The art of Italian cuisine made easy—100 simple, authentic recipes
Fragrant basil, melty mozzarella, sun-ripened tomatoes, savory garlic—Italian cooking is all about selecting simple, high-quality ingredients that combine to create punches of complex flavor. The Easy Italian Cookbook is everything Italian cookbooks should be, with 100 mouthwatering, easy-to-make recipes that use fresh, everyday ingredients you can find at most grocery stores.
From appetizers to pastas, pizzas, meats, and sweets, this standout among Italian cookbooks has a quick, simple Italian recipe for everyone. You’ll find a number of weeknight-friendly recipes, as well as one-pot meals, vegetarian and vegan dishes, and gluten-free recipes the whole family can enjoy. Mangiamo!
All Italian cookbooks should include:
Pairing suggestions—This book goes beyond other Italian cookbooks to offer pairing suggestions for recipes with flavors that complement each other deliciously, like drinking an Aperol Spritz while munching on Clams Oreganata.
Italian essentials—Learn about Italian kitchen staples to have on hand, including anchovies, espresso, extra-virgin olive oil, and more.
Time-saving tips—Unlike other Italian cookbooks, this one gives you helpful pointers for saving time on many of the recipes, like making certain things in advance or using a stand mixer to knead dough.
If you’ve been looking for Italian cookbooks that offer tasty recipes that are fast and easy, look no further—The Easy Italian Cookbook is your new favorite kitchen companion.
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Paulette Licitra is the author of Italian Cooking Party and has been teaching Italian cooking since 2009. She completed her professional culinary studies with the Institute of Culinary Education and has studied with home cooks and chefs all over Italy. Visit her online at ChefPaulette.net.–This text refers to the paperback edition.
Review
“Chef Paulette Licitra has created the perfect blend of old world cooking with some modern twists in this deliciously inspiring cookbook. Her passion for flavors that she grew up loving are passed down to each of us now in her easy, authentic, and truly Italian recipes!” ―Derek Wolf of Over The Fire Cooking (overthefirecooking.com)
“An extraordinary collection of authentic recipes of Italian cuisine, genuine and easy to prepare. Chef Paulette has been able to convey all the flavors and conviviality of our tradition. The trouble is that once you read her book, you won’t be able to stop trying all the various specialties, evening after evening.” ―Stefania Bertaccini, Stefania’s Cooking Classes & Tours –This text refers to the paperback edition.
A collection of authentic Italian family recipes from the Season 4 winner of MasterChef!
Most of Italian chef Luca Manfe’s early memories, especially of family holidays, revolve around food. Passed down from his nonnas, these recipes reflect the warm, rustic flavors of Friuli, Italy: rich frico, risotto, and savory polenta. Also showcased are the lighter bites that pair perfectly with a glass of wine: crostini with ricotta and honey, or a tramezzini, the Italian version of English high-tea sandwiches. Standout desserts include the tiramisu he made with his mother when he was eight years old and his now-famous basil panna cotta that helped win him the title of MasterChef.
“I love to teach,” says Manfe, “I’ll show you the fundamentals of fantastic Italian food, including homemade stock (I swear, it’s easy), pasta from scratch, and more. My Italian Kitchen is packed with the food that I love and that you and your family will love too.”
Support Healthy Aging with the Easiest DASH Diet Cookbook for Seniors! 💓
No complex rules, no expensive ingredients—just simple, heart-healthy meals designed to help you feel your best after 60.
With The Easiest DASH Diet Cookbook for Seniors, you’ll discover how delicious and effortless it can be to reduce blood pressure, protect your heart, and regain energy—without sacrificing flavor or spending hours in the kitchen.
What You’ll Get Inside:
✅ Easy & Flavorful Recipes – Enjoy tasty meals made with everyday ingredients that support heart, kidney, and overall health.
📅 30-Day DASH Meal Plan – Take the guesswork out of eating well with a structured yet flexible plan designed for seniors.
💓 Health Benefits for Seniors – Recipes crafted to help lower blood pressure, promote mobility, and support aging gracefully.
📊 Clear Nutritional Info – Includes sodium, potassium, and calorie content per serving so you can stay on track with ease.
🧓 Senior-Friendly Design – Large print, step-by-step instructions, and easy formatting for stress-free cooking.
📷 Full-Color Photos – Beautiful images to inspire you and make every meal a pleasure.
Why This Book Is Different:
Unlike generic DASH guides, this cookbook is tailored specifically for adults over 60—with a strong focus on ease, accessibility, and practicality. There are no extreme restrictions or complicated prep—just nourishing meals to help you feel energized every day.
Feel Better, Eat Smarter, and Live Longer—all while enjoying every bite.
🎁 PLUS: Exclusive Free Bonus Resources!
✔️ DASH Air Fryer Recipes Ebook — Quick, heart-friendly meals packed with flavor.
✔️ 4 Weekly Shopping Lists for 2 People — Ready-to-print, perfectly aligned with your meal plan.
✔️ Exercise Guide for Seniors Over 60 — Gentle routines to boost flexibility, balance, and energy.
Take control of your health and well-being—without stress or confusion. Whether you’re managing blood pressure or simply want to feel more vibrant every day, this cookbook is your trusted guide to a healthier lifestyle after 60.
Editorial Reviews Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Essential for Seniors Committed to Heart Health "This book is an outstanding companion for anyone over 60 who wants to lower their blood pressure naturally through diet. The DASH approach is presented in a friendly, accessible format, with recipes that are both practical and delicious. The large print and clean design make it especially suitable for older readers." Dr. Helen Ramirez, Cardiologist & Healthy Aging Specialist
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Simple, Evidence-Based, and Truly Supportive "Finally, a DASH diet cookbook that speaks directly to seniors. The explanations are clear, the ingredients are familiar, and the meals are truly tailored for everyday life. From heart health to energy levels, this guide covers it all—with science-backed guidance and easy-to-follow recipes." Mark Douglas, Registered Dietitian & Geriatric Nutrition Coach
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Practical Guide to Lowering Blood Pressure Naturally "This is more than a cookbook—it's a gentle yet powerful introduction to a lifestyle that can genuinely transform health after 60. The recipes are well-balanced, low in sodium, and full of flavor. I especially appreciate the realistic meal planning section. Highly recommended for patients and caregivers alike." Dr. Nina Blake, Family Medicine Physician
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Empowering Seniors to Take Control of Their Health "The Easiest DASH Diet Cookbook for Seniors Over 60 makes healthy eating easy, not intimidating. It's written with care and clarity, and it gives older adults the tools they need to make lasting changes. The 30-day plan is a brilliant way to build new habits while enjoying satisfying meals every day." Linda Chow, Senior Living Nutrition Consultant
The bible for inventive, on-trend meals for one or two—from the right-size pans to just-right entrees, sides and desserts
Betty Crocker makes cooking for one (and maybe one more) easier and more economical than ever with a complete assortment of almost 200 perfect-fit recipes. She’s delightfully re-imagined beloved classics like Black and Blue Mini Meat Loaves and quick-and-easy dinners like Pan Asian Salmon and Vegetables. Even dessert is made sweeter and simpler with personal treats like Cherry Cobblers for Two.
Right-Size Recipes makes cooking effortless and fun, with recommendations for the proper equipment, advice on navigating the grocery store to shop small, and lessons on transforming or stretching leftover ingredients and meals into another delicious entree for less repetitive leftovers and more delightful cooking. Holidays and special occasions are also handily scaled to size, with a sheet-pan Thanksgiving dinner for two, menus for a romantic dinner or a stay-in movie night, and more.
The Reviews
Robert A. Bowers 5.0 out of 5 stars. Welcome addition to my cookbook collection. Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2025. Verified Purchase. I'm trying these days to find good recipes that make 2-4 servings rather than feel a full family. This is one of the books I bought to do that. Recipes are clear to understand, well laid out step-by-step, and I like the results of the ones I've tried so far. I have an old Betty Crocker that I've used for years for family sized recipes and this edition for smaller amounts is really a good addition!
I generally try to only include helpful 4 or 5 star reviews on a book. However, as I read more of Andrew’s comment, I realized that his point of view could be exactly what some readers needed to see. I have a different take on the subject, but that is because I am a fan of America’s Test Kitchen.
Andrew 3.0 out of 5 stars. Falls Short Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2019 Verified Purchase I had high hopes for this cookbook when I pre-ordered it several months ago.
I thought it would explain, in-depth, how to scale down larger recipes.
Unfortunately, it does not.
The first two pages of the book basically tell you to use smaller baking pans and to buy less when grocery shopping, which isn't very helpful—especially if you're already attempting to cook or bake smaller batches.
As for the recipes, they are smaller in quantity and serving size. However, they start out that way from the get-go. In other words, the book does not present a larger recipe (a Lasagna for 8 people, for example) followed by smaller versions of the same recipe (depending on the desired number of servings). It only offers the smaller recipe and that's it.
The content of the book is split between six main categories (Chicken and Turkey, Beef and Pork, Meatless, Fish and Shellfish, Breakfast, Appetizers and Sides, and Desserts).
There are also 5 subcategories/sections (Thanksgiving On Your Table in 1 1/2 Hours, Cook Once, Eat Twice, Refrigerator and Freezer Ingredients Storage, Use What You Have, and Let's Celebrate!) that guide you through reusing or storing main ingredients or leftovers. The "Let's Celebrate!" section is just a handful of prepared menus. To be honest, these sections of the book are a waste of space, as I tend to think most people know how to store food and use leftovers already.
The savory recipes are fine, but as one reviewer already noted, mistakes were made with recipes using fresh garlic. In the introduction, the book clearly states, "We've called for measured amounts of chopped garlic rather than calling for cloves." However, a majority of the savory recipes call for whole cloves, finely chopped, instead of exact amounts of chopped garlic. It's clear that the recipes were not updated before the book went to print.
This is ok with me, because I purchased the book for the smaller recipes in the Desserts chapter, and I'm not a good savory cook anyway. Still, it is a pretty big mistake for a first edition, first print.
My main issue with the book is that there are not enough basic, from-scratch recipes. For example, the Thanksgiving On Your Table in 1 1/2 Hours is basically a sheet pan dinner, but calls for a box of store-bought stuffing mix in lieu of a smaller, from-scratch recipe for traditional stuffing. A Butternut Squash and Leek Stuffing is included (p. 301), but doesn't scream Thanksgiving to me.
In the Breakfast chapter, the Fruity Pancake Tacos (p. 245) call for 4 cooled buttermilk pancakes, but the book does not include a buttermilk pancake recipe or a basic, from scratch Pancakes recipe. It only has Pancakes for Two (p. 258), which calls for Bisquick. There is a Blueberry Maple Overnight Oatmeal recipe (p. 248), but no stovetop/microwave oatmeal recipe to speak of. Sure, you could use the recipe on the back of an oats container, but you'd think something so simple would be included. Other recipes are just space wasters—like the four "Smoothie Bowls" recipes, which are just bowls of yogurt with different mix-ins or toppings. Instead of including these, they should've included recipes for more scaled-down basics.
Other recipes, which seem more suited for the Breakfast chapter (Glazed Mini Key Lime-Cherry Scones (p. 276), Banana Bread Muffins (p. 279), and Bacon-Cheddar Corn Muffins with Chipotle Butter (p. 280), appear in the Appetizers and Sides chapter. The Biscuits for Two (p. 284) suffers the same pitfall as the Pancakes for Two: The recipe calls for Bisquick instead of offering a from-scratch recipe. The aforementioned Glazed Mini Key Lime-Cherry Scones are the closest thing to a from-scratch biscuit-type recipe, but it would have to be altered if you wanted them plain.
The Desserts chapter is embarrassingly small, at least compared to the previous chapters. I was surprised that it had so few recipes. Four of the recipes in the chapter (Glazed Lemon-Coconut Bars (p. 319), Spiced Pumpkin-Chocolate Mug Cake (p. 321), Cherry Cobbler (p. 324), and Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting (p. 326) are made with the "Easy Dessert Mix" (p. 325), which is a homemade baking mix. This, while interesting, is unfortunate, because if you do not make/use the mix, you cannot use/try the four recipes. Additionally, the recipe does not offer suggestions on how/if it can be used in regular recipes (or ones calling for baking mix), so it would sit on your pantry shelf/cupboard and go stale if you have no plans to use the four recipes it is made for. What good is a homemade baking mix if it can only be used to make four recipes from a specific book and nothing else? It should be noted that the recipe for Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Cakes (p. 322) is the only cake recipe in the chapter that does not employ the Easy Dessert Mix. So, if you wanted cake, but had none of the mix on hand (or simply do not like the idea of using it), your only option would be to make Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Cakes. There's no wiggle room, which is why more basic, from-scratch cake recipes should've been included. Oddly enough, the mix is referred to as, "From Scratch Cake Mix," in the actual recipe. A last-minute name change must have occurred without that part of the actual recipe being updated with the new name before the book went to print. It's not a big deal, just weird.
There's not much in the way of cookies, either. The chapter has three recipes (Giant Peanut Butter and Candy Cookie (p. 313), Cinnamon-Frosted Molasses Cookies (p. 314), and Ginger, Walnut and White Chocolate Cookies (p. 311). The latter two recipes make 1 dozen each, which isn't that small batch to me. A Triple Chocolate Skillet Brownie Sundae recipe is included as well (p. 316) and could function as a cookie on its own (minus the ice cream/toppings), but that's it for cookies. A better option, in my opinion, would've been to offer ONE small, from-scratch recipe for plain cookie dough with instructions for varying the flavor (similar to the flavors in each separate recipe mentioned above). That would've saved space, which would've made room for other recipes elsewhere.
This chapter also misses the mark when it comes to pies. The book offers only two options: Coconut Cream Pie Bites (p. 328) and Berry Pies (p. 331). The latter recipe is just a mix of frozen-thawed berries dumped into individual ramekins (or custard cups) topped with refrigerated pie dough rounds (top crust-only) and baked. It's reminiscent of the previously-mentioned Cherry Cobbler (p. 324). A small, from-scratch pie dough recipe is NOT included in the chapter, which feels like an oversight, at least in my opinion.
Cheesecakes are not missing from the chapter, but, again, only two recipes are provided: Salted Caramel-Pecan Cheesecake (p. 332) and Impossibly Easy Mocha Fudge Cheesecakes (p. 334). The latter calls for Bisquick, which is odd as the book spotlighted a homemade baking mix (Easy Dessert Mix) 9 pages back. If you do not use Bisquick (or any other store-bought baking mix), you're stuck with Salted Caramel-Pecan Cheesecake. It would've made more sense to just include ONE small, plain, basic, from-scratch cheesecake recipe with instructions for customizing the flavor, but that's just my opinion.
The chapter (and book) ends with a mixed bag of offerings, starting with Apple Crisp (p. 337), a from-scratch recipe I will definitely try, and Personal Bread Puddings with Caramel-Whiskey Sauce (p. 339).
From there, the book slips into forgettable territory with Layered Berry-Yogurt Parfaits (p. 340), Brandy-Pumpkin Pie Milkshake (p. 342), and Pineapple-Mojito Sorbet (p. 345) before ending on a whimper with Ice Cream Sandwich Bites (p. 347).
For me, the book just falls short, mainly because it does not explain in detail how to scale down larger recipes like I had hoped. It does not have enough basic, customizable, from-scratch recipes, and the ones I thought would be completely from scratch (like Pancakes for Two or Biscuits for Two, etc.) call for Bisquick, which is something I do not buy or use in my kitchen.
The book does have a few ideas and recipes I will try, but not enough for me to come back to it regularly. With that said, I don't regret buying it at all. It just wasn't what I expected or hoped for.
My advice to others would be to preview the index of recipes before purchasing to avoid disappointment.
May be available at a lower price from other sellers, potentially without free Prime shipping.
Amazing recipes for dinner, appetizers, brunch, even dessert!
The 184-page spiral-bound cookbook lays flat so you can keep both hands on cooking without losing your page.
Each recipe includes a full-page color photo of the finished dish so you know what to expect.
It’s loaded with easy-to-make crowd-pleasers, comfort classics, over-the-top spins on familiar favorites — and it can go from the oven to the table all in one dish.
Mr. Adam 5.0 out of 5 stars. Beautiful Photos with every recipe - innovative recipes. Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2022 Verified Purchase This is a great cookbook! It’s not like any other you have seen. It’s unique, stylish and trendy recipes. It’s a change of pace and great inspiration to typical cookbooks! It’s not entirely outlandish with the recipes, either. They are pretty basic recipes using ingredients that most people have on hand, with a few exceptions. It definitely will inspire you to make some newer recipes and the photos are just so clear and tantalizing! I love the format that they do in their cookbooks! The only drawback to this item is that it is spiral bound. That is good when you want to have a recipe open, but I don’t like flipping through this as much because you have to be careful not to rip the pages, if it came a little warped like mine did. Also, I wish Delish used weight scales in their recipes. Some of the recipes are just cup measures, which can be inaccurate.
Book Reviews by the Reluctant Retiree 