A Meal to Die For: A Culinary Novel of Crime (Y)

Book Description

Benny Lacoco is a "food fence". A load of frozen shrimp falls off of a truck, or perhaps a few cases of olive oil or some nice expensive wine with an unpronounceable name comes into your possession, Benny is the guy who can move it for you.
No questions asked.
He's well connected and a man of respect.
But there is another side to Benny. He's a gourmet cook who once aspired to be a renowned restaurateur…but business (and other matters equally unsavory) got in the way.
Now Benny has been summoned to cook a special meal for some of his associates on the occasion of the big man being sent up the river.
This gives Benny the chance to prepare the meal of his life

A MEAL TO DIE FOR

because word has it that someone in their midst is a rat, and some things just can't be forgiven.

From the abundant antipasto of chicken liver mousse, prosciutto wrapped asparagus, grilled sardines, and other delicacies to the creamy delight of crayfish bisque, three types of pasta, and main entrees of roasted lamb, baked snapper, and chicken with artichokes and sausage, we are treated to flashbacks of Benny’s life in a novel that blends the best of Big Night with Goodfellas.

Customer Reviews:

So so.......2007-05-29

Not so good. I bought it for 3 reasons, my husband is an Italian-American, I love to cook and I love the Sopranos. Dissapointing.

You'll love this book more than you love Johnny Cakes.......2006-09-12

''l love you Johnny Cakes'' is what Joey G. is best known for. But after reading this book, you'll think you're on the 0rient Express chasing a killer than a bed & breakfast in New Hampshire chasing a hunky biker with a knack for making that special breakfast. Now that ''Fat Vito'' is dead, maybe Joey G. will become the next Mickey Spillane.

A delicious read!.......2006-07-06

I picked this book up quite by random and was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. It's a quick, yet delightful, read!

Wonderfully crafted, entertaining . . . and some amazing culinary delights!.......2006-02-12

I picked up a copy of 'A Meal To Die For' the other day while in route from Los Angeles to New York, having placed some great expectations on Joseph Gannascoli since I have eaten Joe's delightful cooking, and knowing Joseph, have always been engaged by his giant, inviting charisma. Well, to my delight (and to my appetites dismay . . . as I had a six hour flight on my hands), 'A Meal To Die For' delivered a fun and engaging read unique in the craft of storytelling since there were wonderful culinary delights to draw from in book. The idea of the plot line brought me back to the cult classic film 'The Chef, The Wife, The Thief, and The Lover . . . except my own visuals of the character movement were easily identifiable with as a New Yorker. Overall, Joe Gannascoli offers a delightful novel that readers will truly savor every little morsal of. If you're like me, and you love to eat and read at the same time, then open this book, turn through the pages to a dish you fancy, run to the nearest grocery store and buy all the necessary ingredients, get back to your house, open a nice bottle of wine, and then start cooking and eating till your heart (and stomach) is content!!!

Joseph Gannascoli's book is Tops!.......2006-02-06

"A Meal to Die For" is truly facsinating! This book is top notch. I had the honor of meeting Mr. Joseph Gannascoli in person at the Golden Age of Gangsters Convention in Chicago.

Mr. Gannascoli is a very nice gentleman and a huge star on the HBO television series, the Sapranos. One of my favorite shows. I highly recommend this book! Good Reading! Thank you.

Review from Tony Stewart, author of Dillinger, The Hidden Truth. Contact at email: JohnnieDillinger@aol.com

Average customer rating:
The Wonky Witch
Becky Titelman
Manufacturer: AuthorHouse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1420859110

Book Description

"The Wonky Witch" is the exciting tale of a young witch, Maude Sinks, during her first year at the prestigious wizard school, Abracadabra Academy. Maude is always messing things up, and she is scared that she will continue to be a screw-up at her new school. In classes, she is constantly falling off of her broom, making the wrong potions, and tripping over her robes. While becoming friends with a boy in her class, Adair, Maude stumbles upon an evil plot. In order to stop this creepy event from happening, Maude and Adair break a bunch of school rules, steal a paper, work in the mail room, deal with a group of crazy older wizards, and eat Eyeball ice treats. With potions bubbling and spells flying, will ten year-old Maude save the day or still be a screw-up?

Average customer rating:

The Wonky Witch and the Wizard-napping
Becky Titelman
Manufacturer: AuthorHouse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Magic & Wizards | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1425958141

Book Description

It's only been a few weeks since Maude Sinks and her best friend, Adair Tiptoe, have returned home from their first year at Abracadabra Academy, a school of magic. Already there are evil powers lurking around their neighborhood. The two friends are on edge the whole summer, after coming face-to-face with past enemies. When their second year of school begins, Maude and Adair have challenges ahead. There is a new Black Magic class, Wizard Wallop is becoming an official Abracadabra game, and they are struggling to gain their Flying Certificates. Balancing studying and fighting evil isn't easy, and after discovering that the wicked Wonky Wizard Society is planning to capture someone, the two second-years are plunged into a battle filled with a nasty potion, messages in the sky, a cat that isn't quite what he seems, and an old and dangerous wand. Will Maude and Adair figure out who the society plans to kidnap before it's too late? Or will the Wonky Wizard Society pull-off their latest scheme to gain more power?

Average customer rating:

The best I've read yet

Just diagnosed? Read this book!

A book of actually great help

Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Complete Guide to Understanding autism, Aspergetr's Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder,

Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Complete Guide to Understanding Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, and Other ASDs
Chantal Sicile-Kira , and Temple Grandin
Manufacturer: Perigee Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Mental Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Autism & Asperger's Syndrome | Children's Health | Personal Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Disorders & Diseases | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Family Health | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
General | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew

1001 Great Ideas for Teaching and Raising Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Playing, Laughing and Learning With Children on the Autism Spectrum: A Practical Resource of Play Ideas for Parents and Carers

Thinking in Pictures, Expanded Edition: My Life with Autism

Toilet Training for Individuals with Autism and Related Disorders

ASIN: 0399530479
Release Date: 2004-09-07

Book Description

Based upon Chantal Sicile-Kira's personal and professional experiences with autistic disorders, this comprehensive and accessible source covers all aspects of autism conditions, including Asperger's Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder, including:

- The causes of autism spectrum disorders
- How to properly diagnose ASPs
- Treatments based on physiology, sensory, and biomedical interventions
- Coping strategies for families
- Educational programs
- Living and working conditions for adults with ASP
- Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC)

Customer Reviews:

The best I've read yet.......2007-10-01

Wow, this is the best I have read yet on autism,it actually covers other disorders on the spectrum and after reading it at the library first,I went to buy my own, as i wanted to have it always with me.This includes grief for me! now that is a good thing,(also for carers),then the list goes on, to much to list here,definately a guide for us,in understanding these disorders,i found this material also good for understanding ASD adults. A must read for sure.

Just diagnosed? Read this book!.......2007-09-28

When we first learned our twins were both on the Autism Spectrum, I needed more information and direction to immediate resources. This book has both and so much more from a PARENT's prespective. I found it helpful, empowering, and realistic for moms like me reeling from the initial shock. I'm so glad I bought it, read it and have it on my shelf as a reference guide!

A book of actually great help.......2007-08-09

I have an 17-year old daughter with PDD (Atypical Autism) who does not live with me but with her mother (we are divorced). My daughter's diagnosis came in very late (only about 10 months ago) considering we have been taking her to psychiatrists and psychologists since she was 10 ys old, when the first strange traits showed up. This excellent book gave me a thorough insight on what is going on in her mind, and paved the way to my better understanding her attitudes and better contacting her, as far as it can be done. I have also discussed some of the issues in the book with her mother who, of course, living with her knows her the most but maybe did not grasp fully and with solid scientific grounds what the disdorder is about. I recommend it.

Autism Spectrum Disorders.......2007-07-05

This book has given me a wealth of resources in one package. I can't thank the author enough for giving me an overview of all the different resources and information available both in print and online. I feel empowered to move forward in the direction that best suits my child. Thank you.

Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Complete Guide to Understanding autism, Aspergetr's Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, .......2007-05-16

This book was extremely informative. It covered all ages of people with Asperger's It was very helpful in helping me understand my son, who is an adult.

Average customer rating:

Best Salad Book you can have

Makes healthy eating fun

Love this book!

A must for salad lovers

Recommended for Economical Variety and Simplicity

Twelve Months of Monastery Salads: 200 Divine Recipes for All Seasons
Brother Victor-Antoine d'Avila-Latourrette
Manufacturer: Harvard Common Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Salads | Vegetables & Vegetarian | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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Twelve Months of Monastery Soups

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ASIN: 1558322779

Book Description

This engaging collection of more than 200 fresh, satisfying salads is arranged according to the bounty of the seasons, from the earliest spring harvest, through the overwhelming plenty of summer, through heartier fare in colder weather.

Customer Reviews:

Best Salad Book you can have.......2007-09-12

This is truly a wonderful salad book - will make you famous for your dressings and salads. Not one bad recipie and easy to follow with few ingredients. I buy it for my friends and family too.

Makes healthy eating fun.......2007-07-29

As a perpetual dieter I need to eat vegetables, a lot. I'd become very sick of salad and making them when I came across this book in my library. My entire family loved the couple of recipes I tried, and I was happy because everything tasted very good, so I bought the book. There is a great variety of salad types from potato and pasta to leafy and everything in between. The book is organized by season but don't be afraid to explore outside the current season, since different regions have different growing seasons, and grocery stores often (not always) have good produce out of season.

Love this book!.......2007-06-08

Thanks for getting this book to me quickly and in perfect condition! What an excellent book - full of great salad ideas that don't have complex ingredients!

A must for salad lovers.......2007-02-11

I love salads but get a little bored with them. This is an amazing cook book because the salad recipies are unique and delicious.

This book reflects the love of gardening of Brother Victor-Antoine. Recipies are divided into seasons so that you can cull from your own garden or easily find the ingredients you'll need at the right time of the year.

You'll love Brother Victor and his ingenuous receipies. It's great getting cooking advice from a monk!

Recommended for Economical Variety and Simplicity.......2004-07-07

This is the tenth cookbook by Benedictine Monk Brother Victor-Antoine D'Avila-Latourrette and the fifth that is organized to reflect recipes by season or by other milestones in the course of the year. The recipes also tend to reflect the diet of a Benedictine monastery in upstate New York, which means there is very little protein in the dishes aside from legumes, cheese, eggs, and canned fish.

The simple monastic calling does not keep Brother Victor from being a bit trendy in his choice of recipes and greens. In his catalogue of nineteen salad greens, he includes Mesclun, Belgian endive, mache, radicchio, and watercress. And, although he includes iceberg lettuce, he doesn't really like it and confesses that when they have it, the brothers feed it to their chickens.

The list of greens is followed by a `Useful tips for Salad Preparation', which are, indeed, useful, albeit, short. A much more interesting section on `Types of Salads' follows, which lists the eleven types of salad recipes listed in this book. After reading the recipes, one really wishes the author had built his chapters on these eleven types rather than the truly artificial use of months of the year. The salad types are classic international salads; rustic salads; exotic salads; creative salads; mixed salads; pasta salads; egg, cheese and fish salads; Italian salads; French regional salads; Saint's salads; and fruit salads. It is obvious that these categories are artificial and overlap in the extreme, but they are still more useful for finding a salad to fit a particular occasion than the artificial organization by month.

The organization of recipes by month is not entirely arbitrary, as fall and winter salads do contain a higher proportion of apples, pears, potatoes, and citrus than do summer salads. And, my `Field Guide to Produce' does say that greens such as arugula, chicory, and endive are available the year around. But, I wonder when I see tomatoes or new potatoes in recipes for February. If I were rating the book exclusively on the accuracy of its seasonality, I might give it only a B-. Luckily, there is much more of value to the book.

As you can see from the types of salads, the book contains many classic salad recipe names such as Caesar salad, Waldorf salad, and Salade Nantaise. While the names are classic, I believe many of the recipes take some liberties with the classic ingredients. Brother Victor's Caesar salad, for example, is based on Boston lettuce rather than being done entirely with the much more commonly specified Romaine lettuce, as recommended by such diverse sources as James Beard, Martha Stewart, and `Better Homes and Gardens'. All three sources also include anchovies, which Brother Victor leaves out. Brother Victor also leaves out Worcestershire sauce and egg yolk, specified by two out of my three authorities. In its place, Brother Victor adds Tabasco sauce. Brother Victor also adds blue cheese, which none of my sources specify. None of this is to suggest that this recipe is not perfectly delicious. It is only to indicate that one should not expect recipes with classic names to be described with the classic ingredients or method of preparation.

In fact, I found practically every recipe to be inviting, easy to make, and relatively inexpensive. I especially liked the generous selection of potato salads. From the index, I count nineteen (19), almost all with very traditional sounding names or sources. I do find it odd, though, that in all of these recipes, the author suggests peeling the potatoes before boiling. Virtually every potato salad recipe I have ever seen, including those from James Beard AND Julia Child recommend cooking before peeling. I am convinced this is not simply everyone copying everyone else. Rather, I believe peeling after cooking will prevent the potatoes from becoming overly mushy and waterlogged. I have even made potato salad with Russets cooked before peeling, and they peeled, sliced, and mixed with the dressing without mushing up on me.

The book ends with a chapter on standard dressings such as mayonnaise, aioli, blue cheese dressing, and vinaigrettes. The author succeeds in springing a new mayonnaise technique on me. I have seen recipes done with a whisk, a food processor, and a blender. This is the first use I have seen of a hand mixer, although on reflection, it seems as much or more logical than the food processor or blender.

There is not much to the book aside from the recipes, but the added inspirational quotes scattered here and there in attractive iconed boxes lends a very pleasant air to reading this book. It may not seem like much unless you have just finished reading a book with a truly slobbish book design.

By far the greatest strength of the book is the variety of greens, cheeses, fruits, beans, vegetables, vinegars, and nuts used in constructing these recipes, without relying on anything which will break the bank. If you need recipes with chicken or fresh seafood, check out a good book of Provencal recipes.

Highly recommended for simplicity, variety, and saintly demeanor.

Average customer rating:
Twelve Months of Monastery Salads: 200 Divine Recipes for All Seasons
Brothe Victor-Antoine D'Avila-Latourrette
Manufacturer: Harvard Common Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OA182U

Average customer rating:

Enjoyable but....

Successful Duck Hunting: A Look into the Heart of Waterfowling
M. D. Johnson
Manufacturer: Krause Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General & Anthologies | Hunting & Fishing | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
Hunting | Hunting & Fishing | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
Shooting | Hunting & Fishing | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
Nature Writing | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
General | Sports | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Duck Hunting: Guide-Tested Techniques for Taking All of the Important North American Duck Species (Hunting & Fishing Library)

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161 Waterfowling Secrets

Successful Goose Hunting: Expert Strategies for Serious Hunters

The Ultimate Guide to Calling and Decoying Waterfowl: Tips and Tactics for Hunting Ducks and Geese

ASIN: 0873492153

Book Description

Millions of duck hunters are looking for ways to improve their hunting skills. The proven techniques and outstanding photos in this complete guide to successful duck hunting provide the expert advice they need. The lively writing and stunning photography of the authors captures the spirit of duck hunting while presenting successful techniques for hunters of all skill levels including calling, decoying, hunting public land, hunting moving water and using firearms, ammo, accessories and clothing effectively.

-Complete full-color guide to successful duck hunting
-Proven techniques from 25 years of experience
-Includes 150 color photos from award-winning photographer

Customer Reviews:

Enjoyable but...........2003-11-19

As a beginning duck hunter, I plowed through this book with excitement. It really fed my enthusiasm. When I was done, I started planning for the season by researching gear I needed to buy and planning trips. At this point I tried to go back to the book to get some idea of this persons opinion on these decisions. Unfortunately, they were not there. It is a good overview of all aspects of duck hunting but does not go very deep. Take decoys for example. He explains the different sizes and motion decoys available but does not offer insight on when one is better that the other, what species make up a good spread, etc. DU magazine had a 4 page article some months back that nailed all of these issues. I compared it to this books chapter and found the latter lacking. That has repeated itself on other topics as well. So, if you love to duck hunt and want a book to get you excited and has great photos, get the book. If you want the nitty gritty, go elsewhere.

Average customer rating:

The British Library Guide to Bookbinding: History and Techniques (British Library Guides)

The British Library Guide to Bookbinding: History and Techniques (British Library Guides)
Philippa Marks
Manufacturer: University of Toronto Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Desktop Publishing | Graphic Design | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
Book Making & Binding | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Publishing & Books | Reference | Subjects | Books
General | Reference | Subjects | Books
General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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The Craft of Bookbinding

Hand Bookbinding: A Manual of Instruction

Bookbinding: Its Background and Technique

Bookbinding: The Classic Arts and Crafts Manual

Scribes and Illuminators (Medieval Craftsmen)

ASIN: 0802081762

Book Description

Since the development of the codex book form in the first century AD, bookbindings have played a crucial role not only in protecting and preserving the texts which they contain, but also in the history of the book as an artefact. The artistic style, materials and techniques used in creating a bookbinding can offer fascinating insights into a whole range of historical and cultural issues, from the dating and placing of the material it contains, to the social standing of the book's owner. Historic bindings can provide evidence of trade routes, the spread of ideas and the significance of texts. They can also reflect contemporary taste and the availability of materials and technology at a given time.

In The British Library Guide to Bookbinding, P.J.M. Marks introduces the history of the craft bookbinding trade in the west from the introduction of the codex to the twentieth century, explains how bookbindings are structured and made, and gives an overview of the development of decorative techniques and artistic styles.

With over 75 colour and black-and-white illustrations, and a useful brief glossary of bookbinding terms, The British Library Guide to Bookbinding: History and Techniques is one of a series of titles providing accessible and lively introductions to the practical aspects of the history of books and how they are made.

Customer Reviews:

The British Library Guide to Bookbinding: History and Techniques (British Library Guides) .......2006-02-25

exceptional in every way

The British Library Guide to Printing: History and Techniques (British Library Guides)

Average customer rating:

The British Library Guide to Printing: History and Techniques (British Library Guides)
Michael Twyman
Manufacturer: University of Toronto Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Publishing & Books | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Reference | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0802081797

Book Description

Printing is generally held to be one of the most important inventions of all time and to have helped change the course of history. It can be described as a means of giving form to and multiplying graphic signs and messages, and its extraordinary social, artistic and intellectual impact derives from its technical appropriateness and adaptability.

In this authoritative introduction, Michael Twyman focuses on printing methods and techniques, from the invention of printing in the Far East and in Europe to today's digital revolution, and how they have played a part in shaping their end product.

With over 60 colour and black-and-white illustrations, The British Library Guide to Printing: History and Techniques is one of a series of titles providing accessible and lively introductions to the practical aspects of the history of books and how they are made.

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