

Topics covered

  • cooking
  • Italian cuisine
  • Tuscan life
  • cookbooks
  • food philosophy

Keywords

  • Amber Guinness
  • Tuscan cuisine
  • quanto basta
  • cooking philosophy
  • Italian recipes
  • food stories
  • cookbook author

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Arniano Painting School, River Cafe

Books & works: Winter in Tuscany: Cozy Recipes and the Quanto Basta Way

Places: Tuscan, London

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