Betty Crocker's Italian Cooking [Hardcover]

Betty Crocker (Author), Antonio Cecconi (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1991

This collection of 200 authentic recipes from Italian-born chef Antonio Cecconi provides not only superb recipes for Italian pastas, pizzas, risottos and calzones, but information on the many regions of Italy as well as historical and culinary info on Italian cuisine. 70 full-color photographs; line drawings throughout.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

This is not your mother's Betty Crocker. Put aside the ham and canned tomato sauce and get out the prosciutto and fresh plum tomatoes. From zuppa to dolce, this cookbook is filled with enticing, aromatic recipes compliments of chef Antonio Cecconi. You can almost smell the sharp Parmesan grated generously over Spinach Gnocchi with Nutmeg and the tang of fresh basil in Roasted Garlic and Onion Soup.

Featuring recipes from Italy's 20 regions, Betty Crocker's Italian Cooking is a primo introduction to the varying tastes of Italy that's straightforward and easy to read. Recipes are referred to in English and shadowed by their Italian counterparts (what sounds more intriguing: Linguine with Spicy Chicken Sauce or Linguine con Pollo al Pepe?). Each page clearly lists the ingredients, the steps, prep and cook time, serving size, and nutrition guidelines. As a bonus, Cecconi proffers historical context for every recipe. He also suggests substitutions in case you're just not up to creating a homemade tomato sauce or roasting your own red peppers. Make sure to stock your pantry with Cecconi's list of Italian cooking essentials (extra-virgin olive oil, anchovy paste, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and chicken broth) before attempting these recipes, then give Ravioli alla Bolognese a whirl. Try the Grilled Beef Short Ribs with Savory Lemon Sauce and a side of Potatoes with Artichoke Hearts and Olives, or maybe Pizza with Spinach, Prosciutto, and Goat Cheese. Follow it up with homemade tiramisu and piping hot espresso, or even a grappa to "aid the digestion and end the meal on a relaxing note." If you need help with meal planning, there are menus and suggested wine accompaniments in the back. --Dana Van Nest --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

From the Publisher

Italian cooking is so papular that readers want more than just recipes-they want to know about regional cuisines and historical influences on Italian food. American cooks are much more savvy about Italian food in general than ever before, and are curious about the origins of food as well as general information about ingredients such as olive oil and cheeses. Betty Crocker opens the door to the food and culture of Italy. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 229 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall Press; 1st edition (March 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0130682632
• ISBN-13: 978-0130682635
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,883,877 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Since 1921, the Betty Crocker name has symbolized the General Mills continuing tradition of service to consumers. Although Betty was never a real person, her name and identity have become synonymous with helpfulness, trustworthiness and quality.

Betty Crocker has survived the decades by providing consumers with food information and food products that are contemporary without being faddish. The first hardcover cookbook, Betty Crocker's Picture Cookbook was published in 1950 and quickly became a national best seller. Since then, more than 250 Betty Crocker cookbooks have been published.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars IT'S GREAT, BUY IT TODAY!, August 30, 2000

By 

Marianne Seitz (Malverne, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Betty Crocker's Italian Cooking (Hardcover)

I bought the original "Betty Crocker Italian Cooking" book (published 1991) several years ago. I absolutely loved it. Everything I made was delicious and easy to make. The receipes came with a history in the margins. The book was interesting and educational. I wanted to give one to my sister, but this edition wasn't available. I purchased the "Betty Crocker's New Italian Cookbook" instead. That was a big disappointment. (see my review on that edition) Just last week I decided to check Amazon to see if I could get another copy.(Mine has fallen apart from constant use.) I then saw this new edition. There were no reviews, so I took a chance and bought it. I LOVE IT. There are a few different recipes in addition to the old ones. The format is like the original edition with all of the histories included. My Italian neighbor, Gloria, thinks it's a great book also. She's a great Italian cook.(of course, she's from BROOKLYN!)

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Italian Cookbook I've Seen, September 1, 2002

By 

Steven Marrocco "[e-mail]" (Overseas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Betty Crocker's Italian Cooking (Hardcover)

Being of half-Italian extraction (and having learned many recipes and techniques from my Italian Grandmother), and considering that I've read and/or purchased more than a dozen Italian cookbooks, I can safely say that this is the best Italian cookbook that I've seen thus far. I really like the recipes that Mr. Cecconi puts forth, but I will caution the novice cook that his directions seem aimed at those who are completely comfortable in the kitchen or have some cooking experience. If you know your way around a stove, can handle a knife and know the difference between basil and oregano, then I encourage you to expand your culinary expertise via this most awesome Italian cookbook; beware though, this is not a numbered, step-by-step, fully illustrated, hand-holding direction guide for new cooks. On the other hand, if you're looking to hone your repertoire of Italian recipes, I'll save you the trouble of looking elsewhere for a single-volume cookbook that covers it all......this is it. From appetizers to desserts and everything in between, this book gives you the recipes and insight needed to fool your guests into thinking that you are a true Italian chef. If cooking is more than a chore to you and you're looking to cook in the true Italian style, then you must buy this book. My applause to Mr. Cecconi and to Betty Crocker.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great, easy Italian recipes!, September 22, 2001

By 

charley (Bothell, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Betty Crocker's Italian Cooking (Hardcover)

I just got this book, and the book is fun reading as well as informative about the foods in the 20 regeons in Italy. Each recipe contains easy to follow directions, prep times, and cooking times. If you love simple and great Italian food, this book is for you.