Full of yumminess!

I have yet to try any of the recipes here, as I just read through the recipes today. I have saved quite a couple and will re-visit the star rating once I get the opportunity to try some.

I was caught off-guard by how defensive Giada (or whoever wrote this) was on eating pasta and the size that she is. I know that we are in flux as to whether we consider carbohydrates to be the building blocks of Satanic empires and pasta (and probably bread) are the embodiments of our collective social aversions, but she was really pressing on the defensive pedal. She was arguing for 2oz portions and enjoyment in moderation, which is similar to language that is spilled by spokespersons for industries under attack, a la tobacco, alcohol, fast-food. Pasta and noodles in general are the staple of the diet for millions and possibly a billion people on this earth, through generations and centuries. I am sure there were some publication company pressures to include this kind of false affirmative defense of "let's enjoy in moderations, guys," but it struck me as cosmetic window dressing and overly strenuous in tone. Perhaps it is a reflection of where we are today and the necessity to include disclaimers that are not even necessary.

The other affirmative defense that caught me looking was a mention of people asking her how she is so thin with the foods she is cooking. I really abhor that kind of inquisitiveness. I understand the connection of it is morally bankrupt to promote certain products if the promoter avoids it. The parallel is someone who makes money off selling football or a dangerous product and does not allow their children to engage in football or use the dangerous product. It all seems like reckless speculation. If she, or any other TV food personality eschews their own cooking while promoting it for others, I see the issue. It does not seem like there is any indication that is the case here. Spitting out food during TV filming or not consuming food cooked on TV does not count for me. I don't see anything worth defending and nothing worth attacking.

As someone trying to expand my culinary repertoire and wanting to improve my grasp of Italian basics, this was a great book. I love pasta and all these new, and really quite simple (in that they won't cost a gazillion dollars and don't need three days of prep work) recipes will get a lot of use by our family.

The "Turkey and Artichoke Stuffed Shells" and "Shrimp Lasagna Rolls" are delicious!

My go to cookbook for pasta! Love all of the recipes especially the Sausage, Peppers and Onion pasta. It's my husband's favorite. This cookbook is so easy to follow and allows the home cook to feel like an Italian chef. Also, a great reference to make your own pasta creations.

As an avid pasta lover, this book was probably dangerous for me to have access to. Every recipe immediately went into my future cooking plans.

the chicken fettuccine was really good

I love the Italian White Bean, Pancetta & Tortellini Soup -- have made it many times for myself, and for friends feeling under the weather.

Interesting & Yummy Recipes!

I haven't used this book much, but I do definitely like it.

Awesome find from the library. Worth buying someday...

I liked her previous book Everyday Italian much better than this one, despite the fact that I sometimes feel I could live exclusively on pasta.