Product Description

Italian cooks are masters of the art of preparing simmering soups and stews that showcase seasonal ingredients at their very best. Domenica Marchetti reveals their secrets with The Glorious Soups and Stews of Italy, a collection of more than 60 exceptional, authentic recipes that celebrate each season in the Italian tradition. On a rainy day in fall, nothing takes the chill off like a bowl of Crema di Ceci con Maltagliati, a hearty, rustic soup of pur ed chickpeas and pasta drizzled with fresh olive oil. In winter, La Genovese di Signora Venditti, a rich ragu of slow-cooked beef and sweet onions, will surely lift the spirits. Vellutata di Asparagi con Orzo Perlato, a delicately flavored, creamy soup of tender asparagus, sweet fennel, and pearled barley makes a perfect spring welcome. And when summer comes, Zuppa di Cozze e Vongole Piccante, a spicy stew of mussels, clams, and ripe garden tomatoes is perfect for a casual dinner party. With practical information on equipment, seasonal and pantry ingredients, and a delicious mix of vanishing classics, regional specialties, treasured family recipes, and contemporary creations, The Glorious Soups and Stews of Italy is a book to be savored throughout the year.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #480623 in Books
• Published on: 2006-08-03
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 168 pages

About the Author
Domenica Marchetti is an accomplished food writer whose articles have appeared in the Washington Post, Cooking Light, and Fine Cooking. She lives in Alexandria, Virginia. William Meppem is a New York-based photographer whose work has appeared in Food & Wine, Martha Stewart Living, and Vogue Entertaining.

Customer Reviews

Extraordinary resource!
We are passionate cooks who went to cooking school in Tuscany two years agao, and my huge cookbook collection has its share of Italian cookbooks. This one is unusual, though, in its emphasis on traditional family-style recipes with seasonal ingredients that nonetheless are outstanding meldings of flavor. The recipes are organized by season, with excellent commentary. Although the recipes are not particularly simple, they are clear and straightforward and do not depend on exotic ingredients or unusual tools.

The first three recipes we tried were all superb, and the Zuppa di Pesce is the best we've ever had, whether at home or in a restaurant! We are eagerly waiting to try some recipes until the ingredients come in season, and we're continuing to try the winter options. Delizioso!

A Charmingly Written Cookbook
"The Glorious Soups and Stews of Italy" is a beautifully written and produced cookbook that goes beyond mere recipes. Ms. Marchetti includes numerous anecdotes that make it a pleasure to read, and Mr. Meppem's excellent photographs make one's mouth water. The recipes are written clearly and in detail. Those we have tried so far have been very good indeed. Clearly the author has an extensive background in Italian cuisine.

Highly recommended.

A Delicious Addition to Meal Preparation
Ms. Marchetti has written a wonderfully clear cookbook on a topic near and dear to my heart, the cooking of Italy. She has focussed this book on soups and stews but does include a few other dishes. I have prepared a number of her recipes and have found them to be easy to follow and, most important, delicious.

The book is laid out in seasons, winter, spring, summer and fall giving the reader the opportunity to select recipes based on what is fresh. It also includes an opening chapter of useful basics on how to make stocks, tomato sauces and pasta dough.

Unlike many cookbooks, this book contains a number of recipes that I would like to use and add to my repetoire. The mushroom soup, the sausage with lentils and the Christmas calimari are among my favorites.

I have given this book along with a ladle as a wedding gift. It is accessible for the amateur cook and to the more seasoned chef as well.

The lovely photography by William Meppem really bring the food to life.