This is the cookbook I’ve used the most in my life:

Despite my obvious passion for food, I don’t watch any shows on The Food Network. And I don’t eat very much Italian food. But this summer, I found myself obsessively TIVOing as many episodes as possible of Giada DeLaurentiis’ show Everyday Italian. I felt desperate to make almost everything I saw her create on the show. I don’t know where this sudden compulsion came from, but I’m glad it did.

Before I knew it, her book sat in my kitchen and the pages were slowly but surely getting covered in olive oil spatters and garlicky fingerprints. I’ve liked everything I’ve ever tried from Giada’s cookbook and web site. I’ve found her concoctions are pretty reliable and fool-proof, though definitely not light. The recipes are far from intimidating, but certainly impressive for company.

Besides the two recipes I mentioned last week, here are my other Giada faves:

• Roasted Bell Peppers
• Sweet Red Pepper Crostini
• Cheese and Spinach Puff Pastry Pockets
• Eggplant Rollatini
• Gnocchi with Butter Thyme Sauce
• Peaches Stuffed with Amaretti Cookies & Fresh Whipped Cream

Whoa, that’s a lot of recipes from a single cookbook for me! I own a ton of cookbooks, but they usually sit on a shelf without seeing much action. Why is that? I don’t know. Anyway, all of these Giada recipes are definite repeaters, too. Now, which one should I try next?