The Tucci Cookbook [Hardcover]

Stanley Tucci (Author), Francesco Tonelli (Photographer)

Book Description

Release date: October 9, 2012

There is some truth to the old adage “Most of the world eats to live, but Italians live to eat.”

 What is it about a good Italian supper that feels like home, no matter where you’re from? Heaping plates of steaming pasta . . . crisp fresh vegetables . . . simple hearty soups . . . sumptuous stuffed meats . . . all punctuated with luscious, warm confections.

For acclaimed actor Stanley Tucci, teasing our taste buds in classic foodie films such as Big Night and Julie & Julia was a logical progression from a childhood filled with innovative homemade Italian meals: decadent Venetian Seafood Salad; rich and gratifying Lasagna Made with Polenta and Gorgonzola Cheese; spicy Spaghetti with Tomato and Tuna; delicate Pork Tenderloin with Fennel and Rosemary; fruity Roast Duck with Fresh Figs; flavorful Baked Whole Fish in an Aromatic Salt Crust; savory Eggplant and Zucchini Casserole with Potatoes; buttery Plum and Polenta Cake; and yes, of course, the legendary Timpano.

Featuring nearly 200 irresistible recipes, perfectly paired with delicious wines, The Tucci Cookbook is brimming with robust flavors, beloved Italian traditions, mouthwatering photographs, and engaging, previously untold stories from the family’s kitchen.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

This cookbook was created by a collaboration—and much love—between actor Stanley Tucci, his family, and his friends (especially Gianni Scappin, executive chef for New York’s Castellano restaurants), combining expertise and artistry to bring a simple culinary collection to life. As sometimes happens in collaborative cookbooks, here the identity of the particular creator of each of nearly 200 recipes is murky. Is it the professional, French-trained chef; Tucci’s mother or father or grandparents; or a very close family friend? Although the voice behind a particular recipe can be puzzling to identify, the end results are not unclear. These are well-crafted traditional dishes that mirror the best of northern and southern Italian cuisines, including fried pasta, frittatas, grissini, polenta, braciole, chicken cacciatore, and biscotti. Prefaced by food star Mario Batali and with a resonant essay advising how to pair foods and wines (e.g., sweet tames spice), this is a warming cookbook, well worth savoring. --Barbara Jacobs

Review

“Stanley’s masterful artistry and talent on screen is inevitable, and having cooked with Stanley in my own kitchen, I can say with confidence that Stanley has talent behind the stoves as well. He is at ease and most skilled while cooking, and delivers truly delicious recipes. This cookbook is an intimate glimpse into the Italian heritage that Stanley holds dear—sharing the memories and flavors of his family table. And, it is with much admiration that I recommend this delicious read.”

—Lidia Bastianich, New York Times bestselling author of Lidia’s Italy in America

“Stanley Tucci understands Italian food and Italian cooking. If that wasn’t immediately apparent upon viewing his brilliant film Big Night, it will be when you read this book. . . . Stanley’s co-author Gianni Scappin taught me everything important I needed to know about the food of Northern Italy. . . . His recipes and the techniques he taught me are fundamental to my life and have saved me from untold embarrassment every time I cook for my Italian in-laws.”

—Anthony Bourdain, New York Times bestselling author of Kitchen Confidential

“Chefs and actors share a wonderful bond, the warm friendship of their respective colleagues. Stanley has learned to straddle both professions and this terrific book is a testament. Stanley is totally passionate about his Italian culinary history, and he is extremely knowledgeable on the subject of how home cooks and professional chefs approach recipes. I adore his family anecdotes and recipes, especially when one region has a strong opinion how a tomato sauce is to be prepared. I am jealous, Stanley is the consummate actor/director, and now we can add chef/cookbook author. Well done!”

—Jonathan Waxman, author of Italian, My Way

"The best adjective for The Tucci Cookbook is generous: from portion sizes to the constant theme of hospitality to Tucci's decision to donate a portion of the profits to the Food Bank of New York City. The Tucci Cookbook will appeal both to serious home cooks and to film buffs." (Pamela Toler, blogger for History in the Margins)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 400 pages
• Publisher: Gallery Books (October 9, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1451661258
• ISBN-13: 978-1451661255
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.5 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (64 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #45,228 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #52 in Books > Cookbooks, Food & Wine > Regional & International > European > Italian

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Mouth-Watering Recipes and Beautiful Food Photography October 11, 2012

By Jill Tamari

Format:Hardcover

I've been a huge fan of Stanley Tucci since his turn as Julia Child's husband in Julie & Julia, and I was so excited to see him share his love of food, cooking, and his Italian heritage in this gorgeous cookbook. The recipes range from Italian food staples like lasagne to less traditional family favorites like poached pears, and all are accompanied by charming personal stories and easy to follow directions and wine pairings. And the food photography is just gorgeous -- I highly recommend to foodies and Tucci fans alike!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I am biased, as Stanley is my cousin. However the cookbook is awesome. November 29, 2012

By Dino Rachiele

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Being a very busy business owner, I love the simple recipes and awesome photography. Many of the recipes are what I grew up with growing up in this family. Many of the recipes remind me of the wonderful past days when we all used to get together for Christmas. We had such a rich and loving environment. Rich in the sense of culture and tradition, some of which is passed on in this cookbook.

19 of 23 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Delicious recipes! October 11, 2012

By Susan

Format:Hardcover

This book is beyond helpful in the kitchen and a staple that everyone should have -- if you can cook or not. Some recipes are fast and easy and they allow you to be creative in the smallest of spaces. I highly suggest this book to anyone. Delicious foods, great ideas for any dinner party (or even dinner home for a smaller group).