"'[An] excellent cookbook. Contaldo, one of PBS's Two Greedy Italians, offers nearly 100 bold-flavored recipes, such as gnocchi with Gorgonzola and pear; chicken saltimbocca with prosciutto, fontina, and sage; and stir-fried calamari with olives. There are also several clever twists on Italian classics: Contaldo replaces pancetta with smoked salmon in spaghetti carbonara, incorporates the ingredients of a caprese salad into a hot risotto, and stuffs artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes into breaded pork steaks. The recipes feel fresh and inspired, whether they are small plates and appetizers (prosciutto with caramelized plums; thyme-infused fava bean soup with smoked pancetta), main courses (bresaola stuffed with goat cheese and chives; pan-fried veal with leeks and blood oranges), or desserts (chocolate raspberry pots; strawberry tiramisu). With its straightforward instructions, cooking time estimates, and time-saving suggestions (such as to keep prepared stores of ingredients like tomato sauce and chopped vegetables on hand), this is a superb book that home cooks with busy schedules will turn to time and again." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"TV host and author Contaldo (Panetteria, 2017; Passione, 2017), whose claim to fame is being Jamie Oliver's Italian-cooking mentor, steadily debunks the idea that his native cooking is a long, slow boil. Intended to go from prep to table in 40 or fewer minutes (with the exclusion of major chopping, slicing, and dicing), these 90_plus recipes offer both old-time and contemporary flavors: smoked salmon carbonara, pork involtini, filled soft amaretti. Nothing's unhealthy or fussy; Contaldo begins by listing pantry essentials (dried porcini and frozen fava beans might raise an eyebrow as requirements), then launches directly into the dishes. Color photographs illustrate one or several items, and good to his word, every dish features cooking time. Among the more innovative fare: zucchini carpaccio with pecorino, mint, and pomegranate, creamy mascarpone and spinach pasta, tiramisu cake." — Booklist
"Italian chef Contaldo (Panetteria), known for his association with fellow chef Jamie Oliver, focuses on how home cooks can prepare meals for an average week night. Featuring recipes that are organized by main ingredient, the varied chapters offer preparations for sauces, pastas, risotto, fish, meat, and even a short recipe on vegetables. Cook times are given for each recipe, and range from just a few to 30_40 minutes, with the longer-timed dishes clustered in the risotto chapter. Brief commentary combines with serving suggestions or thoughts on ingredients. The useful index and colorful, bright photos further make this a delightful text to browse. VERDICT Home cooks will be inspired by the quick, easy-to-prepare meals. Readers interested in better appreciating day-to-day Italian cuisine will savor, as will fans of Jamie Oliver's Food Tube channel." — Library Journal
"What a fantastic book — delicious Italian food, fast." — Jamie Oliver
"The man cooks like an angel and no ordinary angel." — Matthew Norman, Sunday Telegraph
"With each recipe, Contaldo brings joy and dazzlement." — Publishers Weekly on Panetteria