Sauces for Pasta!

When it came time to pack for Italy (we were staying in a Villa), this book went into our carry-on because we could not afford to lose it. We have a wall of cookbooks in our kitchen, and cook often in a variety of styles. This cookbook perfectly captures the simplicity of good Italian cooking. Fresh ingredients, not too complicated. Let the ingredients speak. I bought the book on a whim in 1990, and can't live without it. I'm glad to see it's still in print, and am buying copies for relatives.

I'm part Italian, and I know what my Grandmother makes - I think even she would like this book sometimes. Although not all the recipies are to my taste, those are far outweighed by the ones that are. Good news for dairy-okay vegetarians - there's non-meat sauces, and many of the ones that require meat can have vegetable protein substitute instead.

Not an elegant coffee table book but a practical kitchen aid! I find I use this book over and over again. It is easy to use with clear instructions and interesting text. I've even sent a few copies to friends who bemoaned the "hour before dinner panic"!