Nick Stellino's Mediterranean Flavors [Hardcover]

Nick Stellino (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 31, 1997

The host of PBS-TV's Cucina Amore introduces a new selection of more than 150 original recipes that represent the finest in traditional Mediterranean cuisine, featuring delectable dishes from France, Spain, Greece, Morocco, Turkey, Italy, and the Middle East.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Stellino, the host of the PBS series Cucina Amore, has arranged a solid yet stolid collection of familiar recipes from the Mediterranean, with a distinct Italian bias. With recipe headers and introductions to the chapters that exhibit the chef's trademark exuberance, this book is sure to appeal to fans of his show. Appetizers include Tunisian Stewed Potatoes with paprika and cardamom and Tuna and White Bean Spread on Garlic Toast with a dash of Tabasco. Pastas like Pasta Alfredo, Pasta with Tomato Sauce, Ricotta and Romano Cheese, and Spaghetti and Meatballs are virtuously simple but surprisingly predictable and are not among the pasta dishes that Stellino claims have been influenced by non-Italian cuisines. Other national traditions are more apparent in main dishes like Mediterranean Shepherd's Pie (the mashed potato topping has Romano cheese incorporated), Moussaka, and Ginger Tuna. Vegetable side dishes are simple, and Stellino also includes some more unusual accompaniments like Chickpeas with Mint and Tomatoes, Couscous Spinach Pilaf, and a yeast-free Sardinian Cracker Bread. Desserts such as Strawberries in Marsala with Sweetened Ricotta and Coffee Cheesecake round out these reliable, though unexceptional selections.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

In his third cookbook, Stellino, the enthusiastic host of a popular PBS series, offers recipes not only from his native Italy, especially Sicily, but also from Spain, Portugal, Greece, France, and other countries around the Mediterranean. Although many of these are familiar by now?Ratatouille, Gazpacho, Moussaka, etc.?Stellino's versions are lively and flavorful, and his style makes the recipes particularly approachable. A handy collection, this is recommended for most libraries.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Putnam Adult (March 31, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399142665
• ISBN-13: 978-0399142666
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #129,337 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #42 in Books > Cookbooks, Food & Wine > Regional & International > European > Mediterranean

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exotic Flavors with Supermarket Ingredients, March 2, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Nick Stellino's Mediterranean Flavors (Hardcover)

Unlike many cookbooks we have purchased there is no need for a mail order source for ingredients. Very affordable shopping lists with easily found ingredients leading to excellent results. The Hummus and Tabbouleh are better than that at a local Lebanese restaurant that is touted for these condiments. My wife made the Ginger Tuna which was a revelation to us.( I only knew tuna came in a can, which had no resenblence to the great steaks using mostly pantry items.)The Spanish Chicken with Almond Sauce had nutmeg and cinnamon notes that made a great cold noghts meal. The Lemon Souffle with Blueberry Sauce (using frozen blueberries) hit the right note bringing a bright fresh color, texture and flavor to the table.

Again a strong point is the repeated use of ingredients rather than having to buy something that will languish in your cupboard never to be used again. Cauliflower with Nutmeg, and Ginger Glazed Carrots as examples. I can't be the only one who has thrown away a ginger root that was long forgotten in the fridge after a once in a great while stir-fry.

Look at the sample pages and the photos. The food tastes as good as it looks. As to Stellinos "chat" you can look at a recipe for yourself in the samples to see what you think. I think he sets a great tone for inviting you into his kitchen to bring new flavors to your family that are easy, affordable and satisfying.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nick Stellino's Mediterranean Flavors, March 15, 2000

By 

Fariha Chaudhry (Enfield, New Hampshire) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nick Stellino's Mediterranean Flavors (Hardcover)

This book has been the best buy for me as far as cook books are concerned. For somebody like myself who has started cooking for the first time in her life, the recipes in this book are so easy to follow and the results are incredible! I can confidently try one of Nick Stellino's recipes for the first time, even if I am cooking for my guests, and know for sure, that it is going to turn out well and not leave me feeling embarrased! For anyone who has not had a chance to try this book ( or any of his other books I'm sure! ), they are missing out a good deal!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gotta Love Nick, October 7, 2005

By 

Joanne "Gotta Eat, Gotta Cook" (Long Island, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nick Stellino's Mediterranean Flavors (Hardcover)

I also have ALL of Nick Stellino's cookbooks. This one is at the top of my list (along with CUCINA AMORE, and FAMILY KITCHEN, it's so hard to choose!). One thing they all have in common is how organized they are, presented in table of contents by category to find what you're looking for quickly---soups, entrees, side dishes, appetizers, desserts, etc.. Once there, in this particular book, each recipe is listed by name along with the page number--no need to even thumb through the section at all. The "Chicken with Garlic sauce" is 5 star. Even my simplest vegetable dishes have improved, and w/o any additional effort. Broccoli and carrots have never tasted as good nor looked so appetizing. Goodbye to boiling and steaming! In summary I'd have to simply state that there is something new to find in each of his cookbooks, one book doesn't cover it all; but this book is as good a place to start as anywhere. Like all journeys, it starts with the first step, and in this case, your first Nick Stellino cookbook...your journey will not end there once you start!