Often, when I’m together with friends or family, and the topic turns to food (when doesn’t it turn to food?), we find ourselves inevitably discussing food shows and cookbooks.
Whenever Giada De Laurentiis’ name comes up, the reaction is interesting. There are those that admire her, those that ADMIRE her, those that dislike her and those that enjoy her work.
I own all of her cookbooks and find myself in the position of saying that I really like her cookbooks, but don’t particularly care for her cooking show. That might sound strange since what she prepares on her show appears in her cookbooks, but my objection to her show has more to do with the way that she’s presented. I think she’s a great cook with some really good recipes thereby making it unnecessary to show all those cleavage shots! I know. I know. That’s part of what makes her show popular. I just think it undermines her.
Anyway, now that I’ve gotten that off my chest (no pun intended), the purpose of this post is not to discuss Giada’s show, but rather her newest cookbook, Giada’s Kitchen.
If you’re familiar with any of her other cookbooks, this one follows the same layout. It’s organized by food category. Recipes are accompanied by gorgeous full-colour photos. There’s even a section for the younger ones (but the older ones can enjoy it too) and also a feature that I’m noticing in more and more cookbooks: a section with suggested menus made of recipes from the book.
It’s a winning formula from her previous books so there was no reason not to repeat it here and it works very well.
If nothing else the picture will make you happy.
I just really like Giada’s recipes. They’re structured for maximum flavour using some of the cornerstones of Italian cuisine (olive oil, cheese) with a lot of ease thrown in (olives, store-bought roasted peppers). There’s a very good mix of recipes as well, whether you’re looking for something to serve at a party or something to make on a quiet Friday night at home.
But my favourite part of this cookbook is the Desserts section, which I think is particularly strong. In fact, that’s one of the reasons why I enjoy her cookbooks. She does not ignore the best part of any meal … the dessert!
So what did I try? Well, not as many recipes as I would have liked but here are some nibbles to entice you into stuffing this into someone’s stocking this Christamas!
Cantaloupe, Red Onion, and Walnut Salad
Easy and delicious, it’s a great salad for a dinner party. Add some thinly sliced Prosciutto di Parma and people may never leave your house again.
Orzo-Stuffed Peppers
If you’re a bell pepper fanatic (as I am), this is like heaven. You’re basically using a bell pepper as a bowl for your pasta. Sign me up!
Orange and Chocolate Zeppole
Just buy the book and make them. That’s all that needs to be said.
Lemon Ricotta Cookies with Lemon Glaze
It’s hard to resist a lemon cookie but when it’s made with ricotta, it’s impossible to resist!
Just consider this one Giada’s best one and one that you should put on your holiday gift list. You know the one. Where you list all the presents that people should buy for you …
Ciao!
25 comments
noodlegirl
You have totally covinced me to get her cookbooks now! I am a big fan of hers and watch her show all the time have yet to make anything! I am not a very good cook well at least i am a beginner cook which book of hers in particualr would you recommend for a beginner like me to start with first?
Wandering Coyote
I love Giada and her books, and I reviewed this one a few months ago here. Since the review, I have made the calamari stew, which I really enjoyed, and also the chocolate chip hazelnut cookies. I also got a copy of Giada’s Family Dinners and made some recipes from it that were yummy, too. I like the styling of her show, but yes, there are quite a few cleavage shots!
Judy
What a great post. I love Giada and have all her books too. I agree about the dessert section. I’ve got so many recipes tagged to try throughout the book.
Arlene
I’ve never bought one of Giada’s books, though I’ve made many of her recipes. I find that odd. Since you mentioned the cleavage shots, there’s another annoying habit of hers that I’d like to get off my chest (sorry, couldn’t resist). I just can’t bear her phony pronunciation of Italian foodstuffs, especially anything that has a hard “c” in it. That said, I’d have to agree that her recipes are great, but I don’t love her show, not the way I love Ina’s. The zeppoles and the lemon cookies, in particular, sing out to me. I may have to buy this book. Thanks for reviewing it.
Sue from Atlanta
Just ordered the cookbook from Amazon…the Zeppole look terrific I will have to make them for my chocolate/orange loving son-in-law….On the cleavage front. I actually saw a show where she was preparing chicken breasts and the camera man actually panned on the chicken then went straight for a boob shot…..I agree it undermines her talent, but it sure brings in the men viewers…..
Chocolate Shavings
I resisted buying the book the other day.. but now I really want it again! I also ran into her in NY a couple months ago… and I was so star-struck!
Jenny
I agree with you – I like the recipes but don’t have the right hormones to watch the show often. This is on my short list right now. in the top 10.
Jodie
Haha, I agree. I like her recipes, but she and her show drive me crazy. Between the cleave and her mispronouncing Italian words…also, does anyone else think the pic of her on the cover is not flattering?
DebIFF
I do have a couple of Giada’s books but I find her take on Italian cuisine is just a bit too American/Italian rather than traditional Italian for my taste. A few of her recipes have been hits in my house though, and I agree about the fact that the way the Food Network seems to market her and other attractive female hosts is actually a turnoff for many women.
Dana
This is so helpful – thank you! I am drawn to her and repelled by her at the same time. It sounds like I’m not alone in this feeling. I do like her recipes but have resisted buying any of the books – really for no good reason. I will take a second look at this one. Thanks for the review.
peabody
I have her Everyday Pasta book and like it alot. But when I picked this one up at the store it didn’t do it for me. Perhaps I will have to give it a second look.
cherie
I have tried some of her recipes, they were simple and good.
You must have a lot of cook books!
Rosa
Those dishes sure look good! I’ll have to try some of her recipes.
Cheers,
Rosa
kat
everything looks so good!
Angela
Those stuffed peppers look amazing! I think I even have some orzo in the pantry… Well, that’s one meal for the week sorted
Thanks for the review, Ivonne. I don’t really have an opinion on Giada as I’ve only seen her show a couple of times, but her food did look good!
joanne at frutto della passione
I first saw her on one of my visits home and I have to admit, I’m not a fan. However, I have to admit that I have never read any of her books, my reaction is strictly to her show and persona. The recipes look interesting and your photos are gorgeous.
VeggieGirl
I love Giada!! I actually got to meet her at an event a few years ago – she’s quite lovely (and short, haha).
Marla
Your comments about all that cleavage makes me laugh out loud, hard. Why you as? Because here in Italy you don’t get on TV unless you get as much cleaveage out as possible and yes that includes the daily lunch time “La Prova del Cuoco”. The star of the show has huge mammaries and shows them regularly. Although after 8 years on this show, she still is hopeless in the kitchen, so I think your point about it undermining her is a point well taken. I find Italian TV extremely OTT, so Giada is keeping close to her TV roots (at least her Italian TV).
Deborah
I have been loving this cookbook. I’ve made the lemon ricotta cookies, and they are wonderful!!
Maria
I love this book too! The lemon ricotta cookies are FABULOUS! I have made them twice already…the tomato soup is really good too…and so are the pinwheels..so many fun things in this one! thanks for the review!
Amy
You’ve convinced me to give this book another shot. When it first went on sale I picked it up immediately and looked at two recipes, both of which she had done on her show a long time ago and I had already been making for over a year. Great recipes, but I felt like there wasn’t anything new.
I’ll put it on my list! Thank you for the review!
Fan
I love Giada and her shows even though I have never gotten any of her books. I think I might go check out some of her books now – the zeppoles look good – I’m going to make her apples ones I saw on the show the other day.
As for Giada I think she’s amazing and I love her personality, and personally I don’t think it’s her fault that the camera men are pervs.
Petite Kitchen
I am so behind in cookbooks. I agree, her recipes are really good. I have 3 of her other ones, I didn’t realize she had another one out. Your post has definately convined me to go and get this one to. Thanks for informing us!
howtoeatacupcake
The desserts look FAB! Especially those cookies. Yumm!
millionbells
Thank you for posting this. I’ve fallen in love with those lemon ricotta cookies.
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