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Ada Boni
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The Talisman Italian Cookbook: Italy's bestselling cookbook adapted for American kitchens Hardcover – December 13, 1950

by Ada Boni (Author), Matilde La Rosa (Translator)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 123 ratings
See all formats and editions
Il Talismano is and has been for over 50 years the one great standard Italian cookbook. It is to Italians what Joy of Cooking is to Americans. Containing in simple and clear form the best recipes for all the foods that we associate with Italian cuisine, it covers all the regional variations of Italian cooking: Milanese, Bolognese, Venetian, Neapolitan, Sicilian, Veronese, and Florentine.

Appetizers range from the simply elegant, like Cantaloupe and Prosciutto and Artichoke Hearts in Olive Oil, to the sublime, like Tunnied Veal and Crostini of Mozzarella and Anchovies. Soups include Stracciatella, Fish Brodetto Rimini Style, and Tuscan Minestrone.

No part of Italy is very far from the sea, a fact reflected in the variety and quality of Italian seafood preparations: Flounder with Black Butter Sauce, Lobster alla Diavolo, Mullet in Piquant Sauce, Scungilli Marinara, and Shrimp Buongusto. For the landlocked there are recipes for Beefsteak alia Pizzaiola, Ossobuco, Saltimbocca, Scaloppine al Marsala, Loin of Pork with Milk, Chicken Cacciatora, Chicken Livers with Sage, Wild Duck with Lentils, and Rabbit in Egg Sauce.

Pasta is perhaps Italy's greatest contribution to world cuisine, and The Talisman contains dozens of authentic recipes like Homemade Ravioli, Green Lasagna Modena Style, and Spaghetti Marinara. There are recipes for Polenta, the Italian cornmeal preparation, as well as rice dishes and pizza.

Finally, Italian desserts are explored in full: Almond Macaroons, Pine Nut Cookies, Ricotta Pie, Zeppole, and Zuppa Inglese. There is also a glossary (complete with pronunciation guide) to Italian cooking terms.

For the American edition of The Talisman, all weights, measurements, instructions, and ingredients have been adapted to American usage. The result is a collection of recipes that are as easy to prepare as they are delicious to eat.
Previous page
  1. Print length
    320 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    CROWN PUBLISHERS, INC.
  4. Publication date
    December 13, 1950
  5. Dimensions
    5.75 x 1 x 8.75 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0517503875
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0517503874
  8. See all details
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is and has been for over 50 years the one great standard Italian cookbook. It is to Italians what Joy of Cooking is to Americans. Containing in simple and clear form the best recipes for all the foods that we associate with Italian cuisine, it covers all the regional variations of Italian cooking: Milanese, Bolognese, Venetian, Neapolitan, Sicilian, Veronese, and Florentine.

Appetizers range from the simply elegant, like Cantaloupe and Prosciutto and Artichoke Hearts in Olive Oil, to the sublime, like Tunnied Veal and Crostini of Mozzarella and Anchovies. Soups include Stracciatella, Fish Brodetto Rimini Style, and Tuscan Minestrone.

No part of Italy is very far from the sea, a fact reflected in the variety and quality of Italian seafood preparations: Flounder with Black Butter Sauce, Lobster alla Diavolo, Mullet in Piquant Sauce, Scungilli Marinara, and Shrimp Buongusto. For the landlocked there are recipes for Beefsteak alia Pizzaiola, Ossobuco, Saltimbocca, Scaloppine al

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ CROWN PUBLISHERS, INC. (December 13, 1950)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0517503875
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0517503874
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.05 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.75 x 1 x 8.75 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 123 ratings

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Ada Boni

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
123 global ratings
Excellent service from this dealer
5 Stars
Excellent service from this dealer
The packaging of the 72 year old classic book was carefully done. The book was wrapped in plastic, enclosed in a Priority US Mail cardboard envelope and that inserted in a larger padded envelope. I felt this dealer went the extra mile to take care of this very old book. Obviously the book is long out of print and is the classic Italian cookbook so the dealer's care was greatly appreciated. The description of the book was also accurate.
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Top reviews from the United States

Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Talisman Italian Cookbook
Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2013
Verified Purchase
In the 1930s, when travel between different regions in Italy became possible, and huge numbers of Italians emigrated to America, the Italian regional schools of cooking amalgamated and blended into a generic "American/Italian school" of cooking. The Talisman Italian Cookbook provides these Italian regional recipes. It is the cookbook used by Italians today (I bought the English translation). It was the last major REGIONAL cookbook, and was written in the 1930's. Since I can get the generic American/Italian dishes at any restaurant in America, I prefer too cook the Italian regional dishes from which the American/Italian school of cooking evolved.

The Talisman Italian Cookbook is concise, clearly written, and updated so that you can get all the ingredients you'll need in any American supermarket, and prepare exquisite original, authentic Italian regional dishes!
10 people found this helpful
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5.0 out of 5 stars My late mother’s favorite
Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2024
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My mother loved this cookbook. My brother was looking for her old copy but it was missing so many pages that i bought it for his birthday. He’s very happy
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geezedd
4.0 out of 5 stars All styles of Italian Cuisines from North to South
Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2010
Verified Purchase
This book has been around in numerous forms for many, many years and is well known throughout Italy as the quintessential cookbook of classic recipes.
The book works its way methodically through the many courses that make up a variety of regional meals throughout italy.
From antipastos, to entrees, mains and desserts, there is a diverse variety of ideas and suggestions to stimulate and inspire people looking to prepare an authentic meal.
The recipes range from simple, easily prepared fare, through to technical and specialised meals that are challenging, yet rewarding when plated.
If cooking Italian is your passion, this book is a necessary addition to your library.
One person found this helpful
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Rockofinder
5.0 out of 5 stars Only really true Italian Cook Book!
Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2014
Verified Purchase
I grew up in a very much Italian household and neighborhood. This cookbook was given to me by a Native Italian neighbor and cook who taught me how to cook. This was her Bible for cooking. Over the years I gave this cookbook to young people starting out. I still prize my copy. Now my adult son discovered cooking, and I gave him his copy. But, a new one cost $64! So, I bought his used. I don't know how good the physical copy will be yet, but I can vouch for the recipes. It gives all the nuances of Italian cooking. The cookbook is no longer in print, so, just go out and buy one even used. It will be a treasure and teach you to be a great Italian in the kitchen.
7 people found this helpful
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Geno
5.0 out of 5 stars Old, but Nearly New
Reviewed in the United States on November 27, 2020
Verified Purchase
The seller, hnpuilam, shipped the book in quick time for a very fair price. The book, although used, was in excellent shape, no cover but bindings are tight, no worn mark's or ink damage. The book itself is wonderful as it brings more meaning to dishes from my Grandmother's table many years ago! And now I can attempt to recreate some of those great food memories from Grandma's kitchen.
Overall, highly recommended from this seller!
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ginebig
5.0 out of 5 stars When cooking becomes magic!
Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2020
Verified Purchase
I couldn't believe it when I saw the Talisman in my own hands and ... in English! I must confess that I am very partial to this book. I grew up in Italy watching my mother cooking all kinds of magical meals from this book. I remember how she worked her dough, how tagliatelle or gnocchi must feel to the tips of your hands, how any sauce or scaloppine must taste ... As I got older and wanted to re-taste some of those meals I asked my mother how she suggest that I do just that. Unsurprisingly, she said "Cucina col Talismano! Cosi ho imparato anch'io, e' tutto li in quel libro." (Cook with your Talisman! That's how I learned myself. Everything is in there.) As I have been living in the US I always had a problem with finding exact ingredients and device measurements. That's where the American Talisman comes in providing me with just that: a translation of all terminology and with exact measurements already in place! I made my first Talisman meal yesterday. I almost cried: it tasted just as I remembered it. Thank you for sending a gorgeous copy of the book and for helping me relive the way my mom cooked!
10 people found this helpful
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D. S.
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent service from this dealer
Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2022
Verified Purchase
The packaging of the 72 year old classic book was carefully done. The book was wrapped in plastic, enclosed in a Priority US Mail cardboard envelope and that inserted in a larger padded envelope. I felt this dealer went the extra mile to take care of this very old book. Obviously the book is long out of print and is the classic Italian cookbook so the dealer's care was greatly appreciated. The description of the book was also accurate.
Customer image
D. S.
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent service from this dealer
Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2022
The packaging of the 72 year old classic book was carefully done. The book was wrapped in plastic, enclosed in a Priority US Mail cardboard envelope and that inserted in a larger padded envelope. I felt this dealer went the extra mile to take care of this very old book. Obviously the book is long out of print and is the classic Italian cookbook so the dealer's care was greatly appreciated. The description of the book was also accurate.
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3 people found this helpful
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Andrea C. Lenox
1.0 out of 5 stars Too basic and dated for me. Too many repetitive ...
Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2015
Verified Purchase
Too basic and dated for me. Too many repetitive ingredients, just plain uninteresting. Never thought that I would say that about an Italian cookbook - unimaginable: an Italian without passion for food?
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

angie dei tigli
5.0 out of 5 stars Very satisfied
Reviewed in Canada on January 18, 2020
Verified Purchase
Very satisfied
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Mr. Robin Gould
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 8, 2015
Verified Purchase
Great to find a repacement copy of this classic
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Fran Marini
5.0 out of 5 stars Italianissimo!
Reviewed in Canada on May 31, 2014
Verified Purchase
This cookbook is an excellent resource for Italian recipes. Basic delicious everyday cooking. Contains some very authentic, rustic recipes, too. Glad to have it as an addition to my collection.
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anna
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on January 5, 2018
Verified Purchase
Well written
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lulustell
2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 14, 2014
Verified Purchase
very little to do with Ada Boni's great work, too much advertising pasta product.Sweet section is good however and really Italian. It seems the recipes chosen were for a limited market. Not what I'd hoped.
One person found this helpful
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