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Giada's Family Dinners
by Giada De Laurentiis
Clarkson Potter/Publishers
ISBN 0-307-23827-X
Published April 2006 - Hardcover - 256 pages - $32.50

This is my first contact with "Giada", and because I adore Italian food, I was very curious to see what this bestselling author has to offer this time around.  Whether you have an Italian family or not, do as Giada does, and get people into the kitchen.  For years I've started so many meals with a sofrito (sautéed onions, garlic, carrots and sometimes celery, with spices) and go from there to concoct many creations, which is how Giada recommends one starts some dishes.  This beautiful book is illustrated with not only gorgeous plates of food, but also pictures of the family.  We have Soups and Sandwiches; Italian Salads and Sides; Everyday Family Entrées; The Italian Grill; Family-Style Pasta; Family-Style Get-Togethers; Family Feasts; Family-Style Desserts, and Menus for Family Dinners.  Look at the Vegetable Panini with Mozzarella (scrumptuous).  I wish I could find fresh fennel as I'd like to try Roasted Fennel with Parmesan and serve it with her Chicken Tetrazzini.  Chicken Vesuvio sounds like an easy one-pot dish to make.  Being a pasta fanatic, I'll have to try Fresh Fettucine with Roasted Chicken and Broccoli Rabe; Ravioli with Creamy Tomato Sauce, and Penne with Sausage, Artichokes, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes.  Zuppa di Pesce sounds simply mouthwatering, as does the Pancetta-Wrapped Pork Roast.  I make my own biscotti but I've got to try her Chocolate Anise Biscotti.  Check out the Raspberry Tiramisù.  No nutritional guides.  This book is so beautiful, take care when using it in the kitchen.
Conclusion - Heavenly.  Delicious.  Original.  A fabulous book.