by Rosalie Fiorino Harpole $24.95, 240 pages, 148 recipes, hard cover I have lived by a simple rule. If you want a real meal of whatever ethnic culinary taste your appetite calls for, find the original creators. They know how to fix it, because it was born in them and their offspring will carry on the family tradition. We were always happy to accept an invitation from Pastor Harpole to speak at the church in Troy, Missouri, and for more than one reason. They are a great family and their children are so marvelous to be around, talented, and so courteous. But the highlight of every special weekend of services was the smell and the taste of genuine Italian cooking. If Rosalie Fiorino Harpole ever had the idea of opening a 'Trattoria' she would have become wealthy. Her Italian dishes are simply wonderful. Having lived in Italy for some time and eaten in homes and cafes and tasted just about everything Italians can serve up, I speak from experience that it's not all palatable, but at the Harpole home everything is 'molto bene'. Rosalie Fiorino Harpole, thank you for those great meals and the warm Italian welcome always extended when we were with you. I would encourage every reader if you cook at all, try some of these fine Italian dishes. You'll be hooked. --Mervyn D. Miller - Former Missionary to Italy |