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Rocco's Real Life Recipes - Fast Flavor for Every Day
by Rocco DiSpirito
Meredith Books
ISBN 0-696-23703-4
Published November 2007 - Softcover - 240 pages - $19.95

Rocco DiSpirito has been very quiet of late.  Or maybe it's because I don't have cable television that I don't see him.  The back cover of this book says, "Chef Rocco DiSpirito offers more than 130 quick-to-fix main dishes built around totally accessible, everyday ingredeints, short shopping lists and cooking times, and super-easy cleanup."  Sounds wonderful.  He's made it a lot simpler for those who are put off being in the kitchen for ages making a meal.  He says most of his recipes contain 8-10 ingredients and take 20-30 minutes.  Even more wonderful.  He covers Beef; Poultry; Pork; Lamb; Salmon; Tuna, and Shellfish.  All protein meals, and main meals only.  [It's not necessay to have desserts - they're fattening - a piece or two of fruit will suffice.]  I fancied these entrées: Tenderloin of Beef with Bacon, Squash, and Five-Spice Powder; Hot and Sour Beef and Cabbage; Chicken with Turmeric & Onions; Pork Chops Stuffed with Portobello Mushrooms; Quick Lamb Stew with Sweet Red Wine Sauce; Steamed Salmon in Napa Cabbage; Tuna with Lemon, Capers & Parsley, and Shrimp and Fennel Stew.  On page 63 (Pan-Fried Swiss Chicken Bundles) he mentions "escarole" but it's not given in the ingredients.  Am I missing something?  He's also made things easy for everyone by giving a grocery list for his recipes.  I loved his "mincing chives" tip - superb idea.  His "testing doneness in meat" and "levels of doneness in meat" are a great help to all cooks.  Do read his Entertaining Tips as well as his Food and Wine Pairings (pages 202-207).
Visit Rocco's website.
Partially illustrated (I didn't like the black and white food pictures).  No nutritional guides.
Conclusion - Essential in every novice's kitchen.  Even those who think they've got everything covered can learn a trick or two.