Publisher's Weekly Review
With her second cookbook, Food TV star De Laurentiis proves she's more than just a pretty face. Although the host of Everyday Italian is not hard to look at, and photos of her and her family cooking are scattered throughout, there are many more reasons to pick up this book. If classics like Escarole and Bean Soup, Chicken Marsala, and Basic Polenta aren't strong enough incentives, then perhaps modern interpretations such as Chicken Carbonara, Roasted Red Snapper with Parsley Vinaigrette, Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Swiss Chard and Pecorino Cheese, or Espresso Brownies will be. Like De Laurentiis's first, bestselling book (named after her show), this volume presents doable dishes, though there's an emphasis here on feeding a crowd (which doesn't mean small households can't make Italian Wedding Soup and freeze some for an easy weeknight supper). There are twists on Thanksgiving classics, including Turkey with Herbes de Provence and Citrus, Ciabatta Stuffing with Chestnuts and Pancetta, and Butternut Squash Lasagna as well as recipes for traditional Italian holiday foods like Easter Pie, Pizza Rustica, and Panettone Bread Pudding with Amaretto Sauce. Broader and more developed than Everyday Italian, De Laurentiis's second book nicely showcases her range and depth. (Apr.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Library Journal Review
Giada isn't nearly as sexy as my girlfriend, who's so hot she can curdle mayonnaise left out on the counter. That said, she certainly owes a debt to low-cut blouses and the fact that food, attractively displayed, is a powerful and sexy thing. The thing about De Laurentiis's books, however, is that though they tend toward being bright and visual, they also contain pretty good recipes. Everyday Pasta isn't just pasta-there are soups and pasta salads, as well as 20-some pages of side dishes (lots of salads). The recipes range from dishes that I could conceivably make (Creamy Orzo; Farfalle with Broccoli) to cuisine I can't even understand (Conghile with Clams and Mussels; Swordfish and Spaghetti with Citrus Pesto). Everyday Italian covers sauces, entrees, and side vegetable dishes. While the recipes are neither quick nor easy, they look delicious. Family Dinners follows the formula the others set down: For every recipe that an average dude with a whisk can accomplish (Chicken Tetrazzini; Grilled Tuna Steaks), there's something that a "real" cook might make, e.g., Sea Bass with Citrus Bagna Cauda and Swordfish Milanese. (See LJ's original review of Everyday Italian.) (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
