Michael Chiarello's Casual Cooking

by Michael Chiarello, Deborah Jones (Photographer), Janet Fletcher (Contributor)

From Michael Chiarello, author of The Tra Vigne Cookbook, comes a collection of recipes on his favorite subject-and the favorite subject of home cooks everywhere-preparing meals for family and friends. These treasured recipes marry the rich traditions of his Italian culinary heritage with the casual style and fresh flavors of the Wine Country. Each outhwatering dish-such as Tuscan Shrimp with White Beans, Chicken with Rosemary and Lemon Salt, and Italian Fruit Salad with Sta Bene Honey Zabaglione-is sophisticated, yet simple to prepare. Gorgeous color images by award-winning photographer Deborah Jones show dishes that look too good to be this easy! The companion volume to his new 26-part series on public television, Michael Chiarello's Casual Cooking is perfect for stress-free weekday meals and spontaneous gatherings of friends and family. It doesn't get any better than this.

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Reference

216 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 2002

About the author

Michael Chiarello was an award-winning chef and owner of critically acclaimed Bottega restaurant in the Napa Valley. He made his mark by combining his Southern Italian roots with the distinctive hallmarks of Napa Valley living. From his earliest childhood experiences – created around his mother’s California kitchen with his extended Italian family of butchers, cheesemakers and ranchers -Michael Chiarello dreamed of becoming a chef one day. Decades later, he had realized his dream, and much more.

Upon graduating from the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), Michael began to shape his career into what he would become: an acclaimed chef, highly-rated vintner, culinary & lifestyle trends pioneer, noted author, and Emmy®-winning television host on Food Network and Cooking Channel. Throughout his achievements, he incorporated his passion for seasonal, sustainable living – and the artisan purveyors who make it possible – into his endeavors. His unique perspective on good food & healthy living, spiced with a dose of old-world charm, inspired friends and family to create meaningful memories around their table. His passion for a food-centric life was shared with his fans, restaurant guests, television viewers and Napa Valley visitors alike.

Reviews

[Celia Juliano · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this many years ago (a library read) and still use some of the recipes (like Arborio Rice Pudding with Summer Fruits). Though Chiarello's Napa/California sensitivity is different than my SF Bay Area one, I enjoy his take on California and Italian-American cuisine. I think I'll check this out again next time I go to the library and see if it's worth purchasing.

[E · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is verrry casual. Bread w mozarella, tomatoes and basil with some olive oil gets a full page for a recipe? I made that on my own last weekend. It looks like he has a few basic sauces that he puts on everything which I will try but otherwise this is a cookbook not worth buying (I got it from the library thank goodness.)

[Catherine Woodman · Rating 4 out of 5]

these are nice to watch him make, but the cookbook seemed kind of less exciting--I have not cooked out of it much but maybe if I did i'd like it more