Keep things simple and don’t use too many ingredients, is the philosophy of Italian chef Gino D’Acampo. It’s a message that comes across loud and clear in Buonissimo! (pub. Kyle Cathie, £14.99) Gino’s second collection of recipes and the follow up to Fantastico!, his first cookery book which was published in 2007.
Gino D'Acampo
A regular on TV cookery programmes like Ready, Steady, Cook, Gino D’Acampo comes from Naples. He brings a relaxed Neapolitan style to Buonissimo! which is easy to read, with plenty of photographs of the finished recipes – and of the photogenic Gino doing his thing in the kitchen. Recipes are mainly traditional Italian dishes given a contemporary twist, although Gino has also taken inspiration from the cuisines of other nations – with dishes such as Oysters in Sesame Seeds and Black Pepper Tempura.
Sexy Italian Food
The recipes in Buonissimo! are ideal for first time cooks, as they’re un-intimidating and uncomplicated. It would make a great gift for someone setting up home for the first time or going off to university. The book, subtitled 'Italian food has never been so sexy', is divided into 5 sections. Romantico is all about making seductive dishes for special occasions. There’s a really easy recipe for Asparagus and Ricotta Tarts (inspired by a visit to Pisa, where it’s traditional to cook asparagus in puff pastry). Gino suggests using ready-made pastry (so there’s no need to panic about getting that wrong) and the tarts look impressive for very little effort. Another recipe Fillet Steak with Flamed Brandy and Green Peppercorns is sure to catch the eye of men who love to be let loose on a barbecue – brandy is poured over steaks and then lit with a match and burned (a bit like you do with a Christmas pudding).
Recipes for One
The great thing about Buonissimo! is that it’s a very practical book – so there’s a useful section entitled Per me, which details recipes that are suitable for one person. Gino even includes desserts for one – so you can still treat yourself if you’re eating alone. Then there’s Per Tutti I Giorni, a section devoted to recipes for everyday suppers. It ranges from Maccheroni Cheese to Gino’s special Lasagna.
The dishes in the Facile Facile section are, as the name suggests, designed to be very easy to make but to look very impressive. They include a beautiful emerald coloured Pea and Parsley Soup and a recipe for Roasted Squash given a tasty twist with Chilli and Sage.
Italian Party Food
The final section of Buonissimo!, Salute, is devoted to party food. The key here is that the dishes can be made in advance, so you don’t have to spend time getting hot and bothered in the kitchen while your guests are there. Dishes include a sophisticated Artichoke and Spinach Tart; a classic Neapolitan Calzone and a very impressive looking Strawberry Pavlova. It may not have the most innovative or exciting recipes going, but Buonissimo! is the sort of cookery book you'll reach for again and again.
Read a review of Gino D'Acampo's first book, Fantastico!
Rebecca Ford - I'm a UK based freelance travel writer and photographer - and the country I most like to visit is Italy. That's not just because of the ...
