Blurb:
After a full day, Giada, like most parents, wants nothing more than to sit down for a home-cooked dinner with her husband, Todd, and their daughter, Jade. Weeknights with Giada rises to the challenge, delivering soups, sandwiches, pizzas, pastas, and meat and fish dishes that come together quickly as stand-alone main courses—most in half an hour or less […] From inventive breakfast-for-dinner dishes and meatless Monday vegetarian recipes—both weekly traditions in Giada’s house—to picnic sandwiches and hearty salad recipes for reinventing leftovers, Weeknights with Giada reveals every secret in her repertoire. Even the desserts are quick to mix and bake, should a craving—or a last-minute school bake sale—strike.
In a nutshell:
I read it in: English
I liked it: So so
For people who like: cooking, Italian meal ideas that are not run-of-the-mill
My thoughts:
I like Giada de Laurentiis. We have another Italian cookbook by her about which I talked some time ago, Everyday Italian. So I thought it might be interesting to have a look at another cookbook about dinner for families during the week.
The subtitle of this book is “Quick and simple recipes to revamp dinner”, but, frankly, I didn’t find the recipes so simple and quick. Filet Mignon with rosemary and mushroom gravy or Grilled fish kebobs with parsley and garlic butter are not really my number one choices for a quick family meal. Also, there are not THAT many vegetarian recipes in the book. OK, it was not classified as veggie book, so I am not complaining about it, but I won’t recreate a lot of those recipes, that is for certain.
There are a few pasta recipes that sound nice, but my sons are rather discerning when it comes to what they eat (in a negative way, I may add. Everything too healthy or elaborate is a no no). Arugula, brown rice and whole wheat penne are no kitchen staples in our house, I am afraid.
One chapter, “Breakfast for dinner” will definitely find the approval of the boys, however. Almond pancakes, peach and cherry frittata or crepes with peanut butter and jam don’t sound like dinner, but will certainly draw them to the table.
Somehow I would have expected easier recipes with less ingredients. But if you love cooking, even during the week after work, you will find lots of inspiration in this book. Then again, if you are a vegetarian, don’t bother!
Product info and buy link :
| Title | Weeknights with Giada: Quick and simple recipes to revamp dinner |
| Author | Giada de Laurentiis |
| Publisher | Clarkson Potter |
| ISBN | 978-0307451026 |
| I got this book from | Netgalley |
| Buy link | Buy Weeknights with Giada (release March 27) |
| More info | Giada de Laurentiis’ website |
If you click on the buy link above you will be taken to The Book Depository.co.uk. If you buy the book through this link I will earn a small commission. You can find my general affiliate links to The Book Depository, Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com here.
Have you read this book? What did you think of it? I would love to hear other opinions.
Also have a look at Bookchickdi’s review. She liked it better than I did.
This post is part of
Weekend cooking is hosted by Beth Fish Reads. For the other weekend cooking posts please go there.
Too bad, as I like her alot, but I am a vegetarian, so it seems this is not the book for me — thanks, though as I appreciate the heads up.
From some of the recipe titles it does sound as though this may be more than most people are looking for who want quick and easy after work recipes.
TheBookGirl’s last post ..Waiting on Wednesday
I like her recipes and would probably find a lot to cook from this book (not being vegetarian), but I agree that some of the recipes seem a bit more elaborate than a quick after-work dinner. I’m still looking forward to seeing a copy of this.
Beth F’s last post ..Weekend Cooking: Shades of Hope by Tennie McCarty
Hmmm if the recipes aren’t simple and quick, I will skip this. I am all for quick and easy these days.
Uniflame’s last post ..Book Review: Home Made Winter by Yvette van Boven
I loved Giada’s recipes when her Food Network show was Everyday Italian, but now that she’s moved on to Giada at Home, I haven’t really found anything that makes me want to make her food anymore. I might check this book out at the library to see if there’s anything I might want to make, but I haven’t found much that I like from her anymore.
I never cared much for Giada’s recipes. I like fast and simple, but I have a 9 year old niece who loves her and loves cooking. Complicated doesn’t bother her.
I just started reading this book, and I feel the same way that you do. The recipes seem more complicated than her previous ones, and not too much excited me here.
Diane (bookchickdi)’s last post ..In The Bleak Midwinter by Julia Spencer-Fleming
Sorry you didn’t find many recipes that your family would eat. It might work for us since we aren’t vegetarian. I’m intrigued enough to see if the library has this cookbook.
JoAnn’s last post ..Weekend Cooking: Historic Pubs of Dublin
I adore Giada and have two of her cookbooks. This one would be a bit disappointing if the recipes are truly not quick and easy. I also would be looking for lots of vegetarian choices. Thanks for the honest review.
Nice review! I am a Giada fan, and I would probably check this out at the library. But, I agree, quick and easy should be quick and easy!
Libby’s last post ..The Heirloom Life Gardener – Weekend Cooking
The recipe might not be that weeknight friendly, but I still usually love her recipes and will have to check this book out.
caite@a lovely shore breeze’s last post ..Weekend Cooking…Caite’s St. Patrick’s Day
If they are not truly quick and easy, than this book is out for me. I work 4, 10hour days so getting off at 630 make dinner time very late for us. Thanks for the honest review–
*smiles*
I have a copy on order, looking forward to it. I have her other books and I’ve enjoyed her recipes. Great review, I find some of her recipes inspiring, even just for the pictures and ideas, even if i don’t follow exactly.
Carol @ Always Thyme to Cook’s last post ..Asian Glazed Grilled Salmon with Broccoli Slaw
Filet mignon is a stressful weekend meal for guests, not a quick and simple weekday meal!
Marg’s last post ..Weekend Cooking: How do you eat a cupcake?
I’m thinking I’d focus on those ‘Breakfast for Dinner’ recipes, too! Those sound yummy!
Christine’s last post ..Drinking Your Greens