Fabulicious!

April 25, 2011
Like its bestselling predecessor, Skinny Italian, Giudice's follow-up contains more of the simple, authentic Italian recipes and reality show quips that made her first book a hit. Whether it's classics like Pesto, fried calamari, and braciole, or comfort food like slow-cooked Chicken Cacciatore served over creamy polenta, Giudice's recipes and instructions ensure quality every time. Some may balk at making fresh pasta for dishes like Franco's Fettuccine with Creamy Portobello Sauce, not to mention their own foccacia for sandwiches, but those who do roll up their sleeves should find Giudice's tutelage useful. Though the recipes don't feel rushed, much of the book, padded with images and stories of Saturday morning pancake breakfasts, does. A startling number of pages are devoted to glossy photos, seemingly from the same day, of family members in varying combinations. When a particular recipe is featured, it is often given two pages (recipe; picture). Traditionalists in search of a collection of classic recipes will appreciate Giudice's aversion to corner-cutting, and her calorie-cutting tips, and fans of The Real Housewives will lap it all up. Those searching for a more expansive take on Italian cuisine, however, will feel cheated.

April 30, 2012
Giudice's peppy personality comes through as she celebrates her Italian heritage with a wealth of easy recipes. Beginning with a "Kitchen Catechism" that focuses on all dishes being prepped in under 30 minutes and with less than 10 ingredients, Giudice assures readers, "I'm never going to be the girl to give you recipes for tofu and soy milk meatballs. Non mi va; that's just not me." Nevertheless, Giudice is focused on staying fit and fed. Common sense advice (e.g., colorful food is good for you; extra virgin olive oil is the oil of choice) is juxtaposed with asides on Italian pronunciation, insider info on rosemary and Balsamic vinegar, and a rundown of nutritional stats for all the recipes. Included here are comfort food staples, such as a calamari and potato cacciuco, as well as low-fat classics ("Skinny Spaghetti Bolognese"), "romantic" recipes ("Sexy Chickpea Chard Stew"), and "Guilt-Free Desserts" (including a berry-ricotta tiramisu). Complete with a "Motivating Music" playlist and tips for storing fresh herbs, Giudice provides plenty of inspiration and information to pursue her favorite F-words: great food, staying fit, andâof courseâbeing fabulous. Photos.