Subject
Cooking, Italian Books
Best books
W. G. Waters
The Cook's Decameron A Study in Taste, Containing over Two Hundred Recipes for Italian Dishes
"The Cook's Decameron" by Mrs. W. G. Waters is a culinary guide written during the late 19th century, intertwining elements of fiction with practical cooking instruction. The text presents itself as a narrative about the Marchesa di Sant'Andrea, a character who finds herself navigating the trials and tribulations of English dining culture while advocating for the appreciation of genuine Italian cuisine. The book offers a plethora of over two hundred Italian recipes aimed at teaching English housewives how to incorporate authentic Italian culinary techniques into their cooking, particularly to elevate everyday meals without extravagant expenses. At the start of the narrative, the Marchesa reviews a series of letters notifying her that several dinner engagements have been canceled due to the misdeeds of their cooks, revealing a humorous contrast between the culinary ambition of her social circle and the reality they face. Through this comedy of errors, the Marchesa expresses her frustration at the British culinary scene, leading to a suggestion that she teach her friends how to cook for themselves, thereby establishing a "school of cookery." This opening sets the stage for her mission to unlock the secrets of Italian cooking, while also introducing the reader to a lively cast of characters and their engaging conversations about food, society, and culture.
Pellegrino Artusi
La scienza in cucina e l'arte di mangiar bene Manuale pratico per le famiglie
"La scienza in cucina e l'arte di mangiar bene" by Pellegrino Artusi is a culinary manual written in the late 19th century. This comprehensive guide is designed for families, featuring 790 recipes that range from simple home cooking to more elaborate dishes. The book likely addresses not only recipes but also important concepts surrounding nutrition, hygiene, and culinary principles tailored for the domestic cook. The opening portion of the manual reveals an autobiographical narrative where Artusi shares the challenges he faced in getting his work published. He recounts the initial skepticism of peers and publishers who doubted the book's potential success. Despite these discouragements, Artusi persevered and decided to self-publish, leading to a surprising demand for his book. The introduction sets a reflective tone about the value of cooking and the intentions behind the manual, emphasizing that a good meal greatly contributes to one's well-being and happiness. The preface hints at the practical advice and various recipes that will follow, establishing the utility of the book for those looking to enhance their dining experience.
Maria Gentile
The Italian Cook Book The Art of Eating Well; Practical Recipes of the Italian Cuisine, Pastries, Sweets, Frozen Delicacies, and Syrups
"The Italian Cook Book" by Maria Gentile is a collection of practical recipes focused on Italian cuisine, written in the early 20th century. This cookbook aims to introduce readers to the flavors and techniques of Italian cooking, emphasizing the qualities of being palatable, healthy, and economical. The recipes cover a wide range of dishes, including soups, pastas, pastries, and more, allowing readers to explore both classic and lesser-known Italian meals. The opening of the book sets the stage for its purpose, highlighting the importance of thrift and resourcefulness in cooking—a sentiment that emerged following the Great War. In the preface, Gentile discusses the merits of Italian cuisine, which maintains a balance of deliciousness and affordability. The first few recipes presented include basic staples such as broth and pasta dishes, along with detailed instructions for their preparation, ensuring that even novice cooks can follow along. The blend of historical context and practical guidance creates an inviting atmosphere for readers eager to enhance their culinary skills.
Antonia Isola
Simple Italian Cookery
"Simple Italian Cookery" by Antonia Isola is a comprehensive cookbook written in the early 20th century. This culinary guide provides a wealth of traditional Italian recipes that cover a wide range of dishes including soups, pastas, meats, and desserts. The book's likely topic revolves around the art of Italian cooking, emphasizing simplicity and authenticity in each recipe. The content of "Simple Italian Cookery" includes a variety of savory and sweet dishes, showcasing classic Italian ingredients and techniques. Readers can find recipes for hearty soups like Beef Soup Stock and Chicken Broth, alongside familiar pasta dishes such as Macaroni with Tomato Sauce and Ravioli with Meat. Isola explores various methods of preparing vegetables and meats, alongside tips for making sauces that enhance the flavors of the main dishes. Additionally, the book features a selection of desserts, offering sweet endings to the Italian meals. Overall, this cookbook serves as a practical resource for anyone wanting to explore the richness of Italian cuisine while providing easy-to-follow instructions for home cooks of all skill levels.
Julia Lovejoy Cuniberti
Practical Italian recipes for American kitchens : $b Sold to aid the families of Italian soldiers
"Practical Italian Recipes for American Kitchens" by Julia Lovejoy Cuniberti is a collection of cooking recipes written during the early 20th century. This book serves as a practical guide for American homemakers wishing to explore the frugal yet delicious cuisine of Italy. The recipes are crafted to incorporate easily accessible ingredients and provide a window into the cultural significance of Italian home cooking. The content of the book is organized into various sections, covering soups, vegetables, eggs, cornmeal dishes, pastas, sauces, fish, meats, and sweets, each offering a plethora of recipes that reflect Italian culinary traditions. Each recipe includes specific instructions and ingredients, emphasizing the use of simple, fresh products like vegetables and modest cuts of meat. The book not only addresses the preparation of classic dishes such as risottos, ravioli, and various sauces, but also offers important tips and substitutions suitable for American kitchens. Additionally, the book has a humanitarian purpose, as proceeds from its sale aim to support the families of Italian soldiers during World War I, underscoring the deep connection between food, culture, and community support.
Emanuele Rossi
La vera cuciniera genovese facile ed economica, ossia maniera di preparare e cuocere ogni sorta di vivande all'usanza di Genova
"La vera cuciniera genovese" by Emanuele Rossi is a comprehensive cookbook written in the late 19th century. The work focuses on the art of preparing and cooking a wide variety of dishes specific to the culinary traditions of Genoa, emphasizing simplicity, flavor, and economy. It serves as a practical guide for housewives and cooks, presenting recipes that make use of local ingredients while aiming to meet both everyday and festive dining needs. At the start of the work, the author introduces the necessity of a specialized cookbook dedicated to Genoese cuisine, highlighting a gap in the existing culinary literature. He critiques a previously published work for being too succinct and commits to providing a more detailed and thoughtful exploration of the topic. The opening portion lays the groundwork for a structured cookbook by introducing the author's aims and the traditional methods of food preparation, along with an extensive glossary of culinary vocabulary in both Italian and Genoese dialects. This setting enhances the reader's understanding of the practical cooking techniques that will follow in the subsequent chapters.
Unknown
Il libro della cucina del sec. XIV, testo di lingua non mai fin qui stampato
"Il libro della cucina del sec. XIV, testo di lingua non mai fin qui stampato" is a historic culinary manuscript likely written in the 14th century. This work serves as a rare representation of medieval Italian cooking practices and recipes, showcasing the culinary customs and language of the period. The manuscript is notable for being written in a vernacular that had not been previously published, thereby offering insights into the gastronomic culture of the time. At the start of the manuscript, the author introduces the work, highlighting its significance as the first of its kind in the vernacular language of the 14th century to be brought to public attention. The opening includes a dedication to an esteemed scholar and a brief preface explaining the motivation behind the publication. The narrative establishes that this is not merely a cookbook, but also an exploration of the culinary terms and practices of the era, making it valuable for those interested in historical gastronomy and the evolution of culinary language in Italy.
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