Everyday Pasta

Giada makes everything look so easy! And guess what!? IT IS!!! Simplicity is key. This book brings back a lot of my childhood memories. Being from a VERY Italian family, I can relate to almost all the dishes. This book is worth every penny if you are looking for something simple and easy, yet classy and elegant.

Given some of the masterful texts out there on Italian cookery, it's hard to fathom why on earth anyone would waste his/her money on what is essentially a slick, lightweight series of glamourshots. (I'm guessing it's aimed at the same people who buy the stuff with that "Nigella" creature on the front.)

I have nothing against beautiful women, and if you're considering this book because you want to look at one, be my guest.

If, however, you want to learn something of Italian cooking, do yourself a favor and order "The Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking" by Marcella Hazan, or Elizabeth David's classic "Italian Food." Comparing Miss De Laurentils to either of these two kitchen icons is like comparing Britney Spears to Billie Holiday.

If you must have a newer, slicker, more graphically appealing work in your hands, at least go for Mario Batali's "Simple Italian Food," "Molto Italiano", or "Lidia's Italian-American Kitchen" by Lydia Bastianich.

I adore Giada and enjoy all of her recipes. She makes everything sound so delicious just from reading about it. My only problem is my favorite cookbook is one with a picture of every meal and this does not have it.

Giada does a great job with this book. The recipes are delicious and conquerable by even a beginning chef like myself. She utilizes herbs well, which is the essence of any great dish. Like any great chef or cook she gathers her inspiration from restaurants she patronizes as well as her family. Pasta was never so lucky.

What I like about this book is that the recipes are not too complicated to be done by a working person who might have little time to spend in the kitchen. If you are looking for cooking that will be loved by everyone in your family from grandpa down to your niece or nephew who is visiting and who are picky eaters, then this cookbook should do the trick. The photos are beautiful and the recipes are yummy.

Bentley/2007Everyday Pasta