Authors: Cassandra Vivian & Vivian Pelini Sansone
Publisher: Pelican
Soft Cover : 416 Pages
Photos: No...but there are illustrations
Chapters/Sections: Introduction, Tuscan Country Cooking, The Immigrant Year, Shopping all'Italiana, Our Italian Kitchen, Appetizers, Beverages, Breads, Schiaccate, and Pizzas, Desserts, Fish and Game, Meat: Beef, Meat: Lamb and Veal, Meat: Pork, Omelets, Eggs, and Egg Tortes, Pasta Poultry, Rice, Salads, Snacks, and Sandwiches, Sauces, Soups, Vegetables, Grand Mixed Fry
Unique or Cool Features: The whole first part of this book is fascinating reading! Before you even flip through the numerous pages of recipes, you'll find an Introduction (seriously, it's interesting enough to merit a mention), The Immigrant Year, Shoppinng all'Italiana, and Our Italian Kitchen. Combined, they make up a total of 70 fact-filled, history-laden good reading. While I think so many recipes are sound fabulous, I'd buy it just to read this primer.
(a few of the) Recipes Destined for my Kitchen: Schiacciate con Uva, Chestnut Cake w/ Rosemary & Pinenuts, Halibut Steak w/ Anchovy Sauce, Braciole Arrotolate con Ripieno, Pork Chops w/ White Beans, Homemade Salami, Savory Prosciutto and Ricotta Pie, Chickpea Soup w/ Egg Noodles
My Thoughts/Review: Not only is this a jam-packed cookbook...it is also a fantastic guide. There are no color photos, but since I look at this as sort of a handbook/workbook, I don't think this detracts from the glory of this book. It does have wonderfully drawn illustrations when something needs a visual accompaniment, though. Originally published in 1993 and titled Immigrant's Kitchen: Italian, it has been updated to compliment the new American pantry and cooking methods. Distinctions have been noted throughout the book as to whether a recipe is Tuscan or from a different Italian region. A great addition to any Italiaphile's, food-lover's, bookworm's, or cook's bookshelf.
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| My copy is bursting with bookmarks and wonderful illustrations |
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Excellent choice! The Tuscan cuisine is one of the best in Italy. Hello, Laura
ReplyDeleteGreat review.Makes me want the book!
ReplyDeleteYou will kill my budget! I have to have this book! Do you think if I begged the publisher they'd send me one?!!
ReplyDeleteSeriously, great review, great!! If you love Italian food this is a gotta have...I can see that now!
I'll try to search out the book. Books like this can be hard to find in my smallish community. You've made it sound like a culinary adventure that's well worth the time it takes to read. Have a great day, Heather. Blessings...Mary
ReplyDeleteI never feel like i have too many Italian cookbooks but this sounds like one I need more than all others! A great read with great recipes as well is hard to find.
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