Truth be told when Extra Virgin came to Cooking Channel – I didn’t have any interest in the show. About a year ago, that changed. I’ve been growing weary of the state of food programming. The competition shows, the fake reality shows – I dislike them immensely.
I love Heartland Table and I enjoy Farmhouse Rules and that is about it…so I recorded an episode of Extra Virgin – and enjoyed it – soon I caught up with all the repeats and my son even loved watching the shows. He has the theme song down pat. Extra Virgin had me craving Italian food. I think I never enjoyed Italian food — because American Italian food is all cheese, tomatoes and pasta – and extra cheese! I have learned that good Italian food is simple, rustic meals with fresh ingredients – and not everything is drowned in cheese and sauces!
Back in March, I was thrilled to learn that they had cookbook forthcoming and I preordered the book. I even started a cooking group to cook through the book with Gabriele’s permission. I made several of the recipes – the Roasted Pork Loin, page 152 – I have made three times and it is perfect! I even substituted chicken thighs once using the same method – delicious. The Beef Stew, page 155 is great. Last night, I made the Pasta Alla Gricia, page 71 — this dish was phenomenal – first time ever that every bite of a whole meal was eaten-we always have pasta leftovers because I’m not a huge pasta eater – but man this dish was great. Tomorrow I am making the risotto with tallegio and radicchio and am looking forward to that dish.
I truly recommend this cookbook if you a lover of Italian food…and even if your not – Gabriele and Debi’s recipes might change your mind. They reformed me.
My friend Pam is having a great Italian giveaway including a copy of this book head over. Link here.
Please check out my previous post here for links to several more giveaways!
I did purchase my copy but Blogging for Books sent me an additional copy which I will use as a giveaway in the future.
What a cool idea! I would love to get my hands on this one. Your photos are awesomez!
I dont know how many times I have said this… I want this book!
I think I will place the order a week before we come back to US so it is waiting for me as a welcome gift.
Then I will join your cooking group 🙂