The ASK Italian Cookbook

Everyone is familiar with ASK Italian, the Italian restaurant chain right, so I am presuming they need little introduction from me. We're big fans of ASK Italian in the M household, so when I was recently asked if I would like to review the new ASK Italian cookbook I couldn't really say no, especially as I was hoping for a Penne Al Pollo Della Casa recipe which is what Mr M orders every single time we go there.

The cookbook, which is edited by award-winning Italian chef Theo Randall and Italian food writer Carla Capalbo contains over 100 recipes - it's a mixture of completely original recipes plus some of the old-time ASK Italian favourites and yes, Mr M's favourite is included, which means we'll be having that for dinner very soon!  There's another dimension to this book though and this book is being published in conjunction with Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity in order to raise much needed funds for the hospital.

I love cooking Italian food and I think it's possible that I may want to try nearly every recipe in this book.  The book is split into sections that include Antipasti: Starters, Primi: Pasta, Primi: Risotto Farro and Potatoes, Pizza, Secondi: Fish and Meat, Contorni: Salads and Vegetables, Dolci: Desserts, Sauces and Basics.  There are also useful sections that help you pair wine with food and give you hints and tips about making fresh pasta and ravioli.  The recipes are clear and concise - very easy to follow and none of them are particularly daunting or require you to shop for a massive list of ingredients (my bugbear!). 

Recipes that immediately catch my eye as ones to try are; Bruschetta Con Funghi Misti, Rosemary and Sea Salt Bread, Penne Con Salsiccia E Porcini, Insalata Di Formaggio Di Capra, Torta Al Limone - amongst many others!

The book itself is fantastic quality and a fab design. I love the feel of the matt pages and the photography inside is great - every recipe has an image. I'm such a cookbook geek, but honestly I well-presented cookbook makes all the difference to me!

I think because the recipes are so easy-to-prepare this would be a perfect book for someone just starting out in Italian cookery, however there's enough to keep more experienced cooks inspired. It's a really nice book that would make a great gift for anyone who loves cooking (and eating) Italian food.

The ASK Italian Cookbook is available to buy at Amazon, from today (20th November 2012) with an RRP of £15.00 with part of the proceeds going to the Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity*.

*ASK Restaurants will donate £4 of the retail price of every ASK Italian Cookbook sold in their restaurants and a minimum of £1 of the retail price if it's sold through bookshops and other third-party retailers.