The Frugal Gourmet Cooks Italian

by Jeff Smith, Chris Cart

A new collection by a popular PBS cooking show host features tips on how to capture authentic Italian flavors, select the ideal accompaniments, and prepare such dishes as Polenta Lasagne, Broccoli di Rapa, and Tiramisu. Reprint.

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Reference, Nonfiction, Food, Culinary, Italy

10 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 1, 1993

About the author

Jeffrey L. Smith was the author of a dozen best-selling cookbooks and the host of The Frugal Gourmet, a popular American cooking show.

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See authors with similar names.

Reviews

[Deedee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two recipes from this book are regulars in my house, namely: polenta lasagne and minestrone soup. Other recipes are used semi-regularly. The ingredients are reasonable to find, and the directions clear and easy to follow.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love to read cookbooks. This is one of top 5 probably 5. As much as I enjoy the recipes, I enjoy his little blurbs more. Nothing is more fun than to sit in the recliner with a good cup of coffee, the cat on my lap, and browse your favorite cookbooks. I have read this book regularly for about 5 years.

This book is for anyone who wishes to try their hand at Italian cooking.

This is my 100th book to list.

[Aprilleigh · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the closest Jeff Smith ever came to a Mediterranean Diet cookbook of his own. Of course, this version doesn't have the focus on healthy ingredients that most of them do, because that's not what he intended when he wrote it. It also focuses almost exclusively on dishes originating in Italy (some fit the theme while sharing origins or ingredients from other countries). Since my primary interest in Italian cooking is well covered by my Mediterranean diet collection already, there wasn't much of interest here that wasn't already covered by other books in my library. I can't see me using this book, but if you're a fan of the full range of Italian cuisine, this is an excellent choice.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great, simple cookbook of basic pasta and antipasto dishes that won't break the bank. I would recommend it for the average Joe pasta fanatic. If you are living on a budget, as most of us are, it's kind of nice to have an everyday kind of cookbook that enables one to dine with tasty food but not expensive.
The polenta and mushroom dishes are hearty, the risotto dishes are filling, the antipasti wonderful and simple, and there are hot sandwich recipes that'd work great in any kind of sandwich press. I'm not a big pasta fan (the gluten isn't very good to me), but some of the soup and pickle recipes are quite good.
And one can still enjoy with the risotto dishes.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Try the Escarole soup with tiny meatballs and Aunt Fulvia's salmon in foil. The salmon is a breeze, a nice presentation (even better if you use parchment instead of foil) and such a simple, succulent flavor. The soup is WELL worth the effort. There are so many good recipes, hints and stories. Too bad he turned out to be such a creepy guy, he was a really good teacher.
My dad gave me this cookbook when he became interested in cooking after he retired. I had just moved back to Texas from St Louis and we discussed different methods and recipes on the phone almost every day.

[Joshua · Rating 2 out of 5]

The narrative sections were very much in the same vein as Jeff's "down to earth" teaching style on the series. However, the recipes themselves seems to be a bit tricky for a novice as myself. Interesting and entertaining book just the same. Would be interested in the other works published.

[Dave Haskins]

Food,Cooking,European Cuisine

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dedicated to simple and easy Italian cooking as modified for American home cooks. I enjoyed several of the recipes.

[Gary Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeff Smith had a wonderful tv show and his books are just as entertaining. If you love reading cookbooks, please do yourself a favor and buy this book for your library.