Nigellissima - Hardcover

Nigellissima is something of a sentimental journey for Nigella Lawson. She lived and worked in Italy (as a chambermaid in Florence) when young, and read Italian at Oxford, before becoming a journalist and food writer. She is the author of eight bestselling books - How To Eat, How To Be A Domestic Goddess, Nigella Bites, Forever Summer, Feast, Nigella Express, Nigella Christmas and Kitchen - which, together with several successful TV series and her iPhone App, Nigella Quick Collection, have made hers a household name around the world. She is also a contributor to the Oxford Companion to Italian Literature. She lives in London with her family.

Americans trolling for something novel in Italian cookery need look no further than Lawson’s latest book, which displays with vivid photographs her unique take on fast, simple dishes. Uncompromising purists may carp that these recipes are not authentic regional Italian; Lawson aims to modernize classic Italian cookery principles to better suit contemporary kitchens. Pastas range from a beautifully baroque yet quickly prepared lasagna to a simple toss of pasta, gorgonzola cheese, fresh spinach leaves, and pistachios. Italian Americans conversant with giambotta will recognize a cousin in Lawson’s Italian Tray Bake, loaded with chicken, sausage, and potatoes. Lovely inspirations for vegetable side dishes include roasted brussels sprouts gently herbed and mock mashed potatoes made from semolina. To ensure family contentment, the author has made use of the palates of her own teenage children. A few recipes, such as a turkey breast stuffed with sausage and cranberries, make outstanding centerpieces at party buffet tables. --Mark Knoblauch