Italian Family Dining    by Edward Giobbi & Eugenia Giobbi Bone Order:  USA  Can Rodale, 2005 (2005) Hardcover Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth Italian Family Dining is an impressive new cookbook that gives the family a way to eat with gusto, but also healthfully. Italian meals oft times include many courses, but with each course smaller than the North American gargantuan serving. Father and daughter team Edward Giobbi and Eugenia Giobbi Bone bring much experience in the world of food to these pages – each having written cookbooks of their own. Now, with this collaboration, they deliver the best of both minds. The flyleaf states that as the Italian family meal begins, there may be a dish of pasta 'or a bowl of soup. To follow, perhaps some tuna sausage and roasted peppers, or chicken with mint. A salad? Well, maybe, if it's a big meal. Salad at this point in the meal is good for the digestion. For dessert, a piece of fruit.' More courses can be added for a special meal - a holiday or birthday - or just because the family enjoys their time together. As the authors point out, the bounty of the season should be used to take advantage of proximity, lower price, and the freshness of the provender. The cookbook is presented in four sections – one for each season of the year – and leans heavily on fresh, in season, local produce and meats. We're told that 'According to nutritionists, it takes up to 30 minutes for your brain to recognize that you have had one mouthful of food. Multiple small courses take longer to eat, as there is some waiting involved in the transition between courses, giving your brain a chance to tell your stomach when it is full before you have overeaten.' This makes sense to me. I delved into the cookbook recipes and suggested menus with great anticipation, and was not disappointed. Bruschetta immediately caught my eye. How about with Spring Minestrone? Yum. Fried Artichokes? Never had them but am always willing to try new things. Hope you are too. Risotto with Pork and Zucchini Flowers. See, not all Italian food is pasta and red sauce. Tuna Sausage with Red Peppers, Butternut Squash alla Parmesan, Fish Soup with Annisette, and Striped Bass with Sweet Potatoes. I could go on and on and list all the recipes. Instead, I urge you to get a copy of your own so you can salivate over all the good foods as I have been doing. Then gather the family around and start cooking. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more NonFiction books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews