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Lidia's Celebrate Like an Italian: 220 Foolproof Recipes That Make Every Meal a Party: A Cookbook, Cover may vary
The beloved TV chef offers the only cookbook you'll need to give any gathering--from a dinner for two to a wedding--a delectable, welcoming Italian flavor.
No one throws a party like Lidia Bastianich! And now, in this delightful new cookbook, she gives us 220 fantastic recipes for entertaining with that distinctly Bastianich flare. From Pear Bellinis to Carrot and Chickpea Dip, from Campanelle with Fennel and Shrimp to Berry Tiramisu--these are dishes your guests will love, no matter the occasion. Here, too, are Lidia's suggestions for hosting a BBQ, making pizza for a group, choosing the perfect wine, setting an inviting table, and much more. Beautifully illustrated throughout with full-color photographs and filled with her trademark warmth and enthusiasm, this is Lidia's most festive book. Whether you're planning a romantic picnic for two, a child's birthday party, a holiday gathering, or a simple weeknight family dinner, Lidia's flavorful, easy-to-follow recipes and advice will have you calling to your guests: "Tutti a tavola a mangiare!"
No one throws a party like Lidia Bastianich! And now, in this delightful new cookbook, she gives us 220 fantastic recipes for entertaining with that distinctly Bastianich flare. From Pear Bellinis to Carrot and Chickpea Dip, from Campanelle with Fennel and Shrimp to Berry Tiramisu--these are dishes your guests will love, no matter the occasion. Here, too, are Lidia's suggestions for hosting a BBQ, making pizza for a group, choosing the perfect wine, setting an inviting table, and much more. Beautifully illustrated throughout with full-color photographs and filled with her trademark warmth and enthusiasm, this is Lidia's most festive book. Whether you're planning a romantic picnic for two, a child's birthday party, a holiday gathering, or a simple weeknight family dinner, Lidia's flavorful, easy-to-follow recipes and advice will have you calling to your guests: "Tutti a tavola a mangiare!"
383 pages, Hardcover
Published October 17, 2017
147 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
Lidia Matticchio Bastianich
31 books176 followersLidia Matticchio Bastianich is an American chef, businesswoman and restaurateur.
Specializing in Italian and Croatian cuisine, she has been a regular contributor to the PBS cooking show lineup since 1998. In 2007, she launched her third TV series, Lidia's Italy. She also owns four Italian restaurants in the U.S. in partnership with her son, the winemaster and restaurateur, Joseph Bastianich: Felidia (founded with her ex-husband, Felice) and Becco in Manhattan; Lidia's Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Lidia's Kansas City in Kansas City, Missouri.
Specializing in Italian and Croatian cuisine, she has been a regular contributor to the PBS cooking show lineup since 1998. In 2007, she launched her third TV series, Lidia's Italy. She also owns four Italian restaurants in the U.S. in partnership with her son, the winemaster and restaurateur, Joseph Bastianich: Felidia (founded with her ex-husband, Felice) and Becco in Manhattan; Lidia's Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Lidia's Kansas City in Kansas City, Missouri.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 19, 2017
I was so excited to get my hands on this. I got the chance to go to a book signing at Eataly here in Chicago. Lidia is super sweet, and gave us chocolates.
Onto the book. As the title (and author) suggests, this is an Italian cookbook. The tagline is: "220 Foolproof Recipes That Make Every Meal a Party". I'm not Italian. I didn't grow up in a lovely family and learn to cook and my grandmother's hip. But also- I freakin' love Italian food and pasta. This book was meant for me; it's ways to cook classic Italian but from an approachable, novice standpoint.
The book is divided by course type: Aperitivi, Appetizers, Salads, Soups, Vegetables and Sides, Polenta Risotto and Pasta, Fish and Seafood, Poultry and Meat, and Desserts. This is a pretty foolproof way to find whatever you're in the mood for. Sprinkled throughout the book, there's also ideas for how to plan menus for different parties and events- like sports games or brunch.
Each recipe has the name in English followed by Italian, with a little paragraph about it- why it's included, how to adapt it, where it came from, etc. It's a nice touch that makes it feel like Lidia is exchanging recipe secrets with you. The steps can get kind of long and aren't numbered, but they're written simply in a way that's easy to understand.
The only nit I have to pick is the photography. I understand that having a photo for every one of the 220 recipes would turn it into a massive publication. But, I like having photos to go from. There's some, but not as many as I would have liked. The ones that are included are very delicious looking and professional.
This book is vegetarian friendly. There's lots of meatless dishes, and I think that some of the ones with meat are easily adaptable.
Some of the dishes that I look forward to making the most include: Roman-Style Semolina Gnocchi, Stuffed Calamari, Layered Casserole with Beef, Cabbage, and Potatoes, and Chocolate Sponge Cake with Sour Cherries and Chocolate Zabaglione Mousse Filling.
I think this is a good book for beginners and beyond, as well as those who host dinners or parties. There's a wide variety of recipes, and it includes desserts and cocktails. It's one I'm sure I'll keep in my kitchen for a long time
Onto the book. As the title (and author) suggests, this is an Italian cookbook. The tagline is: "220 Foolproof Recipes That Make Every Meal a Party". I'm not Italian. I didn't grow up in a lovely family and learn to cook and my grandmother's hip. But also- I freakin' love Italian food and pasta. This book was meant for me; it's ways to cook classic Italian but from an approachable, novice standpoint.
The book is divided by course type: Aperitivi, Appetizers, Salads, Soups, Vegetables and Sides, Polenta Risotto and Pasta, Fish and Seafood, Poultry and Meat, and Desserts. This is a pretty foolproof way to find whatever you're in the mood for. Sprinkled throughout the book, there's also ideas for how to plan menus for different parties and events- like sports games or brunch.
Each recipe has the name in English followed by Italian, with a little paragraph about it- why it's included, how to adapt it, where it came from, etc. It's a nice touch that makes it feel like Lidia is exchanging recipe secrets with you. The steps can get kind of long and aren't numbered, but they're written simply in a way that's easy to understand.
The only nit I have to pick is the photography. I understand that having a photo for every one of the 220 recipes would turn it into a massive publication. But, I like having photos to go from. There's some, but not as many as I would have liked. The ones that are included are very delicious looking and professional.
This book is vegetarian friendly. There's lots of meatless dishes, and I think that some of the ones with meat are easily adaptable.
Some of the dishes that I look forward to making the most include: Roman-Style Semolina Gnocchi, Stuffed Calamari, Layered Casserole with Beef, Cabbage, and Potatoes, and Chocolate Sponge Cake with Sour Cherries and Chocolate Zabaglione Mousse Filling.
I think this is a good book for beginners and beyond, as well as those who host dinners or parties. There's a wide variety of recipes, and it includes desserts and cocktails. It's one I'm sure I'll keep in my kitchen for a long time
August 24, 2024
I love Italian food, regional northern Italy specialties being my favorite so it makes sense that I would love Lidia’s recipes. I read this book, nearly every recipe (except the meat ones) and found so many delicious taste treats. I like her down to earth style as well as her refreshing, easy going willingness to substitute ingredients.
December 3, 2017
Wonderful comfort food that's easy to prepare with ingredients we all have on hand. Usually ready in 30 minutes or less and made in only one pan. Especially loved the Italian sausage with onions and apples. Ready to make a couple of desserts for holiday giving. The first chapter on cocktails will be handy during the fast approaching festive season. Enjoy reading, cooking and eating.
February 7, 2018
3.5/5
Loved some of the recipes, especially some the the drinks. Can't wait to try them. Not enough pictures for my taste. I like to see what I am trying to make.
Loved some of the recipes, especially some the the drinks. Can't wait to try them. Not enough pictures for my taste. I like to see what I am trying to make.
February 17, 2018
Lidia's Celebrate Like an Italian is a lovely book and a wonderful resource when planning meals for a crowd. I love the little explanations at the beginning of each recipe and although the recipes have loads of ingredients, the instructions are fairly simple. Lidia Matticchio Bastianich gives awesome, explanatory instructions. That said, many of the ingredients she uses are not familiar or are not just easily accessible to those of us who live outside highly Italian east coast cities where a greater variety of ethnic foods are available and plentiful.
4 Stars, solid B
4 Stars, solid B
January 5, 2019
There aren't very many pictures in this book which, which should be required for cook books.
There's a variety of recipes organized by events and how you should celebrate them so each chapter has a description followed by the recipes. There's drinks and desserts included. It's expansive but not very many recipes are things I'd actually make for large events.
There's a variety of recipes organized by events and how you should celebrate them so each chapter has a description followed by the recipes. There's drinks and desserts included. It's expansive but not very many recipes are things I'd actually make for large events.
January 4, 2018
I've always loved Lydia and this book does not disappoint! Delicious recipes, easy to follow instructions, and getting to know her through her recipes. What more could I want except to meet her some day.
January 29, 2018
I'm not Italian and this book must be too authentic for my taste. As there was an abundance of recipes with sausage or kale, these are not to my taste. I have been a fan of Lidia's other books, but not this one.
March 13, 2018
Really wish this cookbook included more pictures so that’s why I deducted a star. I am more tempted to cook recipes when I can see what the finished result looks like. But I did appreciate all of the stories and information on how Italians celebrate different occasions.
October 18, 2018
I want to try everything in this cookbook. There is just something yummy and comforting in the recipes here and I really like the presentation. I wish there were more pictures but there were over 200 recipes. Can't wait to dive into this book again.
October 2, 2022
Hmmm, mixed feelings about this cookbook from a long treasured chef in the Italian cooking world. Not as many photos as most cookbooks include, recipes that are unusual & ones w/unusual ingredients. However, if you're vegetarian this cookbook has a plethora of recipes to fit your needs!!!
October 22, 2017
Not enough pictures. Lots of specialized ingredients.
November 27, 2017
Love her, her food and her books.
December 29, 2017
Another fabulous cookbook by Lidia Bastianich!
July 13, 2018
Love her recipes! Pasta salad with tomato, mozzarella and green beans is one of my favorites. Could have used a few more pictures.
December 1, 2021
I love Lidia so this cookbook was a hit for me. I loved the photos (too few), the recipes, and her narratives were all wonderful.
Recommended.
Recommended.
January 24, 2023
Good commentary on entertaining and providing memorable food fests. Solid Italian and Croatian recipes.
October 18, 2024
Foolproof & one of a kind recipes that are also interesting.
Will add this to my collection.
Will add this to my collection.
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April 5, 2019Book club selection. Review pending
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews