Thursday 10 July 2008

Fantastico Modern Italian Food

Tiramisu
This book I’m posting about today was published last year, but I only bought it a few weeks ago, and have been cooking steadily from it since.
Italian Shepherd’s Pie
Fantastico Modern Italian Food by Gino D’Acampo, is just what it’s title says, Gino’s mantra seems to be ‘minimum effort, maximum satisfaction’ and it does seem to be very fitting, but when the recipes are fast the ingredients have to be top notch. This is fine by me searching out good food is one of a food lovers joys, and searching for them in Italian delicatessens is right up my street, but I digress.
Apple and Pine Nut Cake with Honey-Marscapone
I’ve cooked five of Gino’s recipes and here they are three mains and two puddings. Savoury first, the first was a recipe I saw him cook on TV, when he was a guest chef on Market Kitchen, he made Italian Shepherd’s Pie, which is a mince and tomato basil flavoured base topped with cheesy sweet potato mash and sprinkled with more Parmesan to finish. Really delicious.
Pasta with Ham and Mushrooms in Cream
It led me onto Pasta with Ham and Mushrooms in Cream, and then Sausage, Bean and Olive Casserole which was so very good.
Sausage, Bean and Olive Casserole
The two sweet dishes were his Tiramisu and an Apple and Pine Nut Cake with Honey-Marscapone. Both were lovely, the Tiramisu was flavoured with Amaretto,
Tiramisu
light and creamy, mmm. The cake was very unusual and a recipe given to Gino by his Mother-In-Law, which he left unchanged out of respect to her, my little one was wild for the mascarpone cream in particular, we liked it all =)
He has a new book out this year which I’ve pre-ordered on the basis of this one, looking forward to it already.
Click on these links for the recipes for Tiramisu, Italian Shepherd’s Pie , Sausage, Bean and Olive Casserole

18 comments:

Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) said...

I've not heard of this book, but it looks like there are some terrific recipes. Thanks for letting us know about it.

Coby said...

Kelly-Jane, I have never heard of Gino. I swear the UK has the best tv cooks and chefs of anywhere in the world! All of those dishes look lovely:) I am a savoury girl, so am especially tempted by the twist on the pie and the pasta - who wouldn't love that?:)

giz said...

There isn't a crappy thing there - I would eat all of those recipes and I might even consider eating them all in the same day...I'm just sayin'

Peabody said...

Mmm, tiramisu. My thighs have never been the same since I was introduced to that dessert.

Deborah said...

Oooh, posts like this make me want to run out and buy a new cookbook. They all look great!

Anonymous said...

I love the sound of these recipes, both the savoury and the desserts, just up my street! I must look up this book, it sounds as though it might be one to add to my vast collection. thanks for bringing it to my notice. Jeannette

Maggie said...

The food looks wonderful. I love Gino and also his cookery book!

Susan said...

A divine line up of recipes, Kelly-Jane. I would need to be rolled away from the table in a wheel barrow.:D That apple and pine nut cake is especially intriguing.

vonsachsen said...

Mmm, everything looks and sounds delicious, also the book :D
I am into Italian quite a bit right now, so I will check out the recipes.

Thanks,
vs
xx

Oh my! Apple pie! said...

I've been umming and aahing over this book for a while now...you've just given me the push to buy it.
Tiramisu looks divine BTW.

hungryandfrozen said...

Kelly-Jane, everything looks delicious - you have been cooking up a storm! I LOVE Italian food - my mouth is practically watering as I type lol. Sounds like a great book :)

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a cookbook I need to put on my list, thanks.

Cynthia said...

Thanks for the tip on this book!

Cookie baker Lynn said...

It all looks fabulous!

Rhyleysgranny said...

Your stuff looks amazing as always Kelly. I am intrigued by this book. I have a gift voucher for Amazon........ soooooo maybe
xxx

Jersey Girl Cooks said...

Everything looks so delicious! Now I am very hungry!

Kelly-Jane said...

Thank you all for your comments :)

Maria♥ said...

Sounds like I need this books after that wonderful review and delicious pics!

Maria
x