foodie friday (let’s read with giada de laurentiis)
I'm spending this Foodie Friday in NYC (eating fabulous food, of course), so today I thought I'd do a long-overdue review of this Giada cookbook. First, a confession/reminder – I don't watch much TV, so I have only seen Giada on The Food Network if I happen to catch an episode on a Jet Blue flight. So it wasn't really the lure of Giada that made me want to try this cookbook – it was the lure of "weeknights." Now, a disclaimer – I don't have little kids. I don't need to get dinner on the table at 6:00 to facilitate an early bedtime. Most nights I get home from work/gym around 7 and dinner is on the table by 8. I know that is late for a lot of of you. So just know that my idea of quick/easy might be a little different than yours. Also know that I enjoy planning meals & cooking them (another post on that soon, Mom!) – so most of the time, dinner doesn't feel like a chore to me. Wow. Long intro!
In short, this cookbook rocks. I found myself choosing at least one, and usually several, recipes per week. Risotto with Currants, Feta, & Pine Nuts is now a family favorite. There's a Whole Wheat Penne & Arugula recipe (that I can't recall the name of) that was really yummy. I've read a few other reviews of this cookbook that complain that using fresh herbs, micro greens, and specialty cheeses isn't realistic. I disagree – adding in a few out-of-the-ordinary ingredients are what made this cookbook fun for me. Currants in risotto? Huh? They're fabulous. That same recipe is responsible for my current obsession with feta cheese. There's a nice mix of veg and meat recipes – and a few recipes that I just altered a bit to make veg.
We'll all have to wait just a bit to add this one to our bookshelves – it releases in March. (although I've already got it on pre-order…I liked it that much) I've been on a bit of a cookbook binge lately – what do you think I should add to my collection?
disclaimer – I was provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher via netGalley.com. I was not compensated for this review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
10 Comments
Lee Currie
This sounds like something for this family, too. Thanks for the heads-up!
Steph H
were the recipes pretty dairy heavy? That’s always a deciding factor in what’s for dinner around here!
Barb
I will buy this one, too. I have her others. My definite fave is Everyday Italian.
And, linking up.
http://babssbabble.blogspot.com/2012/01/foodie-friday_27.html
I highly recommend a subscription to Cooks Illustrated. Love reading the science and the test kitchen parts.
Kirsten J
thanks for the review I usually check new cookbooks out at the library before buying ~ I love that some recipes have me thinking outside of the box!!! Giada is so perky – and lol, my 21yo informs me, she is the most watched demographic or whatever for his age group 😛
gabby
i’ve had this on my amazon wishlist since i saw it up for preorder! so excited. xo.
Katrina Simeck
okay, promise me that when you get it, you’ll try the risotto with currants and help me convince Barb to stop being afraid of that combo!
Katrina Simeck
ha! good to know!
Katrina Simeck
Ah – seems like I used to get Cooks Illustrated. Will have to explore.
Katrina Simeck
Hmmm…I do recall lots of “cheese as an accessory” – but not essential. Several recipes also had meat that I just took out – still tasted good. I’ll send you a couple of my fave vegan cookbook names – you can just add meat in, but leave dairy out!
Katrina Simeck
🙂