Live, Laugh, Cook by Susan DiBonaventura

Although I won't meet Susan DiBonventura (yes, that's her in the photo) until September when she is leading a cook's tour of Seattle, we have been getting to know one another through email for about a year now after being connected by our mutual friend Martha(who lives in deepest Tuscany). I won't bore you with the details but, well, it's a small world after all. I can't wait to actually meet her this fall.

After growing up in an Italian-American family where food and love were intertwined, and many years of running a successful catering business and cooking school in the Philadelphia area, Susan has shared her knowledge and expertise in a fantastic cookbook called Live, Laugh, Cook.

Now, if you saw my kitchen where there are two huge bookcases stuffed with cookbooks you might think I had every recipe I could ever possibly need. But no. I can't wait to start cooking the wonderful foods in Susan's new book.

When I first started flipping through Live, Laugh, Cook my reaction was the same as when I first perused the Silver Palate Cookbook many years ago--mm, I want to make that...and that...that sounds great. In other words, this is a book full of recipes for exactly the kinds of food I want to eat and cook.

By no means all Italian, the recipes Susan shares include simple and clever ideas like Baked Brie with Fig Preserve and Spiced Nuts (doesn't that sound delicious?). There's great family fare like Martini Chicken  (a casserole with garlic, green olives, and a dash of vermouth), and more elegant party foods like Grilled Lamb Skewers with Coconut-Ginger Sauce. Of course, she includes plenty of Italian dishes, too.

Besides the recipes, what makes this cookbook so good is its design. It's a large spiral-bound book that opens flat, the type is clear and large enough even for me to read without my old lady glasses. There are pages for your own notes and handy pockets for recipes you have gathered from friends, family, and magazines.

Susan also includes tips and pointers for meals, celebrations, and fun as well as snippets of good advice. On one otherwise blank page she asks:"What have you done recently just for fun?" She offers gentle encouragement to do something that gives you pleasure. Perhaps "a short nap?" she suggests. I like the reminders to take care of the self and my loved ones sprinkled throughout the book.

I am so pleased to have this new addition to my cookbook collection and I think you will like it too. Although the recipes are tempting and interesting, none are very complicated. This would make an ideal gift for a graduate or newlywed.

You can purchase Live, Laugh, Cook here. Buon Appetito!

Comments

[Martha Cavanagh]

Susan's book is really beautiful. I pick it up frequently...not only for the recipes, but for the inspiration she gives us... in and out of the kitchen. I went to Holy Child School with Susan..molti anni fa!...and she was a vibrant and keen gal. I always envied her Italian family and passion. It all comes together in her lovely book. Paula's right...a great gift for the graduate or newlywed!
Brava!
Martha

[Peggy]

I am trying to get a hard copy of Live, Laugh, Cook. I have one from many years ago and want to send one to a friend for the holidays. Any ideas?
Peggy
Brownfamily4@comcast.net

[Paula Russell]

Yes, you can purchase it through Susan's website at privateaffairs.com. Tell her I sent you!