Customer Reviews

Bologna Mia: Memories from the Kitchen of Italy

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a fairly new release that deals specifically with the foods of Bologna. Bolognese cuisine, is well known throughout Italy to be some of the country's best, and Ms. Paganini kindly shares with us the recipes she learned at the hands of both her grandmothers and mother while growing up in Bologna as a child.

The chapters are well thought, and would appeal to anyone, including such titles as "Making Biscotti For The Holidays", Christmas At Nonna Luisa's", and "Perfect Pizza" to name just a few. Each chapter combines family stories, as well as traditional recipes that are extremely easy to follow.

I have always had an interest in the tradition of one generation passing down their recipes to the next that one sees so often in Italy. Ms. Paganini intimately shares her experiences in this area with us, as almost every recipe in the book, is rich with her family's history.

Although I found it disappointing that this book contained no photographs or illustrations, which would only have enhanced my opinion of this book, I was pleased that the majority of recipes called for every day ingredients. 

I had visited the Emilia Romagno in Italy. The food in that region, around Bologna, is noted as the best in the country and the world. I bought some cook books while in Italy but wanted a few more. This book is excellent. The Bolognese sauce used for Lasagna has become a favorite, as has the vanilla gelato recipe. A number of other recipes in the book are delicious as well. I have yet to try anything I did not like. And, based on having been there, the recipes are very authentic and recreate the taste and feel of the Emilia Romagno.

If you are serching for the perfect Italian cookbook this is it. I often travel to Italy and have enjoyed the food there. I'm always searching for cookbooks that will help me to recreate the wonderful tastes that I crave for when I'm back home. I own many cookbooks, but I enjoyed reading the wonderful stories in Bologna Mia and found the recipes so easy to prepare and so delicious.

For anyone who is educated in Italian cuisine, this book is a wonderful reference for his or her collection. Having lived in Italy for 8 years myself I was very interested in the traditional northern Italian recipes shared by the author. As the Italian Food host at BellaOnline, I am always on the lookout for a good new Italian cookbook for my collection that can teach me a little history about the recipes as this one does, as well as inspire me to create my own culinary treasures. It is well known that northern Italian chefs, particularly those from Emilia Romagna feel they are the absolute experts in stuffed pastas. I would recommend this book, but only if you have another basic Italian reference cookbook or two.

Mama Leone"s cookbook from years ago is one that I treasure and use often. However, I received this recently as a gift and I find that I carry it with me just to read! The background information is so very interesting. I have tried a few of the receipes and intend to try many more. The Osso Buco is excellent and easily understandable for someone who is not as experienced. Try the Veal Scaloppine with Prosciutto on page 165 and the Bolognese Focaccia on page 17. This is a wonderful gift for someones who likes to cook or is interested in starting. I like the way the ingredients(easily found in a grocery store) are all on the side. It makes it easy when checking your supplies. Now I just have to get a passport and go to Bologna!

Loretta's cookbook is incredible. Not only is it filled with lucious italian recipies from soup to pasta to desserts, it is filled with stories of Loretta's childhood. These stories show how food was an integral part of this chef's life. The writing is simple yet elegant (just like the recipes)! I would highly recommend this book as a gift for the hard to buy for in your circle of family and friends. Especially for your grandmother since Loretta was rasied by both her grandmothers, and the stories she includes about them are touching. This is a must have for any collection!

Excellent service, prompt delivery, excellent condition
as described, packaged well.
Would use again.

Being young and on the go a lot, I find myself having no time to prepare tasteful and nutritional meals. With this cookbook, I am able to make Italian dishes in no time! This cookbook has provided me with plenty of cooking tips to use in the kitchen and has also given me a taste of Italy along the way.