Jamie’s Italy is quintessentially him. When you read this cookbook (more like a cook/travel book), it is like you’re watching him in telly. Imagining, his facial expression and hand gestures. Very Jamie. I spotted this book at the library recently, and thought I’d give it a go. I know it was first published in 2005, so this review comes a little, ok! 4 years late! Heh!
There are more than 120 recipes from risottos to roasts, spaghetti to stews and even a quick tiramisu! Unfortunately, to cook as authentically as he did, would cost a pretty penny here. There are many italian gourmet delis around, but it is quite expensive to get some of the ingredients mentioned in the book. But if you want some italian love, then I’d say, go for it. Plan a Italian-ish weekend, fill your home with friends and good wine.
And…use this book. Start with Antipasti ~ Funghi al Forno Ripieni di Ricotta (baked mushrooms stuffed with ricotta) and Pappa al Pomodoro (Bread and Tomato Soup) and move on to Pasta Alla Norma (Pasta Norma Style), which is a beautiful vegetarian pasta dish, with sliced aubergines as the lead actress. Finish it all off with of course, a Tiramisu Veloce (Quick Tiramisu), which by the way, did you know “Tiramisu” translates to “pick me up”?
He gets into the whole story of the dish, which makes it a good read and leaves you literally salivating for it. Then it’s a “Dang! I gotta to make this…so I can taste it for myself!”. Very clever, this Jamie Oliver (and it rhymes too! eep!).
Buy it! : Yes, you can easily get it from the good ol’ Amazon, your local bookshops or try your luck at garage sales for 2nd hand copies. Actually, you might not get 2nd hand copies…because I’m guessing most people would want to keep this book. Unless they don’t cook of course, and need the money.
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Hyperion (October 25, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1401301959
ISBN-13: 978-1401301958
