A look at what’s sizzlin’ on the shelves right now
It’s always fun to open a window into a part of someone’s life that you never knew existed — especially a famous person. In this month’s roundup, I’m taking a look at cookbook authors who do other things for a living but clearly enjoy spending time in the kitchen, too!
Patsy’s Italian Family Cookbook by Sal J. Scognamillo. With its foreword by Ben Stiller (yes, that Ben Stiller) and a ringing restaurant endorsement by Frank Sinatra (yes, that Frank Sinatra), I’m certain this cookbook full of classic New York Neapolitan recipes won’t disappoint. Thoughtful stories about Patsy’s and the Scognamillo family, owners of the popular Manhattan restaurant for over 50 years, pepper the pages between recipes for veal scallopini (three different styles), fettuccine with arugula pesto, zeppole, and everything in between.
The Shred Diet Cookbook by Ian K. Smith, M.D. You probably know Ian Smith from “The Doctors,” or from regular appearances on “Live with Kelly and Michael,” “The View,” and “The Rachael Ray Show.” Or maybe it’s because you devoured his other New York Times bestsellers, SHRED and SUPER SHRED. Now he’s back, this time with a cookbook that answers a common question of his weight-loss-program devotees: “Can I eat that on SHRED?” After reading this cookbook, you’ll have options — and nutritional info — for midday noshes and protein-rich dinners, along with snack-prep ideas. If you’re into smoothies, Dr. Ian has at least 30 to try, including his “Stinger Smoothie,” which includes a tablespoon of bee pollen.
The Hungry Girl Diet Cookbook by Lisa Lillien. The author is better known as “The Hungry Girl” due, in part, to her television show of the same name and her New York Times bestseller, The Hungry Girl Diet. In this new cookbook, The Hungry Girl Diet Cookbook, Lillien provides 200 recipes, a shopping guide, and lots of info on saving money, meal prep, and plan-ahead ideas. Her diet regimen may not be everyone’s ball of wax, but for her fans, this release will be a big help in achieving their weight-loss goals.
Frankie Avalon’s Italian Family Cookbook by Frankie Avalon. Despite a grueling work schedule, Avalon’s family always made time for home-cooked dinners. He describes in the intro to Frankie Avalon’s Italian Family Cookbook how he’s skeptical of today’s families who espouse a life so busy that there’s no time for eating together. “All those years ago, the Avallones could not have been busier, but we cooked our meals from scratch,” he wrote. In his new cookbook, you’ll find family favorites perfect for a big Sunday dinner, as well as easy-to-prep weeknight meals that are quick to pull together. His swordfish kebabs with lemon and basil would be a perfect addition to your spring and summer menus.
The Blue Bloods Cookbook by Bridget Moynahan and Wendy Howard Goldberg. “Family dinner” is the centerpiece of “Blue Bloods,” a CBS police drama starring Moynahan. Recently, she and Wendy Howard Goldberg (wife of the executive producer) penned The Blue Bloods Cookbook as a nod to the show, and also because family meals are central to their real lives, too. There are plenty of recipes for a variety of occasions — cocktail parties, large celebrations, intimate gatherings — and also some behind-the-scenes peeks at the show’s production. Whether it’s Pitch-Perfect Pizza or crown roast of lamb, you’ll find lots of mouth-watering options from which to choose.
Liza Hawkins writes the blog (a)Musing Foodie.
