My husband is Italian and growing up he ate a lot of Italian food. His grandmother and mother immigrated to the United States when his mother was only 9 years old. When it comes to Italian food, he’s all about authentic Italian dishes made the good old-fashioned way.
Recently we received a brand new cookbook called RAO’S CLASSICS which contains over 140 Italian favorites from the legendary New York restaurant. The book is by author’s Frank Pellegrino (senior and junior) with Joseph Riccobene. The book is by St. Martine’s Press with ISBN-13 9781250006288 and it was released for purchase/publication on November 1st, 2016.
Synopsis: From the legendary, tine corner restaurant in East Harlem where it’s impossible to book a table, now with locations in Vegas and Hollywood, comes a collection of their most beloved recipes and stories of the iconic eatery from its opening in 1896 to today, including visits from actors, entertainers, politicians and power brokers of every stripe.
In RAO’S CLASSICS, Frank Pellegrino Sr. and Frank Jr. share recipes for more than 140 Italian favorites from the New York institution that everyone knows but only a lucky few ever get to experience in person.
Examples of Recipes:
Lobster Fra Diavolo
Risotto Milanese
Mozzarella en Carrozza
Stuffed Italian Frying Peppers
My Grandmother’s Stuffed Calamari
Steak Pizzaiola
Red Velvet Shortcake
+++ Many More!
I admit, I’m not the best Italian cook. I grew up eating a lot of Hispanic food, so Italian cooking is something I’ve been learning over the years, since I’ve married my husband. As someone who isn’t new to cooking (I’m at an intermediate level), I fell in-love with this cookbook right away. There are recipes for everyone in this book and for every cook’s individual level.
It’s a hardcover book that is broken down into appropriate chapters. Each recipe includes an ingredients list and step-by-step directions, with mouth-watering photographs sprinkled throughout. You’ll find simple recipes like how to make a genuine Caesar Salad with homemade dressing to more elaborate dishes like the Fusilli with Cabbage and Sausage. One recipe that I would like to make for dessert some day soon is the Oreo Cheesecake!
I’m very thrilled to have this Italian cookbook in my collection. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to cook authentic Italian recipes, this book is definitely for you!
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Disclaimer: Shelly H. has personally reviewed the product listed above. Shelly has not received any monetary compensation for her review. She did receive a free product to try out so she could evaluate and use it for her review. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.
This definitely sounds like a wonderful cookbook. It is great to be able to get some of the famous recipes from a famous restaurant..
I’ve never heard of that restaurant, but their cookbook sounds lovely. From the list of recipes you posted, I’d love to try the Risotto Milanese and the Mozzarella en Carrozza. Thanks for telling me about yet another cookbook I’d enjoy having on my shelf.
Our favorite foods tend to be Italian. Tomato based in partiicular are favorites here . I usually use my own garden tomatoes. Fresh in the summer, and frozens premade sauces in the winter. Anything pasta is a favorrite.I used to make my own pasta but unless it is a special occassion or I really feel like it I have been lazy. Looks like a great cookbook.
Italian food just might be my favorite (it battles with chinese for the top spot, lol.) I love Lasagna & pasta dishes, but I also love the Northern Italian stews & chicken dishes.