The Sopranos Family Cookbook: As Compiled by Artie Bucco

Customer Reviews

The Sopranos' Family Cookbook

I absolutely love this book. I bought it this afternoon and read it by this evening. I love it for the following reasons: 1. The recipes are authentic & outstanding. I learned to cook in a Culinary Institute internship kitchen, and I know good when I see/taste it. Having spent lots of time in old country Southern Italian families, I know what's real. Take for instance, "spaghetti sauce". This book differentiates between simple Marinara, and "Sunday Gravy". You learn about Sunday Gravy from little old ladies in black who live to cook for the familia. And... how many non Italians know how to choose a wine like "Lacrima Christi"??? 2. The interviews and conversations, by the letter of the Law are fictitious... but so well done that they fulfil the spirit of the intended conversations. I'll attest to that from years of experience in the Italian-American world and as a retired homicide detective. From my present vocation as a Priest, I'll give this comment: "Nonne dulce est familiam totam in unem locum cogere"? (Isn't it great to have the whole family together?)

My advice: BUY THIS BOOK !!!
Fr. Bob Haux

This Cookbook Is A Lot Of Fun

If, like me, you are addicted to the Sopranos and have seldom seen an Italian dish you didn't like, you will find this cookbook much to your taste. In addition to the recipes, there is much information about almost everyone on the Sopranos. The introduction is by Artie Bucco; he then interviews several members of the Soprano family-- Janice, Junior, Carmela. Tony et al. Carmela on why she does all the cooking for her family herself and doesn't hire a cook: "I don't like strangers in my house, nor does Tony." I bet. Tony gives advice on how to grill perfectly and points out that grilling is almost genetically a masculine activity. We can only hope that he doesn't pass out from an anxiety attack and fall into the lighted grill. There are lots of food tips here--party tips by Carmela and Charmaine-- as well as Junior's advice on how to live long and well.

These Italian recipes, which Artie tells us when the world thinks Italian food, they really mean Neapolitan food, to my unpracticed eye appear to be quite comprehensive. I know that a lot of good desserts are included. I can testify to the quality of Mom's Pear and Grappa Pound Cake on page 71. It's moist and light with a nice flavor of alcohol that does not overpower. There are also recipes for Baba au Rhum, Cannoli, Tiramisu, Zabaglione and a Ricotta-Pineapple Pie that Carmela made for a local professional woman on one of the shows. "She must have really enjoyed it--she came trhough so nicely," Carmela tells Artie. Hey, I don't want to take anything away from this lady's cooking skills, but as I remember the series, the professional "came through" after Tony turned up the heat on her.

There are many color photographs of members of the cast as well as of the food. This cookbook is a lot of fun.

dear michael gottuso...

Michele is the name of a MALE! In fact it is Italian for MICHAEL -- YOUR NAME IN ITALIAN!