Antonio Carluccio and Gennaro Contaldo embark on a journey to explore Italy's distinct and varied terrains, and to find out how these have shaped the produce and, in turn, the peoples and their traditions.
‘Gennaro is an incredible baker – bread has always been central to everything he does. This is a great book – incredible food and full of Gennaro-style passion’ – Jamie Oliver Making bread has always been a natural passion for Gennaro Contaldo. Ingrained since childhood with memories of his mother’s weekly bread-making and visits to his uncle’s village bakery, it is a skill which has followed him throughout his career as a chef. In this book, Gennaro takes you onto a journey into the magical world of Italian bread and baking, giving you his secret tips on making the perfect dough to create wonderful Italian breads for all occasions. And not only bread – have you ever walked into an Italian panetteria (bakery) and marvelled at the amazing variety of freshly baked goods? Not only filone, filoncini, ciabatta, campagnia, panini, but also amazing focaccia, pizzette, biscuits and cakes. Included will be Gennaro’s fabled focaccia made in different regional varieties as well as mouth watering torte salate (Italian savoury pies) using seasonal ingredients such as spinach & artichoke oozing with fontina cheese for spring or escarole, black olives & anchovy for winter. There will be a section of rustic pane dolce (sweet breads) as well as delicious crostate (sweet pastry tarts), biscuits and traditional homemade cakes just like Nonna used to make. This book will be the ultimate in Italian bread and baking – it will be your Italian panetteria bible where you will be able to almost smell that dreamy, irresistible aroma of fresh baking as you flick through the pages. Word count: 55,000
A favourite of many national TV shows from Richard and Judy, Saturday Kitchen, BBC Breakfast and Jimmy's Farm, to all of Jamie Oliver's series, Gennaro Contaldo is an irrepressible and enthusiastic font of Italian culinary knowledge and he is back with his second book. A celebration of Italian lifestyle and culture as much as Italian food, GENNARO'S ITALIAN YEAR includes recipes for every month of the year, from summer favourites to Christmas essentials. With stories from his childhood to give a flavour of life in Italy and more than 120 delicious recipes, this is the definitive Italian cookbook from the country's favourite Italian chef.
At last, the ultimate book on pasta from the master of Italian cookery! Pasta's huge variety of shapes, textures and flavours makes it the perfect basis for every kind of meal, from sophisticated dinner parties to simple suppers at home. In his exciting new book, Antonio Carluccio shares his love of Italy's favourite food, providing innovative and exciting recipes for soups, main courses, salads and even desserts. To begin, clear and detailed instructions are given for making fresh pasta, opening up a whole new range of possibilities from making your own basic egg pasta to adding unusual colours and flavours like spinach and squid ink. Over 100 inspirational recipes for both fresh and dried pasta follow, ranging from the simple and traditional like Spaghetti Al Aglio, Olio E Peperoncino (with garlic, oil and chilli) and classics with a twist like Trofie al Pesto di Erbe e Noci (with walnut and herb pesto) to the truly unusual and luxurious, such as and Trullo di Zitoni (a deeply savoury baked lamb, herb and mushroom pasta pie). Also featured is a wealth of ideas for varying the basic recipe to produce numerous different dishes, according to taste and seasonal availability.
Antonio Carluccio is a larger-than-life character who, over his 50-year career, has inspired thousands of people with his no-fuss Italian cooking and passion for good food and wine. But behind the famous name is a man whose life has been full of unexpected twists and turns, joy and sadness, love and loss. Born on the Amalfi Coast in the South of Italy in 1937, Antonio's taste buds were first awakened by his Mamma's delicious home cooking. In this book he recounts the early years, including his first experience cooking simple suppers on a two-ring stove, to his unplanned meteoric rise to fame as the founder of one of the UK's most prominent restaurant brands, the Carluccio's chain of retaurants, prolific author and successful television presenter. Despite his success, Antonio has never forgotten is humble beginnings or the women, who next to food, have been the biggest influence on his life. Throughout the text will be the recipes that have formed the touchstones of his life. This is a story of commitment, drive and the ingredients needed to succeed.
Not long ago Italy was Europe's highly touted emerging economy, a society that blended dynamism and super-fast growth with a lifestyle that was the envy of all. Now it is viewed as a major threat to the future of the Euro, indeed to the European Union as a whole. Italy's political system is shorn of credibility as it struggles to deal with huge public debts and anemic levels of economic growth. Young people are emigrating in droves, frustrated at the lack of opportunity, while older people stubbornly cling to their rights and privileges, fearful of an uncertain future. In this lively, up-to-the-minute book, Bill Emmott explains how Italy sank to this low point, how Italians feel about it, and what can be done to return the country to more prosperous and more democratic times. With the aid of numerous personal interviews, Emmott analyzes "Bad Italy"—the land of disgraced Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, an inadequate justice system, an economy dominated by special interests and continuing corruption—against its contrasting foil "Good Italy," the home of enthusiastic entrepreneurs, truth-seeking journalists, and countless citizens determined to end mafia domination for good.
The essence of Italian cooking is its reliance on superb ingredients and on simple cooking methods, both of which are the basis of An Invitation to Italian Cooking. Each recipe is overlaid with the personal touches that make Antonio Carluccio's cookbooks so popular and instructive—his memories of growing up in the Italian countryside, and of traveling his native land, cooking and learning about authentic local dishes and ingredients. From Risotto con Porcini, a famed specialty of Piedmont, to the Roman favorite, Carciofi alla Giudea (Jewish Artichokes), and Cannoli alla Siciliana—Antonio demonstrates his mastery of the complete Italian eating experience.
Full of enticing, authentic and, most of all, quick-to-prepare recipes, Gennaro Contaldo’s new book demonstrates how to whip up a delicious Italian feast in 40 minutes or less. From lightning-fast risottos to perfectly pronto pastas, speedy soups and delightful desserts, these recipes showcase the very best Italy has to offer, while requiring very little time in the kitchen. Featuring food from all the major regions of Italy, these quick recipes really make the most of the amazing fresh produce for which Italy is renowned. The result is delicious, nutritious food that can be on the table in minutes – perfect for busy families or for easy entertaining. Beginning with a handy guide to keeping your Italian larder full of the best ingredients to whizz up a speedy supper, the book is split into sections covering Soups, Salads, Pasta, Rice, Meat, Fish, Vegetables, Sauces and Desserts ensuring that you have a wealth of recipes at your fingertips. From lemon-infused steam-baked mackerel to classic pasta recipes and quick chocolate raspberry pots you can impress friends and family with a stunning menu in minutes. ‘His talent for cooking and story-telling changed my life and food forever.’ Jamie Oliver ‘The man cooks like an angel and no ordinary angel.’ Matthew Norman, Sunday Telegraph