The Essential Pasta Cookbook [Paperback]

Whitecap Books (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1998

Pasta gives more pleasure to people than almost any other food you can think of. The Italians would never have survived without it, and a wave of their beloved pasta followed them as migrated across Europe to the new worlds in both hemispheres. This book celebrates the delicious simplicity of many popular classics, passed down over the generations, as well as introducing innovative recipes with a contemporary twist. All offer a trip around Italy without ever leaving home.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Founded in 1977, Whitecap Books has grown to become one of the top ten Canadian-owned book publishing and distribution companies. During the 1970s and early 1980s Whitecap made a name for itself as Canada's foremost producer of full-color gift and coffee table books on Canadian provinces, cities, and natural wonders. The company continues to publish in this area and has launched a 27-book series on Canada and 36 books in the America Series.

Whitecap's list of titles currently consists of more than 300 Canadian-originated titles and more than 1,000 agency listed titles. Whitecap is known for its expertise in the cookbook market. Since 1984, Whitecap has been responsible for some of the most innovative and familiar titles that can be found in kitchens across North America today. In addition to cookery, Whitecap publishes and distributes books on gardening and crafts, photo-scenic, history, arts and entertainment, children's fiction and non-fiction, travel, sports and transportation books.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Whitecap Books (June 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1551106566
• ISBN-13: 978-1551106564
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #685,053 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WOW, the best cookbook of any type around!, January 10, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Essential Pasta Cookbook (Paperback)

Not only is this my favorite pasta cookbook, but it's just flat out my favorite cookbook of any type. There is a picture of EVERY SINGLE item in the book -- very helpful for determining whether it's something you want to make, and also how it's supposed to look when it's done. The instructions are very easy to follow. Most of the recipes are for simple, easy-to-make meals that require a total prep and cook time of less than 30 minutes, yet they taste better than what you find in most Italian restaurants. I was never that big of a pasta fan before, but I use this cookbook at least three times a week now.

I can't wait until they come out with more titles in the Essential cookbook series (currently limited to seafood, vegetarian, appetizers, desserts, and "Christmas" stuff).

You won't be disappointed with this one!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Pasta - Begginer to Gourmet, August 15, 2000

By 

Rodolfo Tarelli (Buenos Aires, Argentina) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Essential Pasta Cookbook (Paperback)

This book starts at the basics. Fundamental descriptions of all pasta available, how to name them and how to make them from scratch.

The first chapter starts with all the most common basic sauces (salsa) known all over the world. Bolognesa, alfreddo, pesto, etc...

The following chapters describe the best of pasta cooking including everything from lassagna and fettuccini to gnocci and ravioli.

Most recipies are easy to overcome and they do taste wonderful. Book photography is outstanding, you can almost smell the dishes. This book is a must if you love itallian food.

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't read look at this book on an empty stomach!, September 12, 2000

By 

Rosie - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Essential Pasta Cookbook (Hardcover)

I recently bought a handcrank pasta machine and was on the lookout for a pasta cookbook that had recipes using fresh pasta. My mom surprised me with this book and I absolutely love it! I love cookbooks with lots of pictures so I can see what the recipes look like. This book has a picture of every recipe so I am in cookbook heaven! Lots of great recipes too! Buy it for yourself or give it as a gift. Two thumbs up!