Sara Jenkins
Chef and Owner of Nina June and Porsena
Book Recommendations:
Recommended by Sara Jenkins
“Evan Funke is an obsessive of the highest order and how lucky for all of us that his obsessions focus on pasta, specifically the pasta of Bologna where he perfected the egg-rich, artistically filled, and delicately wrapped treasures of Italy’s finest.” (from Amazon)
*THE JAMES BEARD MEDIA AWARD WINNER FOR BEST PHOTOGRAPHY* "Evan Funke's respect for tradition and detail makes American Sfoglino the perfect introduction to the fresh egg pastas of Emilia Romagna. It's bold in its simplicity and focus." — Missy Robbins, chef/owner of Lilia and MISI Forget your pasta maker and learn authentic Italian techniques for making homemade noodles rolled by hand in this award-winning pasta cookbook from master pasta maker Evan Funke! In this debut cookbook, two-time James Beard Award-nominated chef Evan Funke shares classic techniques from his Emilia Romagna training and provides accessible instructions for making his award-winning sfoglia (sheet pasta) at home. With little more than flour, eggs, and a rolling pin, you too can be a sfoglino (a pasta maker) and create traditional Italian noodles that are perfectly paired with the right sauces. A comprehensive guide to making the best pasta in the world, American Sfoglino features recipes for home cooks to recreate 15 classic pasta shapes, spanning simple pappardelle to perfect tortelloni. A bold package and sumptuous photographs from James Beard Award-winning food photographer Eric Wolfinger offer a feast for the eyes, while stories from Italy and the kitchen at Felix Trattoria add the finishing touches to this master class in homemade pasta. AUTHENTIC ITALIAN RECIPES: Beginning with four foundational doughs, American Sfoglino takes readers step by step through recipes for a variety of generous dishes that showcase traditional Italian cooking techniques, from essential sauces and broths like Passata di Pomodoro (Tomato Sauce) and Brodo di Carne (Meat Broth) to delicious Tagliatelle in Bianco con Prosciutto (Tagliatelle with Bacon and Butter) and Lasagna Verde alla Bolognese (Green Bolognese Lasagna). AWARD-WINNING COOKBOOK: Winner of the 2020 James Beard Award for Photography and the 2020 IACP Award for Best Cookbook, Chefs & Restaurants category. HOMEMADE PASTA MADE SIMPLE: This pasta master class is perfect for seasoned home chefs and beginners alike. Learn to roll pasta dough by hand with the help of easy-to-follow, detailed instructions provided by master chef Evan Funke. EXPERT AUTHOR: Evan Funke is a culinary storyteller, a custodian of Italian tradition, and a master of the old-world techniques of handmade pasta. He brings nearly two decades of excellence to his restaurant Felix Trattoria in Venice, California, where the menu embodies a philosophy of seasonality, warm hospitality, and the deeply rooted culinary traditions of regional Italy. Perfect for: Any pasta aficionado or avid Italian cook looking to master the art of homemade pasta Birthday, holiday, or host/hostess gifts for home cooks of all skill levels or lovers of authentic, traditional Italian food Fans of Pasta Grannies by Vicki Bennison, Mastering Pasta by Marc Vetri, Pasta by Missy Robbins, and Italian cookbooks by Lidia Bastianich
Recommended by Sara Jenkins
“Pierre Thiam brings his native Senegal to life visually and verbally through its food traditions and history. Pierre shows us the many foods of Senegal, from ancient dishes that eventually were copied all over the globe to more modern ones stemming from immigrants of other former French colonies, Lebanon and Vietnam. Reading this cookbook, which is remarkably pertinent to current modern foodways as the traditions are based on farm to table, makes me want to hop on a plane for Dakar tomorrow to explore for myself this fascinating cuisine and country.” (from Amazon)
Senegal will transport you deep into the country’s rich, multifaceted cuisine. You’ll feel the sun at your back and the cool breeze off the Atlantic, hear the sizzle of freshly caught fish hitting the grill, and bask in the tropical palm forests of Casamance. Inspired by the depth of Senegalese cooking and the many people he’s met on his culinary journey, these recipes are Pierre Thiam’s own creative, modern takes on the traditional. Learn to cook the vibrant, diverse food of Senegal, such as soulful stews full of meat falling off the bone; healthy ancient grains and dark leafy greens with superfood properties; fresh seafood grilled over open flame, served with salsas singing of bright citrus and fiery peppers; and lots of fresh vegetables and salads bursting with West African flavors. Pierre’s first book, Yolele!, introduced Senegalese food to the world, and now Senegal takes a deeper dive, showcasing the ingredients and techniques elemental to Senegalese cooking, the food producers at the heart of its survival, and the unique cultural and historical context it exists in. You’ll meet local farmers, fishermen, humble food producers, and home cooks each with stories to tell and recipes to share and savor. You won’t just be learning to make a few dishes, you’ll learn about the Senegalese people, the stories of their past, and importantly, the issues they face today and tomorrow. This is the food of Senegal, from the source to the bowl.

