Wednesday, April 7, 2010

GIADA AT HOME: REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

GIVEAWAY ENDED
GIADA AT HOME

BY GIADA DE LAURENTIS

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Since her debut on Food Network in 2002 with the hit program Everyday Italian, Giada De Laurentiis has been enticing Americans with her updated twists on Italian favorites. Her dedication to ease, healthfulness, and—above all else—flavor have won her a permanent place in the hearts of home cooks. In Giada at Home, she shares a personal look into how she cooks for those dearest to her, with simple recipes inspired by her television show of the same name.

Born in Italy, Giada was raised in Los Angeles by a gregarious Italian family. While her grandmother, aunt, and mother brought her up on generations-old recipes, Giada also became enamored with the bright and clean flavors of California’s abundant seasonal fruits and vegetables. Giada at Home presents recipes from both traditions, all with Giada’s signature style. She shares classic Italian recipes passed down through the years, like cheese-stuffed dates wrapped in salty prosciutto, creamy risotto with the earthy and deep flavors of mushrooms and gorgonzola, and lamb chops basted with honey and balsamic vinegar. New family favorites include grilled asparagus and melon, game hens roasted with citrus and herbs, and a sorbet made with pomegranate and mint, all bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors.

No meal would be complete without the company of family and Giada particularly enjoys bringing her loved ones together over meals. For the first time, she incorporates her go-to brunch recipes—what she cooks when setting up a feast on her back patio for everyone on weekend mornings—from Jade-approved Panini, with gooey mozzarella, luscious raspberries, and a sprinkling of brown sugar, to Todd’s favorite pancetta-studded waffles scented with cinnamon.

No matter which recipe you choose—classic or contemporary—Giada at Home makes gathering the favorite people in your life for fabulous weeknight meals and family celebrations delicious and easy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

GIADA DE LAURENTIIS is the Emmy-winning star of Food Network’s Everyday Italian, Giada's Weekend Getaways, and Giada at Home; a contributing correspondent for NBC’s Today; and the author of four New York Times bestselling cookbooks. She attended the Cordon Bleu in Paris and worked at Wolfgang Puck’s Spago restaurant in Los Angeles before starting her own catering company, GDL Foods. Born in Rome, she grew up in Los Angeles, where she now lives with her husband, Todd, and their daughter, Jade

MY REVIEW:

GIADA AT HOME is the latest cookbook from Food Network Star and Chef, Giada De Larentiis. Subtitled “Family Recipes from Italy and California”, the book is indeed a family affair. As Giada writes in the introduction to this strikingly photographed, easy to follow cookbook, that “to find the best food in Italy you need to be invited to someone’s house for a home-cooked meal.” She goes on to explain that this “old world” cooking is what really is the basis of her own cooking staples. The book is well organized and divided into: appetizers; soups & sandwiches; pasta & grains; meat, poultry & fish; vegetables & salads; desserts; and brunch.

In the appetizer section, Giada explains how most of us think of that being something special we eat in a restaurant or elaborately prepared. However, in Italian families it is a normal thing to serve and very simple, usually a bite or two, perhaps on crusty toasted bread, or vegetable based. Known as antipasti, the ones in GIADA AT HOME include so many easy to prepare and some that got my immediate attention were Italian Fried Olives, Tomato Basil Tartlets, and Stuffed Baby Peppers. The recipes that go with them all look wonderful and the Italian Fried Olives were easy enough for even me to make. Basically stuffed with a cheese and herb mix, rolled in an egg and bread crumbs, then fried in good olive oil for about 45 seconds. Ah, perfect Italian Fried Olives--who knew?! Hint about frying: drop a cube of bread in the olive oil and when it browns in about 3 minutes, the oil is ready!

For the other categories, let me just entice you with the names of a couple of recipes I found tempting in each category, and you will find MANY more on your own.
SOUPS & SANDWICHES: (Italians are not big sandwich eaters but rather munch on them between meals)
  • Lemon Chicken Soup with Spaghetti
  • Zucchini and Olive Pizza
  • Mini Italian Pub Burgers
PASTA & GRAINS: (described as the “ultimate comfort food” that is a “perfect blank canvas” for any ingredients of the season)
  • Rigatoni with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
  • Brown Butter Risotto with Lobster
  • Cheesy Baked Farro (you could substitute barley and it is the Italian Mac & Cheese)
MEAT, POULTRY, & FISH: (Italians don’t make this protein the MAIN dish but rather combine it with vegetables and pasta so it is more like an “ensemble” approach)
  • Chianti Marinated Beef Stew
  • Turkey Meatloaf with Feta and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
  • Grilled Salmon with Citrus Salsa Verde
VEGETABLES & SALADS: (Give the meal its “plate appeal”)
  • Skewered Greek Salad
  • Vegetable Parmesan
  • Grilled Asparagus with Melon Salad
DESSERTS: (Vary by region and aren’t really all that sweet)
  • Espresso Chip Meringues
  • Raspberry Pound Cake with Vin Santo Cream
  • Lemon Hazelnut Tiramisu
BRUNCH: (Not called brunch in Italy and it is a leisurely weekend lunch and IS the event of the day)
  • Baked Provolone and Sausage Frittata
  • Pancetta and Cinnamon Waffles
  • Blueberry and Mascarpone Turnovers
Now if that isn’t enough for you to want to buy this book, let alone win it, I don’t know what is. The recipes are easy to follow and give you simple solutions for substitutions. Each recipe gives some background as well as serving tips so the most inexperienced of us can even create. Most ingredients are fresh and the prep time is surprisingly short enough to do even when having spent the day working. The photographs of the food are only made better by the accompanying photos of Giada’s family, especially her precious little baby girl Jade, enjoying the food and kitchen. Although I didn’t mention any, there are even beverage recipes. I really believe that GIADA AT HOME can make even the least experienced cook feel like a Chef or Food Network Star!

GIVEAWAY

THANKS TO ALLISON AND THE
GOOD FOLKS AT CLARKSON POTTER
AND RANDOM HOUSE PUBLISHING,
I HAVE 1 COPY OF THIS WONDERFUL

BOOK TO GIVE AWAY. HERE IS WHAT
YOU NEED TO DO TO WIN A COPY!



--U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY
--NO P. O. BOXES
---INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS
IN CASE YOU WIN!
--ALL COMMENTS MUST BE SEPARATE TO
COUNT AS MORE THAN ONE!

HOW TO ENTER:

+1 ENTRY: COMMENT ON SOMETHING YOU FIND INTERESTING AT GIADA'S WEBSITE HERE

+1 MORE ENTRY:
COMMENT ON SOMETHING YOU FOUND INTERESTING ABOUT THIS BOOK FROM THE REVIEW ABOVE

+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT IF YOU FOLLOW MY BLOG AND TELL HOW. EACH WAY YOU FOLLOW, IF ENTERED SEPARATELY, CAN COUNT AS ANOTHER ENTRY AND MORE CHANCES TO WIN!

+1 MORE ENTRY: BLOG, SHARE ON FACEBOOK, OR TWEET ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY AND LEAVE A LINK I CAN FOLLOW IN THE ENTRY

GIVEAWAY ENDS AT
6 PM, EST,
APRIL 20!


GOOD LUCK

127 comments:

Linda Kish said...

Genetics, portion control and fresh ingredients are what she credits for staying trim.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

FB fan

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

I was unaware she live in Los Angeles

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Kitty said...

In February 2009, she became an ambassador for Oxfam America and she traveled to Peru.

Kitty said...

email subscriber-- maynekitty///at///live///dot///com

Kitty said...

She was born in Rome. I like the description of the fried olives in your review.

Jessica ( frellathon ) said...

I like that Giada will be in Plano and Dallas right where I live. Huge fan of hers.

jessica(at)fan(dot)com

Jessica ( frellathon ) said...

I'm a google friend follower

Jessica ( frellathon ) said...

What I found interesting about the review is I'm drooling already lol
But I also like that Giada is such a family person it's part of what makes cooking so much fun when you have someone to cook for

bermudaonion said...

I found it interesting that Giada is the granddaughter of Gino De Laurentis. milou2ster(at)gmail.com

bermudaonion said...

I found it interesting that Italians aren't big sandwich eaters and they use them as snacks. milou2ster(at)gmail.com

traveler said...

Giada is very talented and creative. Her ability to combine so many fresh ingredients into healthy food is wonderful. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I am an e-mail subscriber. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

Her program is one I watch a great deal of since it is inspiring and unique. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

Colleen Turner said...

I love the FAQ section on Giada's website, especially her answering questions like what color nail polish she wears and where her necklase comes from...not the type of questions you usually see!
Thanks,
Colleen
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

From the review, I love the list of recipes you give: the provolone and sausage frittata sounds to die for!
Thanks,
Colleen
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I am a facebook fan!
Thanks,
Colleen
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I follow via email.
Thanks,
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I follow via google connect.
Thanks,
Colleen
candc320@gmail.com

Pamela Keener said...

I saw a review of this book on another blog and loved the recipe shared that much that I went to Amazon and preordered it. Your review is right on target. The book is a lovely addition to my cookbook collection.
Love & Hugs,
Pam

Benita said...

I find it interesting that Giada does many book signings. On her website, I saw that today she is at a William Sonoma in Dallas, Texas signing books.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Benita said...

I like how you state in your review that Brunch is not brunch in Italy, but a leisurely lunch.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

https://booksthoughtsadventures.com said...

Her grandfather is the famous movie director Dino DeLaurentis...she wants to open a restaurant with him someday soon.

Cathy M said...

My Mom and I are total fans of her tv show and take turns trying out new recipes.

caity_mack(at)yahoo(d0t)com

Cathy M said...

Subscribe to the blog by email



caity_mack(at)yahoo(dot)com

Cathy M said...

follower of the blog



caity_mack(at)yahoo(d0t)com

Cathy M said...

Would love to try out one of her new salad recipes:

Skewered Greek Salad


caity_mack(at)yahoo(d0t)com

Unknown said...

I learned from the website that Giada had a daughter. I swear I live in a cave sometimes.

jrandtam[at]columbus.rr.com

Unknown said...

I am a fan on FB (Tammy Graham)

jrandtam[at]columbus.rr.com

Unknown said...

Following via Networked Blogs (Tammy Graham)

jrandtam[at]columbus.rr.com

Unknown said...

You mentioned the Italian Fried Olives in your review and they sound great. I am going to have to find that recipe. Great review.

jrandtam[at]columbus.rr.com

Unknown said...

I shared this giveaway on facebook

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/profile.php?v=wall&story_fbid=112510998768377&id=100000225125999&ref=mf

jrandtam[at]columbus.rr.com

Unknown said...

I RT your tweet and I am not sure how to get those links. Here is what I can get

http://twitter.com/BookinBingo/status/11783167504

jrandtam[at]columbus.rr.com

MRWriter said...

I didn't know she had a cookware line with Target. I love her ceramic bakeware set.

AlexDean03@yahoo.com

MRWriter said...

In your review, I like how she combines Italian cuisine with a California flair. Sounds delicious!

AlexDean03@yahoo.com

brokenteepee said...

Giada's daughter Jade loves Dora the explorer
thank you
kaiminani at gmail dot com

brokenteepee said...

However, in Italian families it is a normal thing to serve and very simple, usually a bite or two, perhaps on crusty toasted bread, or vegetable based

thank you
kaiminani at gmail dot com

brokenteepee said...

I follow by email
thank you
kaiminani at gmail dot com

brokenteepee said...

I follow by google reader
thank you
kaiminani at gmail dot com

brokenteepee said...

I follow by google
thank you
kaiminani at gmail dot com

brokenteepee said...

I tweeted
http://twitter.com/BrokenTeepee/status/11788324971
thank you
kaiminani at gmail dot com

Suburban prep said...

She made a comment on her blog about how quickly things have changed in her life. That her daughter is about to be 2 and she has a new book out.
msgb245 at gmail dot com

Suburban prep said...

I am married to an Italian and the fact that you mention -- She goes on to explain that this “old world” cooking is what really is the basis of her own cooking staples--is sort of almost word for word what has come out of my husband's mouth and that of his family members about the cooking they do in their homes and our home.

msgb245 at gmail dot com

Bingo said...

Suburban Prep..you must have these recipes down pat with your hubby being Italian...does he cook for you sometimes? I love big Italian family meals (I'm Greek so it is pretty close)

Thanks everyone for entering today...

Heidi said...

Italian fried olives!!! Yum!!! I love Giada!!!

Gaby317 said...

I follow

gaby317nyc at gmail.com

Gaby317 said...

I didn't realize that she was born in Rome!

The creamy risotto recipe sounds so good!

gaby317nyc at gmail.com

Gaby317 said...

I enjoyed the different menu suggestions that she listed on her website.

I forgot to describe how I follow - on google reader.

gaby317nyc at gmail.com

porcelaine said...

I wasn't aware that she was a spokesperson for Barilla.

literarylolita{at}gmail{dot}com

porcelaine said...

I'm a follower via Google FriendConnect.

literarylolita{at}gmail{dot}com

porcelaine said...

I'm seriously intrigued by the recipes mentioned, especially the
Pancetta and Cinnamon Waffles. That sounds delish!

literarylolita{at}gmail{dot}com

porcelaine said...

Thanks for hosting the giveaway! I shared it via Twitter:

https://twitter.com/porcelainedoll/status/11811013643

literarylolita{at}gmail{dot}com

Amy said...

One interesting thing is just how fascinated my teen sons are with her, um, cooking. Did you know there are entire blogs dedicated to Giada's "endowments"? Kind of crazy. I think I'd like to win this just to interest my sons in cooking!!!

gingercatranch at gmail dot com

Debbie said...

I like that brunch is the event of the day!
fourkidsrgreat(at)gmail.com

Debbie said...

I learned she has let Barilla license and produce four products under her name.
fourkidsrgreat(at)gmail.com

bison61 said...

she uses Global knives

tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

g.g. said...

I liked on her site when you go to recipes, she has outlined menus for every occasion you could want and it gave me some good ideas


anjamie4 AT gmail DOT com

g.g. said...

I subscribe by email

anjamie4 AT gmail DOT com

g.g. said...

I am a google friend follower

anjamie4 AT gmail DOT com

g.g. said...

I like that the cookbook has pictures as it makes it easier for me to figure what I am supposed to be doing

anjamie4 AT gmail DOT com

holdenj said...

She has a nice website, but I was intrigued that she's joined the retail arena and has a line of cookware and accessories at Target! How convenient! I will definitely have to check that out.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I am a loyal Google Friend Connect follower. Thanks!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I really liked your review and am happy to believe you when you say many of the recipes are fairly easy. I also like the "ensemble" idea of the meats section, that's an area we could certainly cut back on a bit.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

Lauren said...

Your tidbit about Italians traditionally eating sandwiches as a between-meal snack was interesting. Thanks! lkohn (at) halcyonflight (dot) com

Caroline said...

I learned that Giada is going to be appearing on the Today Show in May.

design4less@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Daily tweet

http://twitter.com/lovemy2doggies/status/11852631668

jrandtam[at]columbus.rr.com

throuthehaze said...

From the website something interesting I learned is that shegranddaughter of film producer Dino De Laurentiis
throuthehaze at gmail dot com

throuthehaze said...

from the review I found the fried olives interesting. I have never heard of frying olives before.
throuthehaze at gmail dot com

throuthehaze said...

Facebook fan-Rae Pavey
throuthehaze at gmail dot com

throuthehaze said...

follow on twitter @throuthehaze
throuthehaze at gmail dot com

throuthehaze said...

follow in google friend connect
throuthehaze at gmail dot com

throuthehaze said...

email subscriber
throuthehaze at gmail dot com

throuthehaze said...

follow on networked blogs-Rae Pavey
throuthehaze at gmail dot com

Sabrina said...

I didnt know you could find Giada stuff at Target!

smp1004@gmail.com

Lost Without a Clue said...

I am a google follower.

Marimasiel@gmail.com

Lost Without a Clue said...

I was surprised at the appetizers mentioned. I don't know what it is but they seem so small: olives, peppers etc. I guess I am used to appetizers seeming like meals all on their own.

Unknown said...

daily tweet

http://twitter.com/lovemy2doggies/status/11951867063

jrandtam[at]columbus.rr.com

Bonnie said...

I found it interesting that Giada mentions on her website that she grazes, eating small portions of food all day long. She uses ingredients that are clean and fresh. Plus, she loves chocolate, and she just has a bite.

redladysreadingroomATgmailDOTcom

Bonnie said...

I follow on google reader

redladysreadingroomATgmailDOTcom

Bonnie said...

From your review I found it interesting that the book is well organized and divided into so many sections and recipes.

redladysreadingroomATgmailDOTcom

Bonnie said...

Follower through Google Friends connect

redladysreadingroomATgmailDOTcom

Bonnie said...

Follow on Facebook fan

redladysreadingroomATgmailDOTcom

Bonnie said...

I follow through Neworked blogs

redladysreadingroomATgmailDOTcom

Jolee said...

follow on gfc. joleehamlin@comcast.net

Jolee said...

I find the list of recipes enticing....I mean, interesting! :-) joleehamlin@comcast.net

dag888888 said...

Giada went to school at the Le Cordon Bleu in Paris.

dag888888[at]yahoo[dot]com

dag888888 said...

I follow you on Google Friend Connect.

dag888888[at]yahoo[dot]com

dag888888 said...

I like that this book included photos of Giada's family enjoying the food!

dag888888[at]yahoo[dot]com

Wickdogg said...

I follow with google connect

wickdogg at gmaildot com

Wickdogg said...

I think it is interesting how they look at brunch differently in Italy

wickdogg at gmaildot com

Wickdogg said...

I found it interesting she sells things at Target

wickdogg at gmaildot com

Anonymous said...

I learned she lives in los angeles.
debp
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I am a email subscriber.
debp
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Your review was very well written. I love the recipes.
debp
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

Rebecca Orr said...

Email/Reader/Facebook/Twitter/GFC follower. bekki1820cb at gmail

Rebecca Orr said...

I learned that Giada began her professional training at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, specializing in both cuisine and pastry.

Thanks for the chance. bekki1820cb at gmail

Esme said...

she was ambassador to Oxfam

chocolate and croissants at yahoo . com

Esme said...

google follower

chocolate and croissants at yahoo . com

Esme said...

cococroissants

http://bookinwithbingo.blogspot.com/2010/04/giada-at-home-review-and-giveaway.html

chocolate and croissants at yahoo . com

Esme said...

for the best food in Italy you need to be invited to someone's home

chocolate and croissants at yahoo . com

Sandee61 said...

I'm a follower (Google).

Sandee61

Muzzley56@aol.com

Sandee61 said...

I really enjoy Giada's show and her recipes always look so good and easy to make.

And she likes penguins, I do too!

Sandee61

Muzzley56@aol.com

Misusedinnocence said...

I follow on gfc/blogger.

misusedinnocence@aol.com

Misusedinnocence said...

She lives in LA.

misusedinnocence@aol.com

Misusedinnocence said...

I'm really needing to try some new recipes so I'm excited to possibly get a chance to read this.

misusedinnocence@aol.com

Vera said...

I liked her "shop" section - had no idea she had a line at Target! vvperesk@gmail.com

Vera said...

I subscribe by email. vvperesk@gmail.com

Vera said...

I follow on GFC. vvperesk@gmail.com

Vera said...

From your review, I like how she says that Italian recipes are simple and only have a few ingredients - I always find these dishes much more appetizing! vvperesk@gmail.com

nfmgirl said...

I follow on Google

nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com

nfmgirl said...

I learned that she will be in
Issaquah, WA on April 23rd at a book signing. Do you know how to pronounce "Issaquah"? I do. I also know how to pronounce "Puyallup", "Sequim" and "geoduck"-- all found in WA state along with Issaquah!

nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com

Renee G said...

I was interested to learn that she has 5 cookbooks out now. I am definitely a little slow on picking any of these up, but I love the show.
rsgrandinetti@yahoo(dot)com

Susan said...

I Knew she had been to culinary school. I didn't know it Le Cordon Bleu in Paris.

susan56bft at gmail dot com

Susan said...

Bookin' with Bingo email subscriber

susan56bft at gmail dot com

Susan said...

I have just go to try those fried olives. They sound wonderful.

My 2 year old grandson is so enamoured with Giada. We have to watch her everyday. Thank heavens for DVR's!! One day while we were having pasta and meatballs he kept saying Giada made it!! She ahd done a similiar dish on her show that day.

susan56bft at gmail dot com

Susan said...

Bookin' with Bingo follower via Google

susan56bft at gmail dot com

Susan said...

Bookin' with Bingo follower via Networked Blogs
id:Susan Claus

susan56bft at gmail dot com

Susan said...

Bookin' with Bingo fan on Facebook
id:Susan Claus

susan56bft at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I follow with Google Friend Connect.

Wendy
ebeandebe at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I didn't realize that she was on the Today Show so much.

Wendy
ebeandebe at gmail dot com

Nancye said...

I learned that Giada has a "new line of pans, bakeware, coffee, pastas and so much more! Pastas, sauces, coffee and vinaigrettes" available at Target. Very Cool!

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Nancye said...

Tweet! Tweet!

http://twitter.com/NancyeDavis/status/12536509398

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Nancye said...

Follower GFC

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Nancye said...

Email subscriber

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Nancye said...

I follow you on Facebook

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Nancye said...

I follow you on Networked Blogs

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Nancye said...

I always thought Italian foods were elaborate and complicated. According to the review, Italian foods are simple.

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

CLICK HERE TO
SEE MY POLICY