Customer Reviews

Nick Stellino's Passione: Pasta, Pizza, and Panini

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I own all of Nick Stellino's books but had used this one least b/c of my fear of pasta, pizza, and panini--in other words, the ever-dreaded carbos! But it's fall now, and I was ready to throw my fear of carbo-loading to the wind...first stop, PIZZA. Today was my 'maiden voyage,' (and I had hoped it wouldn't end up like that of the Titanic!). I couldn't believe what smooth sailing it was. Nick gives alternate kneading methods, by hand or mixer--I chose the easy way out! I made enough dough for four 12" pizzas. (I got carried away with myself b/c it took no time or effort at all). Didn't have mozzerella to make pizza, so Nick conveniently had flatbread recipes--and that was where I began. With some fresh rosemary, garlic, a hint of red pepper, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and olive oil, it was so simple and came out of the oven looking like...well, bread! Like it was supposed to...not a 'wannabe,' but the real thing. I impressed myself, I must say. I'll make it for a dinner I'm planning to give next weekend. Dough is easily refrigerated or frozen to use whenever. Another pleasant surprise--Nick tells you how to make pizza sauce, no need to buy it--using canned, jarred, or homemade as a base, then adding a few extra ingredients, blending in processor, done. That's another item crossed off my pizza grocery list. It was like he was leading me by the hand. I am so glad I had this book in my kitchen library. I'm getting ready to dive into pasta, and I know I'll be using this book again.