The Bottom Line
This book combines the best of Italian cooking instruction with an enjoyable, personable read.
Pros
- Delicious Italian recipes.
- Foolproof directions.
- Excellent instruction in Italian cooking techniques.
Cons
- Would have enjoyed seeing photographs of the recipes and techniques.
Description
- 120 new recipes from Marcella Hazan.
- Introductory chapters read like a cooking class explaining Marcella's cooking techniques.
- Recipes include antipasti, soups, pasta, sauces, fish, chicken, meats, vegetables, and desserts.
Guide Review - Marcella Says
You would never know from reading this book that famous cookbook author and instructor Marcella Hazan has been teaching Italian cooking for four decades. Her enthusiasm for the subject still shines through each recipe as her presentation is completely down-to-earth. Only her masterful instruction lets you know that you're dealing with an expert. From the lengthy introductory "Master Class" that covers basic Italian cooking techniques through the final chapter on purchasing specialty Italian ingredients, it's clear that Marcella wants to share every morsel of information she has on the topic. There's so much you can learn, but it's very easy to take it step-by-step or recipe by delicious recipe.
There's nothing particularly glamorous about these recipes, they're intended to be good simple food. But sometimes good simple food is the best because it showcases each of the ingredients. And most importantly, the simplicity of the ingredients permits Marcella to explore the rationale behind each cooking technique in detail. The best part of this book is that while you're learning from a master, the lessons are completely unintimidating. You end up feeling like you're by your grandmother's side in the kitchen as she shares her lifetime of cooking techniques and secrets with you.
