Several months ago, I invited a group of cookbook loving friends to a first ever “Cookbook Dinner Club” to discuss Ina Garten’s memoir” Be Ready When The Luck Happens”. The night was a perfect mix of our favorite books, cookbooks and recipes. As food lovers we had so much fun we decided to do it again (regrets for not sharing recipes photos, recipes and overall telling you all about it).

The group decided on tackling the Stanley Tucci “What I Ate in One Year” book with another dinner – this time Italian themed to discuss the book over our shared love of food and friendship. In the end, we didn’t all love this book quite as much as the Ina story, but the meal, conversation and camaraderie made for a truly memorable evening.

I am so happy to share the Stanley Tucci inspired collection of recipes and ingredients that made for an incredible night with friends. To get things started we had a delicious glass of prosecco and had a great Italian wine on hand for the meal.

First course was Stanley Tucci’s family minestrone soup. I have made minestrone many times and this is the best version I have ever had. Chocked full of vegetables it is so light, complex, tasty and completely vegetarian which also checks the box for those Friday Lenten meals which are hard to come up with ideas for. It is the best minestrone I have EVER made.

Stanley Tucci’s Minestrone

Check out this recipe

We ate a salad that was featured as one of Stanley Tucci’s favorites on the Williams Sonoma website and I have to say I CANNOT GET ENOUGH of this recipe. It’s now one of my all-time favorites. Peppery arugula, with salty prosciutto, a sweetness from either a pear or in this case, a substituted orange. The dressing is a sherry-shallot vinaigrette adding another savory flavor layer and freshly shaved parmesan to top it all off. This is a no- brainer to make for anyone and will impress the hell out of your guests.  

Arugula with Prosciutto, Pears and Parmesan

Stanley Tucci recipe that is based on the Italian tradition of using seasonal fruits – such as pears, apples, figs and grapes with Parmesan cheese at the end of the meal.

Check out this recipe

For the main course, a beautiful and flavorful Bolognese (inspired by Searching For Italy) was on the menu, because Tim and I both LOVE IT and it feels like the perfect Italian meal unless ravioli is involved. I have already shared so many versions of this recipe through the years, so I refrained from adding yet another to the to list, but you can easily find this online. Wisdom to those thinking of making this recipe – the pork, veal, beef combination of meats cannot be beat. Don’t settle – all these meats are at your local grocery.    

The bold Italian wine accompanied us through the delicious dinner courses and the grand finale was the tiramisu. Because we loved the food from our last dinner book party, in honor of Ina Garten, the dessert was her classic tiramisu. It is classic Italian dessert that everyone loves- chocolate, mascarpone and a hint of coffee is the perfect night cap.

We are doing it again and next time, French cuisine…. Can’t wait to share what we discover…