Betty Crocker's Italian Cooking (Hardcover)

~ Antonio Cecconi (Author), Betty Crocker Editors (Editor) "1. If using Italian bread, cut each slice in half..." (more)
Key Phrases: red jalapeho chili, toss gently until pasta, brush generously with marinade, Dietary Fiber, Diet Exchanges, Daily Value (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

This is not your mother's Betty Crocker. Put aside the ham and canned tomato sauce and get out the prosciutto and fresh plum tomatoes. From zuppa to dolce, this cookbook is filled with enticing, aromatic recipes compliments of chef Antonio Cecconi. You can almost smell the sharp Parmesan grated generously over Spinach Gnocchi with Nutmeg and the tang of fresh basil in Roasted Garlic and Onion Soup.

Featuring recipes from Italy's 20 regions, Betty Crocker's Italian Cooking is a primo introduction to the varying tastes of Italy that's straightforward and easy to read. Recipes are referred to in English and shadowed by their Italian counterparts (what sounds more intriguing: Linguine with Spicy Chicken Sauce or Linguine con Pollo al Pepe?). Each page clearly lists the ingredients, the steps, prep and cook time, serving size, and nutrition guidelines. As a bonus, Cecconi proffers historical context for every recipe. He also suggests substitutions in case you're just not up to creating a homemade tomato sauce or roasting your own red peppers. Make sure to stock your pantry with Cecconi's list of Italian cooking essentials (extra-virgin olive oil, anchovy paste, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and chicken broth) before attempting these recipes, then give Ravioli alla Bolognese a whirl. Try the Grilled Beef Short Ribs with Savory Lemon Sauce and a side of Potatoes with Artichoke Hearts and Olives, or maybe Pizza with Spinach, Prosciutto, and Goat Cheese. Follow it up with homemade tiramisu and piping hot espresso, or even a grappa to "aid the digestion and end the meal on a relaxing note." If you need help with meal planning, there are menus and suggested wine accompaniments in the back. --Dana Van Nest

Product Description

From pizza to pasta to the classic cannoli, Americans have an enduring love affair with la cucina Italiana -- renowned for everything from its great taste to its beautiful presentations.

Betty Crocker's Italian Cooking has been completely revised and updated, with recipes by Italian native Antonio Cecconi, who provides tantalizing and authentic Italian recipes to delight the palate. With chapters ranging from appetizers to desserts, it is easy to find the ideal, authentic creation for any occasion. But there's more to this book than just recipes -- special features enable you to expand your understanding of Italian cuisine:

An introduction discusses the cuisines of Italy and how the history of the areas influences the food there.

Complete glossaries of Italian cheeses, pastas, vinegars, herbs, and olives and olive oils can help you choose the right ingredients.

Both "first course" and "main dish" servings are included for adapting the dishes to different placement within the meal.

A menu section provides delicious ideas for creating complete Italian meals, from appetizers and main course to desserts.

Match Italian wines to the menus you plan.

With 80 full-color photographs and 200 tantalizing recipes, Betty Crocker's Italian Cooking opens the door to the food and culture of Italy."

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: Betty Crocker; Revised edition (July 3, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764560786
• ISBN-13: 978-0764560781
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.9 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #509,508 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars IT'S GREAT, BUY IT TODAY!, August 30, 2000

By	Marianne Seitz (Malverne, NY USA) - See all my reviews

I bought the original "Betty Crocker Italian Cooking" book (published 1991) several years ago. I absolutely loved it. Everything I made was delicious and easy to make. The receipes came with a history in the margins. The book was interesting and educational. I wanted to give one to my sister, but this edition wasn't available. I purchased the "Betty Crocker's New Italian Cookbook" instead. That was a big disappointment. (see my review on that edition) Just last week I decided to check Amazon to see if I could get another copy.(Mine has fallen apart from constant use.) I then saw this new edition. There were no reviews, so I took a chance and bought it. I LOVE IT. There are a few different recipes in addition to the old ones. The format is like the original edition with all of the histories included. My Italian neighbor, Gloria, thinks it's a great book also. She's a great Italian cook.(of course, she's from BROOKLYN!)

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Italian Cookbook I've Seen, September 1, 2002

By	Steven Marrocco "[e-mail]" (Overseas) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Being of half-Italian extraction (and having learned many recipes and techniques from my Italian Grandmother), and considering that I've read and/or purchased more than a dozen Italian cookbooks, I can safely say that this is the best Italian cookbook that I've seen thus far. I really like the recipes that Mr. Cecconi puts forth, but I will caution the novice cook that his directions seem aimed at those who are completely comfortable in the kitchen or have some cooking experience. If you know your way around a stove, can handle a knife and know the difference between basil and oregano, then I encourage you to expand your culinary expertise via this most awesome Italian cookbook; beware though, this is not a numbered, step-by-step, fully illustrated, hand-holding direction guide for new cooks. On the other hand, if you're looking to hone your repertoire of Italian recipes, I'll save you the trouble of looking elsewhere for a single-volume cookbook that covers it all......this is it. From appetizers to desserts and everything in between, this book gives you the recipes and insight needed to fool your guests into thinking that you are a true Italian chef. If cooking is more than a chore to you and you're looking to cook in the true Italian style, then you must buy this book. My applause to Mr. Cecconi and to Betty Crocker.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great, easy Italian recipes!, September 23, 2001

By	charley (Bothell, WA USA) - See all my reviews

I just got this book, and the book is fun reading as well as informative about the foods in the 20 regeons in Italy. Each recipe contains easy to follow directions, prep times, and cooking times. If you love simple and great Italian food, this book is for you.