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Summary: ...a classic!
Review: In my opinion, this is one of the best resources available on basic/classic Italian cooking. It's not pretentious or overwhelming - just simple stuff that your grandmother could've taught you. The discussions in each section are informative and educational, emphasizing the regional aspects of Italian cuisine. The techniques contained within the recipes are probably the most valuable nuggets of knowledge you can pull from this book, and the recipes themselves are outstanding (I have personally tried over half of them.) The gnocchi recipe is right on! In my house, I refer to this book as 'The Bible.'
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Summary: Not just a recipe list - A Class in Italian Cooking
Review: What makes this a Great Cookbook, is the first chapter. This is not just a book of recipes, Hazan goes into the fundamentals of Italian cooking that (all but) guarantees success. She breaks down the three critical steps that are key in the preparation of most of Italian cooking. Yes, the recipes are great too, but the instructions are the keys to the true quality of this book.
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Summary: Buy this book!
Review: This is THE best cookbook I have ever bought (and I have quite a few!) Every single dish I have made has turned out absolutely terrific. I have read some complaints about the lack of photographs in this book but they aren't really necessary since the recipes are so simple. Most, if not all, of the ingredients can probably be found in your pantry (who has time to run all over town in search of some obscure spice???) and the recipes are easy and quick to prepare (perfect for those who have to prepare dinner after a full day at work!).
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Summary: great historical perspective
Review: but a great disappointment from a timing and ingredient quantities in over 50% of the recipes. I chose this book as an introduction to Italian cooking and have loved the historical notes and techniques. In fact I have incorporated many into my everyday kitchen. Also a great reference for classical menus.But I do not trust her portion amounts or ingredient amounts. Would I buy again knowing this, probably yes after I had done other reading.
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Summary: THE Definitive Italian Cookbook
Review: Oh Marcella - If only I were your child. I could have eaten your food instead of the Kraft Macaroni and Cheese castle I grew up in. I cook a great deal. I own an awful lot of cookbooks. This is the most used book in my collection. Pages stained, binding broken, it's almost time to buy a replacement. Her Roasted Lemon Chicken is a marvel of simplicity and taste. Her Roasted Chicken with Rosemary. Her Beef Marsala. Her Stewed Greenbeans and Tomatoes. Her Tomato and Butter Sauce, which I practically live on. God, she's just amazing. There is a klunker or two among the roses. The pear tart is just awful. I tried making it a few times because it just read so well I couldn't imagine it was the recipe and not me making it so bad. But no. It's the recipe. The spinach and potato tart/pie (can't remember the recipe title) isn't very good. But that's about it. Everything else - wonderful.
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Summary: In a Word, Fabulous!
Review: This is by far the best Italian cookbook I have, and I own an entire shelf of them. The recipes are simple, pure, and delicious. Marcella proves it is not necessary for great food to be complicated to be sublime. All of the pasta and meat dishes I have cooked have been wonderful. Since I am not much of a baker, I haven't tried any of the desserts, but I wouldn't have room for them after dinner anyway! :) Everything I have cooked has been assembled from grocery store ingredients, though you may have to search a little for Parmegiano Reggiano. Happy Cooking!!
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Summary: The Best Cookbook
Review: What I like about this book is that EVERY recipe is great. A cookbook can be worth it on the basis of one recipe, but with this book, you can make anything and be thrilled. I never have to wonder whether something will be good: I just make it and we all enjoy. I can't say the same about any other cookbook. I don't mind the lack of photos: it's a nice surprise seeing how pretty the dishes are when you're done. The recipes are designed to emphasize the flavors of the ingredients to perfection, with purity and intensity. I have made side-by-sides of Hazan's versions (pesto, carbonera, piccata, rabbit, etc.) against other major cookbooks, and Hazan's is always the best. The pure tomato sauce for pasta is an elixir -- oops, I wasn't going to start counting favorites. ... As others have noted, too, the recipes are quick and easy, with readily available and stored ingredients.
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Summary: Marcella: Goddess
Review: This is the best cookbook I've ever read.
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Summary: A great cook book
Review: I own many cook books - this one has many great easy to follow recipes. A terrific book.
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Summary: You Must Buy This Book!!
Review: This is the Bible of Italian Cooking. I have given this book to all family members and friends (10 people so far) who have an interest in Italian cooking. Not only are the recipes delicious, but they are very user friendly, as are the ingredients. If you are serious about Italian cooking, do it right the first time; you won't be disappointed! (and with a name like mine, would I lie about this subject?)
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