It’s fascinating to watch a cook in his or her element: confidently gliding from knife block to stove top, casually pouring their heart and soul into making something for others to enjoy. Our favorite cookbooks offer a little extension of that freestyling magic, including the modern classics by our December Guest Editor, Giada De Laurentiis.
We wondered if someone as proficient in the kitchen as Giada still used cookbooks at all. It turns out the answer is a resounding yes as she divulges below! We asked Giada which cookbook first sparked her love for the genre, what she’s cooking now, and which cookbooks she thinks every self-respecting home chef should always have on hand (great gift ideas, people!)
We’re happy to find Giada’s responses as full of practicality, charm and Italian deliciousness as we’ve all come to love her for!
First cookbook you fell in love with:
The Silver Palate by Sheila Lukins and Julee Rosso.
First recipe learned by heart:
Pomodoro sauce.
Best cookbook for newbies:
Everyday Italian. The recipes are simple but decadent and it covers all the basics – from red sauce to tiramisu.
Best thing you recently made from a cookbook:
Ina’s devil’s food cake from Cooking for Jeffrey. So good!
Fave kitchen tools:
My Berti knives.
3 cookbooks that should be in every kitchen:
All the ladies: Martha Stewart’s Baking Handbook, Ina, Giada.
Cookbook you’re most proud of:
All eight of my babies.
Fave healthy cookbook:
In my kitchen you’ll always find plenty of…
Parmigiano Reggiano and lots of Lucini olive oil!
Fave recipe from all of your cookbooks?
(Tough one!) My lemon spaghetti. It’s light, simple and all about the ingredients. Sometimes the simplest things in life are the best!
In a cookbook kind of mood? Grab cookbook recommendations from Daphne Oz here as well!
