cover image TONY CASILLO'S FAMILY COOKBOOK: A Treasure Trove of Recipes and Cooking Advice from a Dad to his Daughters

TONY CASILLO'S FAMILY COOKBOOK: A Treasure Trove of Recipes and Cooking Advice from a Dad to his Daughters

Tony Casillo, . . Reader 's Digest, $30 (256pp) ISBN 978-0-7621-0404-8

Despite the high quality usually associated with the Reader's Digest name, this latest volume never quite gels, despite encompassing some tender family history. Written as a gift from a father to his daughters, Casillo has gathered family recipes and memories of a bygone age together with those acquired during his cooking time with his children. Drawing primarily on his Italian heritage, but also on other international cuisines, the book is a hodgepodge of influences in the customary chapters ranging from appetizers to dessert. Many versions of well-known classics are included, from Risotto and Osso Buco to Chocolate Chip Cookies and Bread and Butter Pudding. Most recipes are easy to prepare, making the book suitable for beginner cooks. Liberally laced with tips and advice, many of the recipes offer variations that broaden the dishes further just by substituting ingredients. The book lacks cohesiveness, but does offer useful recipes, tips and food wisdom—as well as a family history lovingly remembered and liberally illustrated with photos. (May)