Nigellissima! (and a book giveaway)

For someone who grew up doing the most ordinary things, I feel awfully lucky - and grateful - that my life now consists of some more extraordinary adventures. Take last Monday, for example. Instead of hanging out at home working, walking the dog, or doing the laundry - my usual morning tasks - I was headed downtown with Mardi to meet Nigella Lawson. Did you read that sentence? Let me write it again: I met Nigella Lawson. 

There are plenty of popular celebrity chefs in the world, and while I love Nigella's recipes and her approach to cooking, it's her words that have me most captivated. In fact - and now you'll know just how big of a dork I really am - I used to keep a notebook on the counter in the kitchen, and when I read an inspiring bit of Nigella's prose I would jot it down into the pages for future inspiration. Now, I can confidently say that she speaks with the same charm, and it was such a treat to hear her share some of her cooking wisdom.

The event took place at the new Chatelaine test kitchen, a stunning space nestled in the centre of the magazine's office, which includes four ovens,15 stovetop burners and two high-powered silent dishwashers. To say I had kitchen envy would be a tiny bit of an understatement.

Nigella was there to promote her newest cookbook, Nigellissima (published by Knopf Canada, a division of Random House of Canada), a collection of easy Italian-inspired recipes. 

I received an advance copy of the book a few weeks ago and have worked my way voraciously through the pages. I tackled the meatzza - a flat, round meatball topped with traditional pizza toppings - twice, a recipe Nigella herself declares as numero uno in the book, and the Italian breakfast banana bread, a damp loaf peppered with espresso powder and smeared with Nutella. I've also made the parmesan shortbread, a classic homemade cracker perfect for both the school lunchbox and to serve as a party appetizer. 

 

The kind folks at Random House Canada have generously offered a copy of Nigellisima for one lucky Family Bites reader. The giveaway will end on Friday March 1st at midnight, and the book will be shipped next week. Here's how to enter:

1. Leave a comment on this post telling me which (if any) celebrity chefs or food writers you admire. 

2. Like Family Bites on Facebook.

Oh, and in case you're wondering, because Rob definitely was, she's far more beautiful in person than she appears on television. 

Update: Congratulations to Kathryn! You've been contacted via email. 

Comments

[Laura]

I'm also a Nigella fan, but I really like Jessixa Seinfeld - mostly because every single one of her recipes works perfectly every time. Love when that happens. Michael Smith is another fave ...

[Jeannelle]

chloe coscarelli

[Elaine D]

I love watching Gordon Ramsay, he just makes cooking seem so easy and quick! When I try out his recipes, they come out pretty tasty so I just love watching him cook!

[Anne Ruetz]

I, too, love Nigella. I also love Michael Smith and Jamie Kennedy. Thirdly, I love your blog! Great content always - both food and family related.

[Jacqueline]

I love Nigella as well. Weirdly, when I read her cookbooks, the voice in my head is hers. Too much? Lol! I also love Jaime Oliver and Ina Garten.

[Annette C.]

I'm also a Nigella fan. Also love Jamie Oliver! What I love about both of them is their passion for food, even in the simplest of recipes, and how food brings comfort to any day!

[Gwen Wright]

I've been a huge Nigella fan for years and can't wait to check out the new book. Currently also very excited about Richard Blais (of Top Chef fame) 'Try This At Home' Cookbook, released in stores today and looks delicious.

[Sen-Mei Lim]

I have always loved Jamie Oliver, his recipes never fail me and are repeated in our home time and time again. We had a chance to dine at his restaurant Fifteen in London which was amazing! It was then that I fell in love with panna cotta! Hubby just made dinner from Rick Bayless's Everyday Mexican which was delicious. Ottolenghi is another fave. I tend to follow cooking blogs and among my homepage top sites are Jenny Rosenstrach from DALS and of course you Jan from Family Bites! Was just adding Nigellisma to my Chapters shopping cart when I read today's post.

[Anne]

I do love Nigella--and I don't have any of her cookbooks. I love Jamie Oliver...and from the blogger world: Jenny Rosenstrach at dinner: a love story.

Can I just say, I love all of your blog and give aways!

[Brendan Kwinter-Schwartz]

I am a big fan of Nigella and ....Cake Boss! The creativity is so inspiring. My boys (ages 7, 11 & 15) watch Cake Boss on their ipad. They all love to cook and bake- so going to try the lemon chicken recipe posted from Nigella.
I found your blog through Etsy. Your ice cream cone take home party favors was one of the best ideas out there. Going to make it for a friends birthday this Sunday- ladies brunch for 25 people. I know they are going to love it- Thanks!
Brendan Kwinter-Schwartz
Kwinter & Co. Interior Design

[Shawna Y]

I really like Julie Van Rosendaal. Her recipes are healthy, but realistic. Her latest book "Spilling the Beans" is awesome!

[MaryB]

I am a big fan of both Nigella and Ina Garten as far as food celebrities go.

[MaryB]

I like Family Bites on Facebook.

[Sharon F]

I love Alton Brown and Julia Child. I have learned so much from them, and watch their shows whenever I can.

[Maria]

I love Lynn Crawford!

[Elizabeth]

Nigella is one of my long-time, absolute favorites. I love her humor, her wonderful writing, and the ease and uniqueness of her recipes. I like homey cooks, who give the impression that their love of cooking grew out of a love of eating! I like Ina Garton as well; her food is gorgeous and elegant, but always seems doable to me. And her recipes work.

[Kris]

I'm a fan of Ina garten

[barbara n]

I really like Jamie Oliver

[Jackie]

I love Nigella, Paula Dean and Michael Smith. Thanks for the great giveaway!

[Ellen]

I love Nigella! Oh boy, I would love to win this book. I also have a major food crush on Jamie Oliver. And I totally heart Rachel Khoo of Little Paris Kitchen.

[Janet R]

I admire most of the chefs/cooks on HGTV! How wonderful it must be to meet one in person and have her be 'real person'!

[Mary Simpson]

My fav is Michael Smith.

[Meghan A]

I love Jamie Oliver! His food is good and he's entertaining to watch :)

[Hollis]

I just LOVE Jamie Oliver - how can you not? His passion for healthy kids lunches, easy whole food dinners, and his adorable daughter's names!

[Krista Sanderson]

I love Giada-- I don't use many of her recipes, but every time I watch her show I learn a simple new technique that makes life much easier!