The Maccioni Family Cookbook: Recipes and Memories from an Italian-American Kitchen

I guess that I am a bit late in getting this in, but better late than never!! I just LOVE this cookbook!!! I had become familiar with the Maccioni family through watching the PBS TV baking series called "Dessert Circus" with Jacque Torres, who was the chef at the Maccioni-owned Le Cirque in New York; different family members would occasionally share the camera with Jacque as he prepared one of his incredible desserts. One day as I was doing my usual cruising down the cookbook aisle of a book store, I noted this book, and seeing that it was written by Egi Maccioni, it caught my attention. The book is an insiders view of how this family came about starting with what region she is from and how Egi and Sirio started out. I know that some folks don't care for the spinning of family yarns, but to me, I love it; it makes the book more personal and more familiar. I love the idea of "family" and how it enriches our lives and it is in this way that Mrs. Maccioni brings us her book. Interspersed with the many recipes are stories and photo's of the Maccioni's and you will be entertained as well as fed when you are done with this wonderful invitation from Egi Maccioni. The contents of this book are: Foreward Introduction Recipes from a Tuscan Childhood Sirio's Favorites New York Restaurant Index Each section has delicious recipes that are so familiar, yet different in flavor because they are made with the idea's of the Tuscan region of Italy. Two of my absolute favorites are the "Fried Zucchini Flowers" and the "Lasagna Bolognese". My family just loves these two and no get-together will pass without me making at least the lasagna, and of course, the zucchini when in season. The "Apple Tart of Mama Giovanna" is a perfect ending to any meal because it is light and full of flavor. For me, it's like going back to when my "Nonni" (grandparents) were still here and everyone would gather every Sunday at their home; it was a madhouse with daughters, sons, in-laws, and a ton of kids. My Nonna made the best food that, to this day, we still cannot reproduce; she didn't use recipes and we couldn't come close to the flavor and aroma even if we did. Those sure were good days!! This would be a great addition to your cooking library and you will be most pleased with any of the dishes that you would prepare.

I received this book as a gift for my Birthday last year. I loved the recipes, photos and the sprinkles of the author's life and tradition mixed in. The recipes are straightforward and easy to create. It is a lovely addition to my culinary library and I?ve added some of her rich tradition to my holiday feasts. I may not be Italian, but I can certainly cook it! If you are looking for an authentic Italian cookbook, with ?out of the ordinary? dishes that are perfect for entertaining as well as sitting down to some everyday ?good old fashioned comfort food? then this one is extraordinary.

A wonderful cookbook! I highly recommend it. The pictures are one of the best parts, they are breathtaking. The recipes are very authentic, I know from living in Tuscany for years. Great home cooking.

Give yourself plenty of time to savor this wonderful collection of elegant, yet comforting recipes. Don't miss the sentimental family photographs that are sure to bring back wonderful memories of your own. If you have to pick a book for a holiday or hostess gift -- this is the one!