Pasta Fresca: An Exuberant Collection of Fresh, Vivid, and Simple Pasta Recipes

I've not looked to purchase a pasta cookbook for many years, as I thought I had plenty of them. But the recent purchase of a simple hand-crank pasta maker [ASIN:B0009SS6BI Norpro Pasta Machine]] prompted the purchase of "Pasta Fresca". Oh, what I've been missing--both in the book and the pasta maker--but mostly the cookbook)!! If you grow (too many) tomatoes or have an over-bearing lemon tree, you will appreciate this cookbook. It has a chapter on un-cooked sauces that will excite anyone with a garden. Further into the book is another chapter "From the Garden" that is equally exciting. Being an avid gardener I would rather have this book than any of the others I own that deal specifically with bounty from the garden. But there are also chapters on seafood, meats, dairy products, baked and stuffed dishes and gnocchi. The recipes are clear-cut and simple, but not basic; short and straightforward, but unique; quick to make, but suitable for entertaining. Ingredients are unpretentious and many are (or could be) pantry staples. There are no pretty pictures in this cookbook, but none are really needed: All recipes are so uncomplicated that it's easy to visualize the dish in your mind. Hey, and no pictures means more room for recipes! Having so many other pasta and Italian cookbooks, I could have done without the 40-some pages on pasta shapes/names and pantry staples, but if you are a novice cook you will appreciate these sections. My daughter cooks pasta in her microwave in her tiny dorm room, and I intend to buy her this cookbook. You don't need a lot of counter space or room in your frig to cook most of these recipes. There are so many good ideas and so many simple, interesting combinations! Buy this cookbook, I don't think you'll regret it.

I bought this cookbook several years ago. While other cookbooks while away in the cupboard, "Pasta Fresca" lives on my kitchen counter. The recipes are good and mostly easy. The only challenge is finding some of the ingredients. (Luckily most of the recipes do not require hard-to-find ingredients.) But the search for black olive paste is well worth it: "Fusilli lunghi all' Amalfitana" sends us to Seventh Heaven regularly. Why, it's almost as good as a trip to the fairy tale land of Amalfi!

I found "Pasta Fresca" when it first came out in the early '90s and have loved it ever since. The recipes are easy, simple, and fresh. Summer Spaghetti: Fresh tomatoes and basil, marinated at room temperature with garlic and olive oil, tossed with mozzarella and hot pasta. "Beach Pasta": Small pasta shells, tuna, tomatoes, olives, and anchovies. Both have become staples for me, and every new recipe I try from the book turns out well. I can't recommend this book highly enough. It also makes a great wedding present for couples just starting out.

always forget that they have it. Your gnocchi is a great recipe,based on your concern of introducing too much water itno the boiling potato's i have been baking them, and every person who has tasted them can't stop tasting. iv'e shown them your book and they love it.

I bought this book on a lark and now use it often with great results. The last time that I made dinner from it my guest was overwhelmed by the great aromas wafting from the kitchen. She loved the meal as well. The recipes are easy to understand and include unusual ideas that I have never seen before.