Food and Other Things I Love

Food and Other Things I Love by Caroline Manzo is a love letter to Caroline's two greatest loves: food and family. Caroline promises simple and delicious meals that stand the test of time and her book delivers.

Caroline’s recipes cover a range of classic Italian staples and fresh innovations. Each recipe begins with an anecdote about how/why Caroline uses the recipe herself. Caroline's tone is warm and conversational, like she's a friend eager to share her cooking tricks and tips. Her writing sparkles with humor and experience. The recipes and tips are easy to follow. Caroline's advice is practical and to the point, which is exactly how I like my recipes to be. She doesn't use unnecessary filler. Caroline’s recipes are ideal for beginner cooks or seasoned chefs. There's a little something for everyone.

Aside from the recipes, Caroline added some extras to make her cookbook stand out. Interludes about setting a table, cooking for a crowd, and how to zhush up your apron were fun palette cleansers between chapters. They gave the book zest and allowed the author's personality to shine through.

I loved the layout. It had an old-school diner menu vibe. The typeset is unique, yet easy to read. It fits Caroline’s theme about time-honored traditions.

There were casual pictures of Caroline's family that looked like they came from family photo albums. The pictures added a personal touch. It felt like Caroline welcomes the reader into her home. Her hospitality and warmth comes through, as well as the fun she has cooking with her family.

I also related to Caroline's point that food doesn't have to be pretty. In a world of meal pictures and Instagram filters, Caroline reminds us that food is meant to be enjoyed and eaten, not just photographed. Sometimes a dish is great not just because of the ingredients, but because of how it makes you feel.

I received an ARC of this book from Chronicle Books. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Many of us have followed along with Caroline Manzo and her family since she welcomed TV viewers into her home back in 2009. Since then, Manzo has dabbled in different mediums, giving fans her advice, her tips, or inviting us to try some of the dishes we’ve watched her cook with joy and laughter over the years. Now, in ‘Food & Other Things I Love’, Manzo shares over 100 of her Italian American recipes that will continue to delight everyone in your own extended famiglia. Instant hits like Snow Day Homemade Pasta, Manzo Meatballs, Frangelico Baked Sweet Potatoes with Mascarpone, Italian Hot Dogs, PPS (Peppers Potatoes Sausage), Smoky Grilled Peaches, Hazelnut & Beet Salad, Pasta with Olive Sauce, Taylor Ham & Cheese, Zucchini Cake, Struffoli, Bow Knot Cookies, even staples like Lemon Aioli, Garlic Confit, and Long Hots are presented along side Manzo’s spin on well-known classics, in fun, richly illustrated fonts. Little bits of Caroline’s trademark how-tos are also sprinkled throughout. With easy instruction and use of widely-accessible ingredients, Manzo makes it easy to get everyone gathered around the table in no time. Like the title reads, there is much to love here. An absolute must for all kitchens and for all collections.

“Let me tell you something about my family. We’re thick as thieves.” IFYKYK. Huge Caroline fan here so I was excited to check out her cookbook. Lots of traditional Italian fare, as one would expect, and a few surprises as well like chili and turkey burgers. I enjoyed the little stories and memories shared. Sunday Gravy anyone?

While I might not be a fan of the newer Housewive’s shows, I absolutely loved the OG seasons of New Jersey. I loved how fierce Caroline acted, especially when it came to her children.

This book is all a fan could ask for. Glimpses and stories of her family and delicious yet simplistic food recipes. Yes, some are more labor intensive but there’s a far amount that any level of cook could attempt.

As a real housewives fan and an Italian American I couldn’t have loved this any more. I can’t wait to cook my way through it!

This was an excellent cookbook! First of all, I loved how it was laid out. It was easy to follow, the font was fun, and the little tidbits strewn throughout were helpful and interesting. The recipes all sound amazing! I bookmarked so many that I will definitely have to order the print copy of this book when it comes out. This is the next best thing to actually being in the kitchen with Caroline!

Thank you for the EARc NetGalley and Chronicle Books. I’ve loved the Manzo’s since their first season on RHONJ, they came across then as a fun, loving family and they continue that with this book. More than just a cookbook, this is about showing your family love through cooking and spending time together. This has timeless recipes that aren’t super time consuming or complicated. The stores are great and the font and look of this book is nostalgic. I will definitely be getting this one for my permanent collection.

SO CUTE.

I love a well designed cookbook and the photos in here were so well done.

I was a huge fan of Housewives back when it first premiered and this felt like a warm nostalgia hug. I haven’t watched in years but the recipes and the photos presented the same Caroline I knew.

Everything sounded delicious with a great variety of dishes to make and there is something for everyone. I will say, more of the dishes are for the moderate to advanced cook, but the recipes are easy enough to follow.

I like the overall look & feel of this book. You can tell Caroline Manzo cooks for her family often, with love and joy. I loved seeing all of the family photos, however I wish some were a little better. Overall, I’m excited to continue trying the recipes.

Caroline Manzo's 'Food and Other Things I Love' will be a staple in so many households. It's full of easy recipes that everyone in your family will enjoy and every recipe has a special memory behind it. I have always been a fan of hers and you just know how important family is to her. Her love for her family shines throughout and it makes you want to create these meals too so that you can create more than just great meals; you can create memories at the dinner table that will last forever. Caroline pours her heart into this book you feel it with every recipe. The cookbook is accompanied by beautiful pictures of yummy food and her beautiful family.

I am personally always drawn to books by Bravo-lebs, and that will be the main draw for anyone coming to this book. However, it's a very accessible cookbook with tried and true recipes from someone who is an authority on Italian home cooking. It's bright, colorful, and a fun addition.

A wonderful cookbook full of wonderful family recipes and tips and tricks. You can tell the author loves to cook and host family. There are many recipes that are simply mouthwatering. Some are very simple while others are more complicated, but there are clear, precise instructions. There are beautiful images throughout the book. A great book for beginning andcaspiring chefs. Would make a great graduation gift.

Will 100% be buying a physical copy of this cook book! This has such great classic recipes but done in a way that doesn't intimidate me. I also really love the graphic design and the bold look of this book. It will look great on a shelf!

You can FEEL the LOVE poured into this!

It’s more than simply a cookbook with amazing recipes. I loved the stories and tips that accompanied each one. I also really enjoyed the layout, font, and beautiful photos. I was expecting another celebrity cookbook, this is so much more! I can’t wait to make some Manzo meatballs!

Thank you Caroline Manzo!

Thank you NetGalley & Chronicle Books for sending this book for review consideration.

I love Real Housewives and the NJ franchise is one of my favorites. Caroline said the Manzo’s are “thick as thieves” and this book shows that through the introduction, tips, and especially the photos throughout, most of which look like they were taken right in her own home that was also on the show.

Many of the recipes are a bit too heavy for my personal taste (lots of cheese, cream, etc) but seem to be proportionally correct and delicious if that is your taste.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy!

This scrumptious Italian American cookbook by Caroline Manzo made me sooooooooo hungry as I drooled over the gorgeous photos and fab recipes! Adore the way she connects food and family and love, and how she describes big family-filled Sunday and holiday meals at her home with everyone laughing as they gather in the kitchen. Delicious!

When I saw that Carolyn Manzo, the OG Housewife of NJ was releasing a cookbook I internally screamed for joy. As an Italian American, myself, I knew this cookbook was going to be a labor of love filled with some of the best recipes. Man, did this cookbook exceed all my expectations. I love the ode to her family along with providing such yummy recipes representing our culture. If I could give this 20 stars I would. I also commend Carolyn for making the recipes easy to follow.

I hope Carolyn releases another one in the future.

Please don’t hesitate to purchase this, and this would also be a great gift to give to a loved one who is either Italian or loves to cook Italian food.

Many thanks to Chronicle Books and Net Gallery for sharing the digital copy of this cookbook with me in exchange for my honest feedback. #NetGallery

As a reader, I love a cookbook that reads like a story and Caroline Manzo has included plenty of anecdotes to accompany the recipes in this book that make it feel as though you’ve pulled up a chair at her table and you’re in for a treat. There is a rich history told through these recipes, both of a family and a culture. It is clear in Food and Other Things I Love that family is the central thing in Caroline’s life and food is a love language they all share.

The book is broken into the typical sections often found in cookbooks but also includes other non-typical chapters that cover her basic pantry staples, recommendations for must-have kitchen equipment, and a recipe section on late night snacks. One random note: The page design includes a font that evokes a vintage diner feel, and while it is a neat touch it can also be a bit hard to read when done on a small screen. I think it would work well and better succeed in its artistic look if viewed in an actual paper copy of the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. I’m off to bake!

As a longtime Real Housewives of New Jersey fan, I adored this cookbook. You can tell how much Caroline loves her family & loves cooking for them. It shows through in these recipes and stories. I loved the tips she offered and cannot wait to buy this when it comes out. I’m already planning to cook some of the recipes soon!

As a major Bravoholic, I was thrilled to preview this cookbook! This cookbook feels like a warm hug and like it was passed down from my own grandmother. The recipes feel surprisingly easy instead of intimidating! The inclusion of family photos, recipe notes, and the recipe introductions are so inviting. Looking forward to the publication date!

This was a fun cookbook that showcased the author's personality, heritage, and family. The recipes included classic dishes, such as, bolognese, lasagna, meatballs, and turkey meatloaf. I was pleasantly surprised by some of the more elegant selections like truffle asparagus and eggs and grilled artichokes. Yum! As they say we shouldn't grocery shop on an empty stomach, beware of reading this cookbook on an empty stomach. You will want to make every recipe that was thoughtfully curated/written for this cookbook.

Great selection of recipes with easy to find ingredients. The recipes while easy to make also feel a bit elevated. I really liked the kitchen staples section. It seems as though it would be helpful for both novices and more advanced cooks. I love how the book is laid out and the beautiful photography. It is easy to use, but also very appealing. I especially like all of the stories, photos, and anecdotes. It feels like more than just a basic cookbook.

Food and Other Things I Love
Author: Caroline Manzo
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I was initially drawn to this cookbook from being a RHONJ fan. I'm happy to say this book was good! It features some classic Italian recipes as well as some unique recipes for potato salad, meatloaf, and other comfort foods. The recipes sound super delicious and are accompanied by well shot photos, as well as, little stories behind their inspiration. I can't wait to try out a bunch of the food from this book!

Thanks to NetGalley, Chronicle Books, and Caroline Manzo for an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts in this review are my own.

This was a good cookbook with great pictures and easy-to-follow recipes. The also has stories to go along with different ones as well as ways of setting and decorating your table. I found her stories or tidbits to add to this book and make for a different type of cookbook. Very much worth the read.

There is something that is just so relatable about Caroline Manzo throughout the pages of Food & Other Things I Love. Aside from so many feel-good recipes that are also approachable, Manzo's humor and warmth scream from the pages. Even the photos of her throughout the book make you want to wrap her up in a hug.

I can't wait to get my hands on a hard copy of this cookbook, having had a chance to review an electronic advanced reader copy thanks to NetGalley & Chronicle Books!

This cookbook reads like a warm embrace. Caroline welcomes you into her family for a ride through modern and classic Italian fare. Crisp, beautiful images, and interesting ingredient tweaks kept me turning pages and rummaging my fridge to see which recipes I could pull together that very day.

Loved Caroline Manzo from RHONJ and have been a fan of her's from the beginning. Loved her family cookbook with her family recipes from her Grandmother. She continues to carry out the tradition with creating the recipes with her grandchild, Markie. I loved that the recipes were very easy, staples you have in your pantry and easy to follow directions. Loved the stories that went along with the recipes. Pictures were fabulous. I would definitely purchase this cooking book, it's a no nonsense cookbook. Loved it, great cookbook.

I am impressed with the layout and variety of recipes in this book. I also like the stories and notes and tips for entertaining that are included in the recipes. There are many recipes that I would love to make. The photography is also great.