Pinot, Pasta and Parties by Dee Dee & Paul Sorvino

A few weeks ago, I received a cookbook Pinot, Pasta, and Parties to review.

Pinot, Pasta, and Parties 

Authors: Dee Dee and Paul Sorvino
Photography: Vincent Remini
Publisher: Center Street Hachette Book Group
USA
Price: $30.00/hardcover
Copyright: 2017
ISBN: 978-1-4555-9689-8 (hardcover)
Pages: 264

Readers of Pinot, Pasta, and Parties are likely to discover that there is a little bit of Italian in themselves. This book, more than a cookbook, is filled with dynamic colorful photos, mostly of food dishes but also of Dee Dee and Paul Sorvino’s lives. As well as the many recipes and numerous mouthwatering photos, tidbits of information about the authors are included throughout the book. Readers browsing through Pinot, Pasta, and Parties will undoubtedly discover Italian-style recipes to try and learn about the unique couple Dee Dee and Paul Sorvino.

Pinot, Pasta and Parties begins with a short 3-page description of the authors and how they met. Later, the chapters begin with a page or two of additional details about Dee Dee and Paul. The book jacket describes the Paul and Dee Dee. “Dee Dee Sorvino is an Emmy Award-winning television host and radio personality. She has appeared on Fox News Channel, Fox Business Channel, CBS Morning Show, and many others. Paul Sorvino has appeared in nearly 200 films as well as numerous television shows and Broadway productions. Best known for his portrayal of tough guys, Sorvino played Paul Cicero in Goodfellas, police chief Captain Edelson in Cruising, and Sergeant Phil Cerreta on Law and Order.”

This delight book offers 10 chapters of Italian-style recipes beginning with “Italian Through and Through: From Meatballs to Marinara.” Each chapter starts with Dee Dee’s Special Cocktail and is followed by several recipes. The cookbook offers a good selection of appetizers, pasta dishes, sides, salads and desserts.

At the beginning of the book, Paul offers his Marinara Sauce with ingredients of whole tomatoes, olive oil  garlic cloves, basil and oregano. He suggests that homemade marinara sauce is much better than already made sauce. Many of the recipes in the book call for his marinara sauce.

For those who enjoy desserts, browse through the book to find Zabaglione with Strawberries and Blueberries, Tiramisu, Stars & Stripes Fruit Pizza and Olive Oil Cake.

The appendix contains two pages that describe Italian wine. Red wines included in the appendix are: Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Lambrusco, Barbera, Montepulciano, Primitivo, Amarone and Valpolicella.

Some of the recipes included in Pinot, Pasta and Parties that use wine as an ingredient include: Shrimp Scampi, Veal Stew, Zuppa di Pesce, Chicken Scarpariello, Southern Chicken Cacciatore and Veal Piccata.

Pros: Large, colorful photos enhance this book of recipes. The easy-to-make recipe for marinara would be delightful in any kitchen that frequently uses tomato-based recipes. I especially enjoy a cookbook with recipes that have ingredients that I usually have in my kitchen. The majority of recipes in Pinot, Pasta and Parties meet that criteria.

Cons: While it would be impossible to add all Italian grape varieties, I wish they had included Sagrantino, a delicious red wine we discovered while visiting Italy. Perhaps when the Sorvinos issue a revised edition, they will devote a chapter just to Italian wines.

Cheers
Kathy