In the Kitchen with Sophia
One of my prized possessions is Sophia Loren’s cookbook In the Kitchen with Love. Sophia Loren is one of my favorite actresses. I’m a big fan of Italian Cinema and Sophia is the queen. If you haven’t seen her films I highly recommend that you do. They are truly wonderful and a must for anyone that loves classic films. A few of my favorites are Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, Marriage Italian Style and It Started in Naples.
Aside from being beautiful and talented, Sophia is a hardcore foodie and a lover of Italian cuisine. In the Kitchen with Love was published 1972, sadly it’s out of print. I purchased my copy five years ago and I paid around 58 dollars for it. I can’t seem to find it for less than $100 now. However, I love this cookbook so much that if anything were to happen to it I would pay double for it.
This cookbook is brilliant and stands apart from all the others I own. The way Sophia describes her recipes is very unique. She doesn’t list ingredients or instructions instead it’s like having a conversation with a friend about cooking. It’s personal, Sophia shares so much it almost serves as a biography with amazing recipes.
Spaghetti and cinnamon?
The cookbook is divided into 11 chapters. Antipasti, Pastasciutta, Rice, Soups, Pizzas, Corn Meal, Fish, Meat, Poultry and Game, Eggs and Vegetables and finally Sweets. The antipasti chapter has wonderful Hors d’oeuvres and party dishes perfect for the holidays. It’s full of delectable dessert recipes too.
One of my favorite dishes is the Spaghetti with Bay Leaves. Sophia explains a friend made it for her to celebrate her winning the Oscar for Two Women. It’s very easy to make but the combination is a little odd. The ingredients include a dozen bay leaves, tomatoes and some cinnamon. It’s makes for an incredible red sauce, savory and a bit sweet. Her Baked Pasta recipe is hearty and delicious.
In between chapters Sophia offers “digressions” where she talks about her experiences in the kitchen. They are full of tidbits and advice on various subjects such as how to entertain, putting together a dinner party, wine suggestions even table manners. It’s such a fun cookbook, Sophia’s voice really shines through. I really treasure it.
If you love cookbooks, biographies and Sophia Loren. I would highly recommend investing In the Kitchen with Love. I have a used copy but who had it before took good care of it. There a few dents in the corners but the pages are intact. I normally hesitate recommending items that are so hard to get and pricey but I feel this cookbook is worth every penny.
I love collecting cookbooks and I’m definitely on the hunt for more. On my wish list is Liberace cooks! Recipes From His Seven Dining Rooms and Are You Hungry Tonight? Elvis’ Favorite Recipes. If you have these cookbooks please let me know down in a comment. I would love to know your thoughts!
Sophia’s Baked Pasta
