Review: Sweet!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 08 27, 2013
This is lovely!If I had one quibble with this book (and I'm putting this in early on, so that it is out of the way of the rest of the review), I'd ask for a list of ingredients for the entire recipe at the start of each.  This is one of the ways to ensure that one doesn't discover half way through that one of the types of nut, for example, has been overlooked.  I'd be grateful for a "time it takes to cook" table at the back of the book, too.The fact that they are graded according to ease/difficulty of making for each is a real help.I'm going to mention just a few of my favourites here.Reading through the recipes makes me feel as though I've just walked through Firenze or Asisi (add the Italian location of choice) on a dreamy afternoon in summer!I knew the nougat recipe well already, although we are obliged to use glucose instead of corn syrup. Nougat means "Italy" to me, and the chocolate cover means added luxury!Amaretti cookies (singled out because they are my favourite) are great year round, and since they can be kept in the freezer for unexpected guests, this is a very useful recipe. 40 cookies in 35 minutes.  Use some, freeze some - great with coffee even in cold weather.There are a few good "keep in the fridge and serve later" ideas.  This is something a busy cook is going to be attracted to, in my opinion.  Amongst these recipes, there were many using raspberries.  I'll substitute mild dessert peaches in season, and find other less tart fruits to ring the changes as well.All in all, a book that will be used again and again as one becomes familiar with the recipes and finds those that suit and become favourites!