“Grandma never broke a sweat. Neither should you.”

My sister-in-law Aimee Good gave me The Frankies Spuntino Kitchen Companion and Cooking Manual. I love this book. Mario Batali loves this cookbook, too.*

Frankies Spuntino is a tin-ceilinged exposed-brick restaurant in Brooklyn, NY, where chefs Frank Falcinelli and Frank Castronovo serve up nonna’s Italian comfort food with a farmer’s market twist. From classic Sunday tomato sauce to salads of watercress with fresh figs and gorgonzola to simple homemade pastas, it’s all here – a great resource for beginners, home cooks and hipsters.

Aimee and her dad, Tom Good

Try Aimee’s Good Dirt Garlic in the Spuntino version of Spaghetti with Clams on page 191. It’s the best garlic ever, I swear.

* “This time-capsule-worthy cookbook is destined to become a lifestyle mantra for the cooking community and the rest of the country.” – Mario Batali