A Truly Great Italian Cookbook By Candida Eittreim on Jan 02, 2009 - Updated Oct 15, 2011

I'd been searching for a truly comprehensive cookbook that dealt with Italian cuisine over the entire region. While browsing Zooba, my favorite site for affordable books, I found 1,000 Italian Recipes and immediately ordered it. This hardcover volume, written in clear descriptive language is a true treasure box of Italian cooking. Michelle Scicolone is a globally recognized and acclaimed food writer and cook. In this, her biggest effort to date, she has compiled a wonderful collection of authentic Italian recipes.

She begins with a brief introduction into the well stocked pantry and moves quickly into Kitchen Basics needed to create these lovingly described dishes. The recipes range from Antipasti, including simple offerings such as figs and melon with proscuitto, tomato bruschetta or the savory peppers Piedmontese, to fresh gnocchi and airy zabaglione.

What makes this cookbook shine are the really helpful tips and tricks she has included throught this cookbook, to help a reader navigate a new recipe more successfully. She also has included menus for key events throughout the year, to help you put on a wonderful party. And if you've always wanted to try making polenta or risotto and have it come out as if Batali himself cooked it, there are great recipes to guide you here.

Divided into 14 comprehensive chapters, this book will help you create lasting memories of good things from your own kitchen. Here are the basic Chapters to 1,000 Italian Recipes:

Antipasti Eggs

Salads Fish and shellfish

Soups Poultry

Sauces

Pasta

Rice Cornmeal and Other Grains

Meat

Vegetables

Breads, Savory Pies, Pizzas And Sandwiches

Fruit, Ice Cream And Spoon Desserts

Cookies, Cakes Tarts And Pies

With a final chapter on Italian wines, to help you pair correctly with the wonderful dishes, you have one of the best resources for the homey, yet elegant cuisines of Italy at your fingertips.