Betty Crocker's Italian Cooking [Hardcover]

From pizza to pasta to the classic cannoli, Americans have an enduring love affair with la cucina Italiana –– renowned for everything from its great taste to its beautiful presentations.

Betty Crocker′s Italian Cooking has been completely revised and updated, with recipes by Italian native Antonio Cecconi, who provides tantalizing and authentic Italian recipes to delight the palate. With chapters ranging from appetizers to desserts, it is easy to find the ideal, authentic creation for any occasion. But there′s more to this book than just recipes –– special features enable you to expand your understanding of Italian cuisine:
∗ An introduction discusses the cuisines of Italy and how the history of the areas influences the food there.
∗ Complete glossaries of Italian cheeses, pastas, vinegars, herbs, and olives and olive oils can help you choose the right ingredients.
∗ Both "first course" and "main dish" servings are included for adapting the dishes to different placement within the meal.
∗ A menu section provides delicious ideas for creating complete Italian meals, from appetizers and main course to desserts.
∗ Match Italian wines to the menus you plan.


With 80 full–color photographs and 200 tantalizing recipes, Betty Crocker′s Italian Cooking opens the door to the food and culture of Italy."

Betty Crocker's Italian cooking Italian food—we all love it! The romance of Italian food grows every year, and has moved beyond simple pasta and pizza, to include all the delicious dishes of the country. Whether it's a scrumptious antipasta before dinner, a meltingly soft risotto, a savory main dish such as Chicken Cacciatore, Grilled Radicchio Salad as a fresh side, or luscious Tira Misu for dessert, Italian food offers so many tempting possibilities. Let Betty Crocker and Italian chef Antonio Cecconi take you on a tasty tour of Italy, from Piedmont to Sardinia. Enjoy learning about each region, its distinctive food and the geographical characteristics that shape its culinary offerings. And there's more than information on the countryside. Turn to complete glossaries on Italian cheeses, pastas, vinegars, herbs, and olives and olive oils. Everything you'll need for the best and most delicious Italian meals is all right here! Chapters range from appetizers to dessert, making it so easy to find just what you want to make authentic dishes for any occasion. There's an entire chapter on pasta and sauces, as well as a chapter on great first course—or main course—ideas for risotto, polenta and soups. Are you a pizza lover? Then you'll love the chapter on pizza, bread and sandwiches. Savor Italian meat, chicken and seafood main dishes, and then explore terrific vegetable and salad dishes. Ready for dessert? You'll be delighted with the treasures included here. A menu section provides ideas for creating complete Italian meals from appetizers and main courses to desserts, complete with Italian wine suggestions. Full of beautiful food photography, as well as lovely landscape shots of Italy, you will truly feel that you've been on a trip abroad, and come home with the all the best of Italian food, ready for your kitchen. Have fun deciding what wonderful foods you'll make first—Fresh Wrapped Basil Cheese Balls the next time you grill, Rotini with Fresh Herbs for dinner tonight or Strawberries with Marsala Sauce for dessert this weekend—it's all delicious. Enjoy and Buon appetito from Antonio Cecconi and Betty Crocker! Visit Betty Crocker on–line at www.bettycrocker.com and IDG Books on–line at www.idgbooks.com

Let Antonio Cecconi and Betty Crocker take you on a delicious tour of Italy!

Full of beautiful photos and mouthwatering recipes, Italian Cooking brings all the best of Italy into your kitchen.

Pleasing Pasta and Pizzas

• Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp
• Vermicelli with Fresh Herbs
• Coal Miner′s Spaghetti
• Lover′s–Style Pasta
• Pizza with Smoked Salmon and Asparagus
• Rustic Pizza Pie

Authentic Main Dishes

• Grilled Steak, Florentine Style
• Chilled Veal with Tuna Sauce
• Pork Tenderloin with Prosciutto
• Chicken in Olive–Wine Sauce
• Chicken Breasts with Lemon–Caper Sauce
• Baked Jumbo Shrimp

Fresh Sides

• Savory Zucchini
• Fresh Basil and Spinach Salad
• Roasted Beets and Onion Salad
• Warm Tomato and Olive Salad
• Italian Tomato and Bread Salad
• Cheese–Filled Tortellini Salad

Tempting Desserts

• Baked Raspberries with Brandy Sauce
• English "Soup" Cake
• Ricotta Cheesecake with Chocolate
• Florentine Chocolate Profiteroles
• Hazelnut Biscotti
• Neapolitan Ice Cream

ANTONIO CECCONI was born in Sardinia, Italy, and has resided in the United States since 1976. He has owned and managed restaurants and was employed by a large food company to develop Italian products. Antonio now operates a successful catering business, The Italian Gourmet, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and is also known in the area for his cooking classes––both in–home and at various cooking schools. As a consultant for several nationally known food companies and restaurants, he shares his passion and knowledge of Italian cooking to develop products and create menu ideas. Antonio frequently returns to Italy to refresh his knowledge of Italian cooking.