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3.69 of 5 stars
The brassy, svelte, food-loving star of "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" offers healthful advice, mouthwatering recipes, and a dash of behind-th... read full description

reviews

Jun 12, 2011
Jessica rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Just got this in the mail tonight and I can't put it down. I'm so excited to try some of the simple and fresh recipes. I am addicted to Real Housewives (all of them), yes it's a guilty pleasure.

So far I'm loving all the healthy tips Tersa gives and the nutritional information that's packed into every page. I read Bethany Frankel's Skinny whatever cookbook and thought it sent the wrong message about health and how to be skinny. I'm glad to see Teresa goes about it in a healthy, 'all thi More...
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Dec 30, 2010
Lennie rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I have a confession to make; I can’t cook nor do I know my way around the kitchen. I’m the type of person who has a menu from every take-out joint in a 5-mile radius of my home. This is the first cookbook that I actually took the time to pore over from cover to cover. It was lent to me by my Italian next door neighbor who is quite a cook herself and who often brings me over dishes of spaghetti and meatballs. (I think my neighbor feels sorry for me and probably thinks I never have a decent ho More...
Sep 12, 2011
Jennilee rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I, surprisingly, loved this book. If it were not for a few things (below), this book would have gotten 5 stars.

IF you're looking for a book jam packed full of recipes you can just pick out and make without reading the book, this book is not for you. This book has, what appears to be, carefully hand-selected recipes that are mixed in with the stories behind their history and why they were chosen for this book. You must read this book in order to understand the recipes and why things More...
Mar 13, 2011
Cassandra rated it: 4 of 5 stars
First of all, I have no idea who or what the Real Housewives of New Jersey are. A tv show? I haven't watched prime time television in several years so I have no idea what's currently popular.

However, this book was on the New Books shelf at my library. I thumbed through it, unsure if it would be a good book for vegans. The pictures were scrumptious! I've now made three of the recipes and have plans to make several more. The recipe for a basic pasta sauce is now my go-to when we have More...
Jun 09, 2011
Shanna rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I actually learned a ton from this book. Enjoyed all the details about classic Italian cooking vs. American Italian. Learned a lot about olive oil. Good, basic, true Italian recipes.

BUT

All of the Real Housewives insults and digs were a real turn-off. Just share your knowledge and leave the rest of it behind. Ugh. In 5 years people aren't going to have the slightest clue the drama you're referring to when they pick up this book. Stick to the food.
Jul 28, 2010
Bunny rated it: 3 of 5 stars
I picked this up because it's an Italian cookbook. Imagine my horror to realize it's one of the idiots from Real Housewives of New Jersey who gives strong Italian women a bad name.

The recipes in this book are phenomenal. The techniques are phenomenal. However, if we removed the bullshit personal items she stuffed the pages with, it would be SO much better. And thinner.

Quite a few amazing recipes, though. I look forward to making pizza. Mmmm, pizza.
Jun 01, 2010
Sandra rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Adorable book! This is not a standard cookbook filled only with recipes and cook times. Skinny Italian covers a number of topics, including; Italian translations, origins of various sauces, how to can your own red sauce, and more.

I appreciated the simplicity of the recipes as well as Giudice's insistence on using fresh, locally grown produce to enhance the reader's health. Her belief that family comes first is evident throughout.

Great gift for Real Housewives fans!
Feb 14, 2011
Laura rated it: 1 of 5 stars
Since this is more book than cookbook, I have to fess up to reading it. DON'T READ THIS BOOK. She doesn't know much about food; many of the recipes are not low-fat, and pretty much everything she says is based on her limited personal experience. She does take a few funny pot-shots at the other Housewives, especially Danielle, but I really can't see any reason for reading this book. Please spend your time elsewhere.
Mar 11, 2011
Angela rated it: 5 of 5 stars
I LOVE Teresa and her cookbook is AMAZING! It's full of great tips on picking out the best herbs and how to use each one and how to purchase the best olive oil. The recipes are phenominal and simple... and SO good for you. I love that this book also gives the reader a background on Teresa and her family, complete with pictures! I'm excited for her next cookbook, due out this spring!
Jun 22, 2011
Randie rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I was thrilled to see how much information and background there was about the ingredients and cooking techniques. I especially liked the comparisons of real Italian food vs American Italian food. I'm not much of a cook but I keep buying cookbooks in hopes that I will be someday :).

That being said, there could have been more recipes included in the book.
Oct 03, 2010
Yvettee rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book! I was surprised at how informative it was. She goes into detail on all the basics for real Italian cooking. She has cute stories and at times rags on other housewives from the other shows. I cant wait to try out a lot of the recipes....,especially making our own tomato sauce!
Jul 07, 2010
Monica rated it: 5 of 5 stars
This has been my favorite cookbook so far. I'm a beginner, and this is a great stepping stone. The recipes are easy to follow, require few ingredients and are delicious. I have made several dishes several times and my family loves them!! Beautiful book, Great Recipes, a must have!
Jun 29, 2010
Amber rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I know, I know. . .but the recipes look REALLY good, and simple to make. She also has a section on how to can tomatoes, and calorie count for all the recipes in the back. The only off-putting thing were the insults to various Housewives sprinkled throughout the book.
Aug 08, 2011
Deuce rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Not bad, haven't tried any of the recipes yet but I plan on it. I don't understand why she has to throw so much shade throughout the book though. Be confident in your own recipes and don't worry about anyone else is the message missing from this book.
Jul 23, 2010
Gina rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Surprisingly informative and entertaining. The text was fun and lighthearted. The recipes were easy to follow and ofter included many things I already had on hand. Amazing to see there is another way to do Italian (i.e. minus the cheese, cream, butter, etc) and not sacrifice taste.
Jan 13, 2012
Lisa rated it: 2 of 5 stars
Too much chatter, too much drama, and all in all, I'm unimpressed. And sadly, I know she had help with this in terms of putting it together. YIKES! Unless you're a fan, you can take a pass on this one.
Jul 12, 2011
Robin rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I Love Love Love this cookbook! Not only does it have great recipes, but she educates you on the ingredients, how to find the best and what to look for. Was a surprise to me, but I definitely recommend!
Aug 03, 2011
Jackie added it
Great book! The minestrone recipe is GOLD! The best I have ever tasted. Lots of vegetarian recipes & vegan by leaving out the cheese & subbing w/ veg broth.
Jan 06, 2011
Gina rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Excellent book! Great info and fab recipes! It's about making things with love and eating whole foods you make from scratch.
Aug 17, 2011
Mandy rated it: 3 of 5 stars
The Real Housewives of NJ- my dirty little secret pleasure. Some good recipes in here!
Oct 21, 2011
Samantha M. rated it: 4 of 5 stars
A lot of tasty recipes. My family liked the pizza dough and pizza sauce a lot.
Jun 12, 2011
Terry added it
Good to know that you can eat Italian and still keep the pounds off.
Nov 07, 2010
Dawnzi rated it: 5 of 5 stars
This is such a girly yet hearty cookbook. I'm sure she had help writing this book but it's written exactly like she speaks on Real Housewives. She even explains certain things about herself which made me like her a little more - quite endearing and entertaining. Makes her a little more real. I've tried one of the recipes & it was great - can't wait to try more. After all I bought his book b/c e every time I would see her cooking on the show I wanted what she was making! If you love food and wa More...
Jun 30, 2010
Jill rated it: 5 of 5 stars
I love this book!! fI love the ideas and i love love the recipes!
Oct 03, 2010
Tiffany rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Interesting tidbits,recipes weren't that exciting.
Sep 20, 2011
Lisa rated it: 5 of 5 stars
What can I say? I love pop culture!
Jan 03, 2011
NerdGirlBlogger rated it: 3 of 5 stars
I got to meet Teresa at BEA 2010. She couldn't have been nicer, but still, as far as cookbooks go, I haven't seen too many that show a photo collage of the author putting on eye make-up.

However, if you are a fan of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, then you understand the slight madness of this book. Actually, the her stories are a bit charming, so even if you don't like the show, you might like the book. I also want to give a shout-out to whoever did the layout--nice job!
Jun 23, 2010
Rebekah rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Can't wait to try some of these recipes
Dec 06, 2011
Sarah rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I've enjoyed the recipes and I enjoyed her chatty, "girlfriend to girlfriend" style.
Nov 07, 2010
Tara rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Great, easy read! If you like Teresa (which I do) you'll like this book. I've already tried a few recipes and they're great! This book made me change the way I think about eating and dieting. I love to eat and hate to diet so this book helped me get back into the mindset of eating wholesome, fresh ingredients rather than highly processed "diet" foods!