The Batali Brothers Cookbook by Benno and Leo Batali
Reviewed by John Cohen, Library Director
This cookbook highlights simpler recipes that still maintain that Batali quality and flair; recipes that either are cooked by or for the sons of world-famous chef Mario Batali. In focusing on simple fare, the Batali brand gives us a cookbook that is more easily accessible and with a more widespread appeal than some of Mario Batali’s more traditional cookbooks.
I own a number of Mario Batali’s cookbooks; I think Batali is one of the premier chefs of the current culinary world. The problem, overall, with his cookbooks is that he’s too far above the level of a home cook for his cookbooks to be easily understood and the recipes implemented by those who do not have his level of skill. This cookbook is much easier on the unskilled or average home cook. The ingredients tend to be ones that are easy to find and the cooking techniques tend to be straight forward.
My wife and I made recipes out of this book and they were quite tasty. While not all were to our particular taste, the grilled whole chicken turned out surprisingly well and the pesto potato salad was delicious, though there was an awful lot of it for 2 people.
The Batali boys may follow their father in to the culinary field or they may do their own thing in the future. However, they have obviously been watching their father for years and learning from him, and to their credit, they have learned a lot about making food taste good. If you have a yearning for some simple, delicious fare, this book will serve your well.
Find this book in the library catalog.
This cookbook highlights simpler recipes that still maintain that Batali quality and flair; recipes that either are cooked by or for the sons of world-famous chef Mario Batali. In focusing on simple fare, the Batali brand gives us a cookbook that is more easily accessible and with a more widespread appeal than some of Mario Batali’s more traditional cookbooks.
I own a number of Mario Batali’s cookbooks; I think Batali is one of the premier chefs of the current culinary world. The problem, overall, with his cookbooks is that he’s too far above the level of a home cook for his cookbooks to be easily understood and the recipes implemented by those who do not have his level of skill. This cookbook is much easier on the unskilled or average home cook. The ingredients tend to be ones that are easy to find and the cooking techniques tend to be straight forward.
My wife and I made recipes out of this book and they were quite tasty. While not all were to our particular taste, the grilled whole chicken turned out surprisingly well and the pesto potato salad was delicious, though there was an awful lot of it for 2 people.
The Batali boys may follow their father in to the culinary field or they may do their own thing in the future. However, they have obviously been watching their father for years and learning from him, and to their credit, they have learned a lot about making food taste good. If you have a yearning for some simple, delicious fare, this book will serve your well.
Find this book in the library catalog.
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