Member Reviews

I enjoyed this book. There are too many pastas to name and try so this cookbook was a great introduction into the world of pasta.

I like how the author let us know what sauces pair well of the pasta shapes and just the basic information of how to properly cook pasta.

I highly recommend.

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A novel approach to a book on pasta — so many shapes to enjoy and learn about! As someone who loves pasta in it’s many forms, I found this cookbook really enjoyable.

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This is a comprehensive look at pasta-the shapes, the sizes, the way it's make as well as the sauces and preparations. Everything you ever wanted to know about pasta is probably in this book! It's written in a very friendly way so that by the end, you'll want to stop in and see Rachel Roddy when you're in Rome (you might want to call first). A fun and entertaining read that's sure to leave you inspired to go into the kitchen.

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Who doesn't love pasta? And AN A-Z OF PASTA by Rachel Roddy provides stories and commentary on 50 types of pasta, with, as the subtitle notes "Recipes for Shapes and Sauces, from Alfabeto to Ziti, and Everything in Between." Roddy, an award-winning British food writer, says, "The idea is the 50 stories, arranged alphabetically according to the first letter of the shape, are like pieces of a jigsaw..." The relatively few pictures look scrumptious, like the one for baked macaroni with meatballs and eggplant (Maccheroni 'ncasciati), although I did not see any nutrition information in the preview. In general, the recipes use numerous ingredients so this may work best for more experienced cooks, but some are marked very quick (e.g., butter and parmesan fettuccine) or quick (e.g., Carbonara). In addition to the delicious food, fans of pasta are sure to enjoy the details – like Penne being named for its slanted cut thanks to an 1865 patent on a diagonal cutting machine - revealed in the descriptions. AN A-Z OF PASTA received a starred review from Booklist.

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If you're a fan of pasta, this book is for you! The author, who has lived and cooked in Italy for more than 20 years, shares insight on all the different types of pasta (hint: there are hundreds!), what makes them unique, and even includes recipes on how best they can be served! Don't read this on an empty stomach!

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An A-Z of Pasta: Recipes for Shapes and Sauces, from Alfabeto to Ziti, and Everything in Between
By Rachel Roddy (Alfred A. Knopf Publishers)
This is more than a cookbook, but it is that, too. In these pages, I can almost guarantee you will encounter a pasta shape you’ve never heard of (but now want to try) and a wealth of delightful stories that might inspire some vacation planning. I’ll be over here planning, too, with a bowl of my favorite whole wheat orecchiette. This one is coming soon – available March 28.

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I absolutely adore this book. There is so much here that is traditional Italian that most American chefs wouldn't know or experience. The types of pasta listed is wonderful and I adored all the recipes. Some are ones that I grew up eating and it was very nostalgic. I will be purchasing this one for my cookbook library.

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This A-Z guide features the myriad shapes and forms of pasta. The recipes are for more traditional Italian food from Italy, and you won't find what Americans think of as Italian staples in this book.

Because the recipes are sorted by shape, it can be hard to locate the types of recipes you're looking for. Broader categories like soups are not together.

Most of the recipes contain some form of meat. The vegetarian options typically have beans or multiple vegetables.

Recommended only for hardcore Italian foodies. Beginners or those looking for Americanized Italian dishes should look elsewhere.

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Rachel Roddy does not disappoint with this celebration for pasta lovers. An amazing reference for Italian cooking and so, so much more.

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#AnAZofPasta #NetGalley Highly recommend this book for any pasta lover. What a fun and knowledge book!

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I liked this, although I incorrectly thought it would be one pasta per letter for some reason! There is definitely more here than that. It's a great resource - I would definitely recommend buying this for any pasta lover in your life.

There's something so pleasing about learning the names of pasta and which sauce should be served with what. (My first job was at an Italian market and later in life I worked at a Midwestern pasta restaurant, though I digress...)

Read about and cook new shapes! Impress your friends! Feed your brain & mind!
In short: I loved this one.

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Wow!! Can I just say… what an amazing cookbook! The way she breaks down each of the pastas and explains them… including the cooking methods and all… just amazing. I learned so much about cooking pasta and I’ve been cooking it for YEARS and I’ve been doing all WRONG. And I’m super excited to try some of the ones I haven’t cooked before as well. Amazing cookbook, and definitely adding to my cookbook library.

Read ARC via NetGalley

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I read this ARC for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine

As I am half Italian this was of great interest to me
Really enjoyed this and learned quite a lot too!!

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This was such an interesting read! I really enjoyed reading through this book and I can't wait to try some of what I read. Great book!

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A gorgeously written, beautifully structured and compiled compendium about pasta. Thoroughly enjoyable to read however much or little you know about the subject.

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An A-Z of Pasta is THE BOOK for pasta lovers. If pasta is your favorite food or you know someone with a general love and appreciation for the delectable dish, this is a book you cannot miss. Roddy provides stories involving pasta and history lessons of the different shapes and kinds of pastas, as well as recipes for making said pasta. She provides tips and techniques for making pasta and attaining the best results. You can make pasta from scratch or use pasta from the box to accomplish some of the excellent recipes provided. There are even photos that will make you salivate. Highly recommended to the pasta love or chef of the house!

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I LOVE this book, it's such a great resource for people who love pasta and want to know more about it.

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