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Cooking with Rice with An Italian Accent
by Father Giuseppe Orsini
St. Martin's Press
ISBN 0-312-33902-X
Published November 2005 - Hardcover - 160 pages - $24.95

What a delightful title for a cookbook by one Father Giuseppe Orsini, from New Jersey no less!  And, this is his fifth cookbook.  Rice, in many homes is a staple and a necessity in many countries around the world.  Father Orsini gives us a brief look at rice agriculture in Italy.  The book starts off with recipes for beef and chicken broth, both essential according to Father "Joe".  His recipes include Soups (Cream of Rice and Pumpkin; Rice, Turnip and Leek), Risotti (Yellow Risotto with Peppers; Carrot and Peas Risotto; Monastery Risotto; Turkish-style Risotto; Mushroom, Prosciutto and Mozzarella Risotto), Rice Dishes (using long-grain rice) with yet more enchanting names, like Little Yellow Mountain of Rice, or Monday Rice, or even Neptune's Rice!  Then we have Rice Salads which could be either as a main course, or an appetizer, or as just a salad.  Who knew rice was so versatile!  Who knew they grew rice in Italy!  Some of the other risotti have wonderful names like Oktoberfest Risotto, Poor Man's Risotto, and the Glutton's Risotto.  Risotto should always be made with Arborio rice as it's able to absorb more which is how the dish becomes creamy yet al dente.  Most recipes have easy-to-get ingredients too.  Every recipe comes with two wine recommendations so you can hardly go wrong when planning a meal.  Father Orsini has also included Rice Desserts - and they do sound yummy.  Three "fans" of Father Orsini add to the flavor of this book - Regis Philbin, Dr. Don Simone, and wine specialist Alfredo Saurini.  Beautiful illustrations as well.
Conclusion - A great "get out of what to make for dinner" jam!  Delightful.