No. 001 : Pasta Every Day
My favorite cookbook of 2023
6 things I’m here for in Pasta Every Day
Mix + Match Recipes
This cookbook is not just a list of recipes but is broken down into sections including: dough, shapes, fillings + sauces. The brilliant idea, from author Meryl Feinstein, is you can select any dough, any shape, any sauce and make a combination that is inspiring to you. It’s a true choose your own pasta adventure experience! I love this so much because it makes the book feel like a companion you can have for literally years to come and still find something new in it.
Stunning Photography
The creative team - including photographer Nico Schinco, food stylist Judy Kim + prop stylist Maeve Sheridan - absolutely crushed the photography for this book. The images are graphic (my personal favorite kind), textural (you can almost feel the pasta), meticulously balanced and mouthwateringly beautiful.
Detailed Photo Tutorials
Just skimming this book I already feel less intimidated by the steps in making pasta. As someone who has made fresh pasta before, I remember how nervous I was the first time, and how long it took me! The way Meryl breaks down everything from dough making, to shape creating (there are step by steps for each shape!) you can tell she is an educator. Now I feel inspired (and supported!) to push my pasta making to the next level and try some new shapes + techniques.
Useful Graphic Design
The graphic design of this book is simple and thoughtful, with many small considered details that may go unnoticed (because they are so seamless) but are key to the use of this book as it was intended. Decisions like having the section labeled horizontally on the right margin - which makes it super easy to thumb quickly and find the sauce or shape you were looking for - feel intentional and smart. It’s no wonder that the designer is Laura Palese, the talented creator behind many of books I love.
Color Story
This entire book - from the design to photography to props to food itself - fit into a cohesive color story. Bright yellows that mimic yolky pastas, deep greens like a fresh basil leaf, warm dusty reds and creams reminiscent of the sauces and all grounded by rich woods. I know and appreciate the planning this took and the experience of it makes the book that much more cohesive and immersive.
Pasta History + Storytelling
Beside each pasta shape is a section labeled “What they are” that includes a short paragraph describing the origin of that particular pasta. Depending on the shape, you learn about where it came from, when it was believed to be created, how to pronounce the name, and even myths or legends including Roman gods. I was delighted by these write ups, both enchanted by the history and even more inspired to create them since I knew their story.
Pasta Every Day: Make It, Shape It, Sauce It, Eat It is by
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Wow, I am blown away by this - thank you so, so much!!! I am thrilled you’re enjoying the book and really appreciate that you took the time to share it with others. Happy pasta-making! 💛