Sometimes I think you need a book that just hits the spot. The kind of book you can pull off your bookshelf,  open, and it makes you want to cook everything on each page. Italian cookbooks make me feel that way anyway….Gennaro’s Let’s Cook Italian, is no exception.

Having four bambini myself, I enjoy taking time out to cook with my children. I find that if the children cook then they will eat what they make, within reason.. Rocco and Natalia were not very keen on peppers, I have no idea why as I tend to have them whenever I can, (another food obsession),  but then they made a tart using oven roasted peppers, pesto, feta and red onions and now love them. Maybe that’s a little strong, they tolerate them!!

Gennaro’s book has soon become another favourite of mine, I think it does help that Gennaro is lovely, has a fabulous personality and loves his children and family. Strong Italian man!

Also when a cookery book tells a story and shows pictures of their family life, I love it. It makes me want to know more. Laughter from children, the village in Italian where he grew up. Sitting around a family table. The table full even rammed with food, from pasta, bread, salad, vino and so much more.
Memories make you feel included in the book. That’s my kind of book…The kind of book that I hope to write, finish and have published………….one day, yes one day.

My copy is already splattered with cooking juices and
suchlike, but there is nothing better than a book that is
loved and used. Whenever I cook a recipe, I become a
little OCD, and write the date and mark the recipe out of ten!!

Some recipes included in Gennaro’s book, are from a simple risotto, to gnocchi with pesto, pork belly with garlic, preserved and pickled vegetables and incredibly moreish dolci.

Enough now, no more gushing over Gennaro, I’m off to cook up a small Italian feast, per la mia famiglia.

Carmela x