When I used to watch television most Saturdays were filled with watching cooking shows on PBS. I'm sure they probably still come on. They're not as sexy as Food Network's lineup, of course, but their chefs and the food they cook and the recipes they share are just as delicious as anything seen on cable.

I remember watching Mary Ann Esposito's show and salivating at the pasta dishes she prepared. I could almost smell the aroma of sautéing onions and leeks ooze into my own kitchen. I l More...

is a cookbook that focusses on quick and easy Italian recipes and is written by Mary Ann Esposito who is the host of public television's program Ciao Italia. She shows cooks how to turn just five quality ingredients into a delicious Italian dish.

The cookbook contains seventy five authentic Italian recipes including recipes for antipasto, soup, pasta, sauce, meat and poultry, fish, vegetables, salads, and sweets. She also details five seasonal five course meals. In keeping with th More...

I only enjoy cooking a meal if it is easy enough that I can enjoy the process and the end results. Ciao Italia Five-Ingredient Favorites has recipes for hearty Italian cusine that are inexpensive and easy to prepare. She begins the cookbook with a wonderful introduction to the basic ingredients to keep on hand. Of course, five ingredients for the pantry, five for the refrigerator, and five for the freezer. Each recipe section begins with a clever introduction and five tips for that food type. Fo More...

Being a lover of Italian food, I knew this would be a hit in my house and it didn't let me down. However I did have to adapt the recipe just a little, since I still live in the dark ages with no food processor. All that means is the leeks and potatoes were chunky not smooth. It still tasted delicious, and I will make it again and again. I HIGHLY recommend this cookbook to everyone!!!

read my review on my food blog: http://www.potlikkery.com/2010/07/chocka...

Good basics for someone unfamiliar with Italian cooking. Good, simple food.