Christene
This was a letter addressed to my Mother:
Hi Robyn
I have just purchased Dom’s book from the Library bookshop – You all look so lovely. I’ve just had a quick look & will have to wait for a more thorough investigation. I had decided not to purchase any more Italian cook books, but this is certainly one that needs to be on my shelf
Warm regards Christene
Bernise
This was a letter addressed to my Mother:
My copies of My Taste of Sicily have just arrived. What a magnificent publication. I have only just flicked through the book as I am going out for an early dinner but the sumptuous recipes look sensational and beautifully illustrated.
They have got my taste buds going but it is a little while to dinner so I had better put it down. The photograph of Dominique on the cover is really lovely. How proud you must be. And of course the charming photos of you (and the family) inside. A really impressive book which I will proudly use. Please pass on my congratulations to Dominique.
Bernise
Caterina
Hi Dominique,
I would just like to congratulate you on such an amazing and gorgeous cook book “My taste of Sicily” !!! I promised myself last year that I would not buy anymore cook books however after seeing you a couple of times on The Circle I just had to buy yours!
I’m so glad I did…I’m only half way through the book and I have literally run out of “post it” notes, noting each recipe I “must try”. The recipes look divine and you have captured so many memorable meals I myself have been brought up with. Recipes I should have asked my Nonna for when she was still with us. You should be very proud. I wish you every success.
Kind Regards, Caterina
Liz Di Mauro & Family
Hi Dominique,
I have just received a wonderful surprise gift from my loving family … a signed copy of your new cookbook. I’m soooo delighted. My teenage daughter had the pleasure of cooking with you at the Ekka recently and you really made an impression on her (and myself).
We plan to cook our way through all of your recipes. My husband’s family is also of Sicilian heritage and I’m sure we’re all going to enjoy indulging in many wonderful meals prepared straight from the pages of your book. I hope to do some of your cooking classes soon and have signed up for your monthly newsletter. I wish you every success with your book and thank you for inspiring me to get back into the kitchen.
Very best wishes, Liz Di Mauro (and Family)
Santina
Hello Dominique,
Just to let you know how much we are enjoying your cookbook. Congratulations Dominique, a true labour of love.
I lent my copy to Mrs Anna Barbi – the incredibly energetic 91 yr old who arrived in North Qld with her mother in the 1920’s, aged 8. I thought you might like to know she told me she shed a tear when she started to read your book, it bought back many memories of growing up in Catania and her mother. She is a fantastic cook herself, and still whips up anything in no time at all!!
I thought you looked fantastic in the photo they ran in the Sunday Mail U magazine. The article read well (although I disagree with continuing the stereotyping of Sicily with the mafia). I was very interested to hear you will be starting the tours next year.
Kind Regards, Santina
Baz
Hey Dom!
Last Friday I prepared three of your meals for a late supper with a mate. I wanted to treat him to something special and your recipes proved the best recipe! He rolled up his sleeves and helped prepare with me giving us time to talk.
This is what I chose;
Zucchini carpaccio with rocket
Tomato, oregano and anchovy salad
Potato, prosciutto & mozzarella croquettes
All with a bottle of Italian Pinot Grigio.
The food was beautiful and very tasty. I look forward to lots more practice.
Baz
Jan
Hi Dominique,
My name is Jan and I met you on Saturday 5th Nov. at the Wine and Food Expo in Brisbane. I wanted to let you know how thrilled I was, firstly to see you there and how honored I was for you to sign my “Ready Steady Cook” card. You made my day believe it or not. The other Celebrities were great, but to not have to queue up and get a book signed just to say “Hi” to them. But I now have books except one and that was yours. Could you tell me please how much your book is and if I was to get one can I pay over the phone or on line.
I have always been a big fan of Ready Steady Cook, and when my husband (Max) and myself went down to be in the audience in 2009 Matt Golinski was working and since then he has been a very great friend. I went down again this year and yes Matt was working.
Well I will not hold you up and bore you to tears, but would love you to let me know how much the books are please. Can I buy them at a Bookstore???
Anyway very nice to meet you on Saturday, and thank you for making my day.
Kind regards,
Jan
Natale & Liz
Hi Dominique
I hope you are well and gearing up for Christmas. Thanks so much for responding to my email. It was so lovely to hear back from you. Sorry for the delay in responding – I’ve been very busy, however have found time to try five of your delicious recipes!!
The absolute “hit” with my family and friends has been the Torta di Cioccolata al Caffe Senza Farina (pg 185). I’ve cooked this three times and my kids have descibed it as “the best thing I’ve ever cooked”. What high praise. It’s beautiful and I’ve found it quite easy to make.
The other hit has been the Frittelle di Tonno e Patate (pg 25). My friends were eating them straight out of the pan at a recent dinner party. The other three recipes I have tried were good but I need a little practice to make them perfect. I’ve been having a lot of fun with your book and I’ve been leaving it lying around for my friends to enjoy also.
Anyway, I’d best be heading off now. Thanks as always for the inspiration. Take care of yourself and I wish you, your family and friends a very joyous festive season.
Buon Natale Liz
Mal.C
Hi Dominique
I’m sorry its taken so long to reply,
I am so lucky to have been brought up with Sicilian parents, and experience such a strong family tradition & ritual which is the kitchen table. Not just on Festive occasions, or every Sunday evening , but always.
To be able to share some of my heritage with my own children & with friends via your cookbook, means a lot to me.
Thank you for putting into print those memories that not only I have, but I’m sure most Aussie/Sicilians also treasure…
Now you are helping to foster in some way, I’m sure, stronger family values, within Australia through these wonderful recipes.
Good on you.
Buon Natalé
Graham
Hello Dominique
Thanks for your lovely recipe book My Taste of Sicily we have enjoyed making a number of the recipes with good results. I, as the part-time cook in this household enjoyed your simple no fuss approach with great flavours from readily available ingredients. Preparing our own olives using the Mediterranean Spiced recipe was a big hit with friends, even those who profess to not liking olives.
As a part-time potter for many years, Beryl is looking forward to our visit to Santo Stefano di Camastra and like places on our trip.
This has encouraged her to broaden her range and experiment with the colourful Mediterranean style in her work as on the tapas style bowls enclosed as a gift to you for reviving her interest in terracotta clay and majolica glazes.
Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year. Our excitement grows as the dates for the trip gets nearer and we share our plans with friends and family.
Regards Graham
