reviews
Jan 31, 2010
Cynthia
rated it: 
My favorite when it comes to Italian food. I love Marcella, though my Italian friend Christiana says Marcella and her adorable husband are "trailer court Italian."
We actually own TWO copies of this book, the nice newer copy you pick up to leaf through, and a tattered older copy that I learned Italian cooking from. It has a permanent rip for the risotto recipe, the polenta recipe, the braised carrot with parmesean recipe and something else. Oh yeah, the braised leeks. Ah-MAH More...
We actually own TWO copies of this book, the nice newer copy you pick up to leaf through, and a tattered older copy that I learned Italian cooking from. It has a permanent rip for the risotto recipe, the polenta recipe, the braised carrot with parmesean recipe and something else. Oh yeah, the braised leeks. Ah-MAH More...
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Aug 11, 2011
Shannon
rated it:
I absolutely love this cookbook. I'm not much of a cook, lack of experience in the kitchen. Well, I've been on a cookbook craze of late. I'm attempting to learn to cook. After seeing great reviews for Hazan's classic, I decided to get it. I was a bit nervous, given my lack of culinary skills. I'm here to tell you this cookbook is accessible even to the novice. One thing I love about this book is the information regarding the differences in cooking throughout Italy. I love history and lea
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May 24, 2008
BunWat
rated it:
Short of having an Italian grandmother, this is it.
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Sep 11, 2007
Kira
rated it: 
I love this cookbook!
At the time I bought it, I was living in London with an italian man who was homesick and dreaming of mama's cooking back in Venice. I felt like the author, Signora Hazan, was my own private teacher and my live-in guinea pig definitely approved of the risotto (one of my first endeavors). And don't think it's all just pasta and starches! There are lots of recipes for soups that are easy and satisfying as meals, as well as frittate (like quiche), more than 150 pa More...
At the time I bought it, I was living in London with an italian man who was homesick and dreaming of mama's cooking back in Venice. I felt like the author, Signora Hazan, was my own private teacher and my live-in guinea pig definitely approved of the risotto (one of my first endeavors). And don't think it's all just pasta and starches! There are lots of recipes for soups that are easy and satisfying as meals, as well as frittate (like quiche), more than 150 pa More...
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Sep 15, 2009
Evan
rated it:
"Cooking" in the United States has often become an exercise in precisely following instructions in glossy magazines that are more travelogues and guidebooks for the upper middle class than actually learning anything. I have been extremely pleased to find brief but high quality cultural explanations, multiple variations of dishes, and a focus on simplicity and authenticity in this compendium of Hazan's earlier cookbooks. It's broken down intuitively into various types of dishes and ingr
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Jul 27, 2008
Angela
rated it:
A brilliant work of comedy! That would be anytime Marcella waxes authoritarian about the exact timing for adding dried pasta to rapidly boiling water. ;)
Well, this is your book if you want authentic, well-organized, and delicious instructions to prepare meals featuring lasagne, sauteed spinach, pesto, homemade pasta, or a shockingly simple sauce for spaghetti (recipe: heat olive oil. Add garlic - optionally, add as much hot red pepper as you can hack - cook for two minutes. Toss w More...
Well, this is your book if you want authentic, well-organized, and delicious instructions to prepare meals featuring lasagne, sauteed spinach, pesto, homemade pasta, or a shockingly simple sauce for spaghetti (recipe: heat olive oil. Add garlic - optionally, add as much hot red pepper as you can hack - cook for two minutes. Toss w More...
Dec 11, 2008
Ethan
rated it:
This is a wonderful and classic cookbook. My mother has used it for years and gave me a copy some years ago and I go to it often. For pasta dishes, meat dishes, salads. There are some extraordinary dishes in this book that you have most likely not had before and will cherish for all your years as a cook and food lover. A great book for a beginner or an expert cook or anyone in between. One for the ages of your kitchen.
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Sep 30, 2009
Emily
rated it:
Marcella is the cranky Julia Child, but she does know her Italian cooking and with her husband who writes/translates into english her books teaches you the basics of Italian cooking. Her pesto and Bolognese recipes are amazing and staples in our house. You have to put up with her snottiness (which just cracks me up), but it's worth it.
Jan 05, 2009
Matt
rated it:
If I were stranded on a desert island (with unlimited ingredients) and could have only one cookbook with me, I would want it to be this one. Authentic, comprehensive, snobby. Never use a garlic press, never chop basil (only tear), never use a machine that exudes pasta through little holes, and lots of other good advice.
Jul 21, 2011
Ellie
rated it:
This is my desert island cookbook (well, this and Moro). The risotto, fritatta and pasta sauce recipes are amazing. Plus the classic chicken with two lemons, cacciatore-style fricassees for rabbit or chicken and the sicilian ricotta and aubergine sauce are dinner-party staples. Mmmmm...
Dec 15, 2008
Carmen
rated it:
This cookbook actually lives up to its reputation as a classic. Very thorough, with an excellent "Fundamentals" chapter that goes through all the basic building blocks of Italian cooking. No photos, but it still provides hours of fun foodie day-dreaming.
Jun 26, 2011
Ellen
rated it:
This is a superb cookbook - covers all the bases in Italian cooking. Hazan is highly respected cookbook writer and chef and these recipes are well-written and easy to follow. I recommend it for anyone who is interested in Italian cooking in all its nuances.
Jun 04, 2007
Rebecca
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This is the cookbook I probably use most often. Marcella's recipes, for as intimidating as they may sound (risotti, stuffed squid, spinach and ricotta gnocchi, carciofi alla romana, etc.) are all authentic, easy to follow, and turn out properly every single time. Furthermore, there's lots of great information about ingredients (and how to select the best and freshest), history and culture as relates to ingredients and dishes, and overall good, sound cooking common-sense. She is occasionally m
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Jan 22, 2011
Valeri
rated it:
I have never added a cookbook before but I did READ this cookbook. I'm not all the way through it but it is a FANTASTIC cookbook. I have learned a ton about Italian cooking. I have tried a few recipes and they are amazing.
Apr 24, 2010
Graeme
rated it:
A classic, every recipe a winner, only problem I have is that she sometimes over cooks the vegetables. Otherwise, my family are a hell of a lot better off thanks to Marcella. This is the one stop Italian cook book.
Jun 16, 2009
Meredith
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If ever there was an Italian cooks bible, this would be it! Everything about this cookbook is delightful and it reads like a story in some sections! Very nice addition to any kitchen bookshelf.
Mar 24, 2009
David
rated it:
This is a GREAT book, a must for any cooking collection, and a great cornerstone of Italian Cookery. All the recipes I've made have been nothing short of delicious.
Feb 13, 2009
Sherry
rated it:
This is my all time favorite Italian cookbook. She explains, teaches, entertains and makes the best roast chicken with lemons.
Love it!
Love it!
Jun 02, 2010
Rob
rated it:
The greatest of my 40 or so cookbooks by a country mile. Everything works, and is lovingly described and put into its cultural context.
Jun 04, 2007
Emily
rated it:
This is truly the essentials of Italian cooking. Not only do you learn how to butterfly and chicken breast, stuff a squid and de-bone a leg of lamb, but her recipes are also basic, flavorful and the majority of them are easy to make with everyday ingredients you have in your pantry. Her bottom line is building flavor. If you take nothing except one lesson from this book, take her advise about being a patient cook and taking the time to build a strong base flavor with good olive oil, garlic, on
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Jan 20, 2012
Elizabeth
rated it:
Best Italian cookbook I've encountered...I might have to add this to my collection for the pasta sauce recipes alone.
Jan 04, 2012
Bridge
rated it:
I dream about being a great cook. Until I start trying I am happy to read and Ms Hasan takes me to wonderful places.
Jul 19, 2010
Dom
rated it:
How to make pasta, sauces, meats, fish, shellfish, seasoning, menus, how to speak with food to people I love.
Sep 10, 2010
Beegobug
rated it:
If you want to learn how to cook simple, delicious Italian food, this book is a must-have.
Feb 27, 2011
I'm told the roast chicken is the only easy thing in her book, but quite worth the try...
Aug 16, 2010
Caren
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This is the best classic Italian cookbook. Start with this to get these basics down.
Jan 07, 2009
Janet
rated it:
This volume combines 2 Hazan titles. Recommended as a standard reference.
