Everyday Italian: 125 Simple and Delicious Recipes by Giada De Laurentiis Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Everyday Italian: 125 Simple and Delicious Recipes
Book Review: An honest review
Summary: 5 Stars
I don't understand some of the reviews here. I am under the impression that the reviews are to critique the books, not be mean and ugly towards the author.
I had wanted to go to culinary school when I was younger and wasn't able. I stopped doing any meaningful cooking or baking for a very long time. That changed when I started watching Giada's show. She got me back in the kitchen, and now I'm seriously going to start pursuing the culinary arts again. Her recipes are easy, can be done in a flash, taste great, give authentic flavor without tons of fuss, and most of all are fun. They are perfect for someone who works and wants to make great food in a short amount of time.
I couldn't disagree more with the reviewer who said she looks unhappy on her show. I find the exact opposite, she looks likes she having a ball!! Her spirit is infectious, it inspired me. She reminded me how much fun it is to cook, and how great a feeling it is to make something for others and have them really enjoy it!
As far as the recipes being on the Foodnetwork. I like having the book. There is just something special about having a book in your hands and thumbing through the pages. I heard she is working on a second book and cannot wait! This one is worth every penny! I think some of the negative reviews are from people who are just jealous.
Book Review: Annoying.........Mediocre recipes..
Summary: 2 Stars
O.K at first I found the fact that EVERY other page of this cook book is filled with a glamour picture of the author in various badly staged poises, all of which have her transfixed with that really annoying smile extremely funny. I mean I know that she's the darling of the Food Network Channel but the photography contained within this book is completely ridiculous. Pictures of food items or even techniques, take a very distant back seat. It also says a lot about who the publishers were trying to target. My wife even goes so far as to take the book out to show to people for a joke.
Once you've conditioned yourself to ignore the above, and get on with the recipes you notice that most are pretty average, which is fine if you're new to genuine Italian cooking. There are a few good recipes and on the plus side all are very easy to follow.
However I do have to say that there are way better cook books out there ( Authentic Italian - by Saveur Magazine Editors / Italian Easy - by Rose Gray, Ruth Rogers - to mention just a few.
Maybe worth a purchase if you see it on sale..if nothing else for the humour value..
Book Review: Another Celebrity Cookbook
Summary: 3 Stars
Yes, her food network show is a great introduction to Italian cuisine, and although her recipes are easy to execute, it is the type of food which lends itself to the notion that it is extremely "Italian-American" cuisine. Not that it is a bad thing, but you are more likely to find better versions of these recipes done in good, easy, housewive Italian tradition in other cookbooks rather than in this book showcasing a very beautiful Giada. I am not asking you to ascend to the artistry of Mario Batali's cooking. (Mario is excellent. Celebrity chef or not, his book is amazingly so, a work of culinary art) I'm just saying that other than this book, there are much cheaper, yet better alternatives out there that don't try to get you to purchase the trademark fees that you must pay for buying a celebrity chef's cookbook. You could save a lot more money trying to buy cookbooks by non-celebrity chefs that give you more bang for the buck. If you want a good cookbook at an exponentially lower price with tons of recipes, get Michele Scicolone's book, "1,000 Italian recipes".Book Review: Another Great Italian Cookbook by Giada
Summary: 5 Stars
Have Giada's other book which brings much pleasure to family and friends who enjoy all of the great Italian recipes she brings to the public. Each recipe is easy to follow, generally quick to prepare, and consistently results in a spectacular Italian meal. I have cut way down on my visits to the local Italian restaurant as these recipes ROCK and are far superior to what I usually get there.
Do yourself a favor and put this one in your cooking library. You won't be disappointed!
Book Review: As good as Roma
Summary: 5 Stars
This guide through Italian chefdom is as good as her TV show...what a great boon to the 'everyday' cook--sorry, chef--and as easy as you can make it. What a delightful presentation of delightful dishes. We are so glad that Giada's first book sets so high a standard of excellence.