COOKING WITH MY SISTERS
One Hundred Years of Family Recipes, from Bari to Big Stone Gap
Adriana Trigiani and Mary Yolanda Trigiani
Random House
Cooking
ISBN: 0812974824

Bestsellling author Adriana Trigiani's latest book is, in one word, delicious! Within its pages are the entertaining, touching and oftentimes hilarious stories of life as a Trigiani sister.

COOKING WITH MY SISTERS follows the Trigiani family from Italy to America and then to the mountains of Virginia, into the bustling family's home base --- the kitchen. From page one, you become part of the Trigiani family and are welcomed into their home, their hearts and, best of all, their kitchens! Mixed in with the rich stories of family and tradition are wonderful, easy-to-follow Trigiani family recipes, each one seasoned with the wisdom passed down from the Trigiani family matriarchs, Grandmom Trigiani and Grandma Lucy. You become one of the "sisters" in learning about the importance of quality ingredients, proper techniques, and the art of making your guests feel like family.

Throughout the births, confirmations, weddings and deaths in the Trigiani family, food has been the constant that connects one generation to the next. Whether making Easter bread or wedding cookies, canning tomatoes with Grandmom Trigiani or making fresh pasta with Dad, the Trigianis really get into the meat and potatoes of this Italian-American family. This familial bond strengthened through good times, and good food is a generous gift that Trigiani shares with us throughout her book. My copy is now smudged with some of the ingredients of a few of my newfound favorites.

COOKING WITH MY SISTERS reminds us of old-fashioned values and of times well spent with family around the kitchen table. It brings into focus the importance of the family dinner, where parents and children eat together and learn from one another. It reminds us of life before time-management, when productivity levels ruled our days and fast food filled our dinner tables. It is a feast of family stories, traditions and values that are almost extinct in today's warp speed world.

There is no better feeling than relaxing after a good meal, and COOKING WITH MY SISTERS has the perfect combination of ingredients that will satisfy the cook and book lover in everyone. I'm sure you'll be asking for a second helping!

   --- Reviewed by Jill McAfee (jill@lehualani.com)

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