Nigellissima

April 15, 2013

Internationally best-selling author and television personality Lawson (Nigella Fresh) wants all her readers--from busy noncooks who pour their egg whites from a carton to picky eaters who can't bear the thought of anchovies--to enjoy carefree, casual cooking. Here she shows how they can use cupboard staples such as canned tuna and jarred peppers to create an "Italian-inspired" feast that will satisfy and impress. Dishes like Meatzza (a tomato- and cheese-topped meatball mixture that resembles pizza) and Chocolate Pasta with Pecans & Caramel are hardly traditional, but they aren't meant to be. VERDICT With its attractive design, cheerful narrative, straightforward instructions, and helpful notes on preparing food ahead of time and reheating, Lawson's latest will find a home in many kitchens. Expect demand. [See Q]A with Lawson on page 102.--Ed.]

Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2013
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.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)