Sadly, I missed the early Mario Batali days, with his low-budget cooking show, "Molto Mario" (and for the record, it was the late '90s/early '00s and all cooking shows were low-budget). But I did get to see him as an Iron Chef, which was absolutely magical. Now he's not just a chef anymore. He's one of the stars of ABC's daily lifestyle show The Chew. He has several restaurants and is a partner in the food enterprise Eataly. The man is an institution of amazing food, smart cooking techniques, and orange crocs.
While I'm used to reading his Italian cookbooks (and being a little intimidated by them, honestly), I was amazed to take a deep dive into his newest cookbook, Big American Cookbook. In this one, he focuses on the best food of this country, and the recipes truly are the best of the United States, from coast to coast, north to south. These 250 recipes touch all parts of the country, celebrating everything that is best about American cuisine.
My biggest surprise about this book is that there is absolutely nothing intimidating about it, except maybe for its size. These recipes are so accessible, distilled to simple techniques so that the flavors of the food can shine through. From New England's lobster rolls to the Southwest's barbecued brisket, from the Great Lakes' pierogies to the Deep South's fried green tomatoes, each section of the country is covered and its featured foods are delicious. All the most iconic American recipes are included, from cocktails to desserts, sides and appetizers and mains. If it's an important part of American cuisine, it's included here, and it's presented in a way that shows even beginning cooks ow they can find success.
Even though most of Mario's cookbooks are filled with Italian food, with Big American Cookbook, he's come back home to the States, to all of them, and made food that brings us all comfort and joy.
And because tomorrow is December, you know that I have to say it. This would make a fantastic holiday gift for the foodies in your life. Anyone who wants to cook more American food, or who just wants to get a better idea of what American food is, will love this book. And fans of The Chew, well, it's Mario--what's not to like? Buy this book. Make America cook again!