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    Home » adventures

    Giada Book Signing and a Pasta Recipe

    First Published: October 5, 2008 . Last Modified: June 15, 2021 lisa49 Comments This post may contain affiliate links

    My daughter and I were lucky enough to meet Giada De Laurentiis last week. Williams Sonoma was having a book signing and I was fortunate to get a ticket in advance. All I had to do was purchase Giada's new book , Giada's Kitchen and wait on line. The line was really long, however the kind Williams Sonoma people were giving out all kinds of goodies. In their store, they had cappuccino, muffins and appetizers. The line stretched for about a quarter of a mile through the mall but a nice lady would come by with a cart full of desserts. We decided to go walk around the mall and wait until the line got shorter. The signing started at 1pm and we hopped back on line at 3pm. We finally had our book signed at 4pm. Here is a picture of Giada. Sorry, the picture is not great but we were not allowed to use a flash.
     
    Giada is one nice lady! She is kind, friendly and absolutely gorgeous. One of the reasons the line went somewhat slow was because Giada took the time to talk to everyone. You were not rushed through the line like a herd of cattle. Instead we could stop and have a conversation with her. There were even fans dropping off presents. I really like her new book. Some of the recipes look fancy, however they are simple to make and I have the majority of the ingredients in my fridge and pantry. To celebrate getting my book signed, I made one of her recipes tonight. It was delicious and I will be making many more recipes out of the book.
     
     
    Orecchiette with Mini Chicken Meatballs
     
    1 pound orecchiette pasta
    ¼ cup plain bread crumbs
    ¼ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
    2 large eggs, lightly beaten
    1 tablespoon whole milk
    1 tablespoon ketchup
    ¾ cup grated Romano
    ¾ teaspoon salt
    ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    1 pound ground chicken
    ¼ cup olive oil
    1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken stock, hot
    4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
    ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
    8 ounces bocconcini mozzarella, halved
    1 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
     
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes.
    In a medium bowl, stir together the bread crumbs, parsley, eggs, milk, ketchup, Romano cheese, and the salt and pepper. Add the chicken and gently stir to combine. Using a melon baller (or a teaspoon measure), form the chicken mixture into ¾-inch pieces. With damp hands, roll the chicken pieces into mini meatballs.
    In a large (14-inch) skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add the meatballs and cook without moving until brown on the bottom, about 2 minutes. Turn the meatballs over and brown the other side, about 2 minutes longer. Add the chicken stock and tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Using a wooden spoon, scrape up the brown bits that cling to the bottom of the pan. Reduce heat to low and simmer until tomatoes are soft and meatballs are cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water. Transfer pasta to a large serving bowl and add the Parmesan. Toss to lightly coat orecchiette, adding reserved pasta water, if needed, to loosen the pasta. Add the meatball mixture, mozzarella cheese, and ½ cup of the basil. Gently toss to combine. Garnish with the remaining chopped basil.
     
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    Comments

    1. Patsyk says

      October 05, 2008 at 9:41 pm

      How fun! Sounds like she was a pleasure to meet!! That recipe sounds wonderful, can't wait to see what else you try from the cookbook.

      Reply
    2. Leslie says

      October 05, 2008 at 9:41 pm

      Oh yum!!!!
      She is soooo darn pretty..she makes me sick!!!

      Reply
    3. Michele says

      October 05, 2008 at 10:25 pm

      I doubt that I could have waited in line that long. I have absolutely no patience. 🙂 Looks and sounds like you had a wonderful time. Giada has fantastic recipes I'm sure that you'll enjoy everything that you make out of her new book.

      Reply
    4. Amber says

      October 05, 2008 at 10:27 pm

      How fun for you and your daughter, who is adorable by the way. I always tell everyone...treasure this time, it ends too soon. Love the dinner! This will be great to see what you make from the book. And yes the party was very nice, I am so blessed, Harriet is my step mom and one of my closest friends too.

      Reply
    5. Sara says

      October 05, 2008 at 10:51 pm

      Sounds like you had a great time!

      Reply
    6. Cynthia says

      October 05, 2008 at 11:05 pm

      So nice you and your daughter got to meet Giada. I am glad to hear that the line was not rushed.

      Reply
    7. kat says

      October 05, 2008 at 11:30 pm

      We found the same thing with Alton Brown. The line took forever to get our books signed but he was so wonderful to each person as they got to him

      Reply
    8. Barbara Bakes says

      October 06, 2008 at 12:07 am

      I'm going to have to check out this book - the recipe looks great!

      Reply
    9. Paula says

      October 06, 2008 at 12:23 am

      What a fun thing to do with your daughter, who is darling by the way! This pasta recipe sounds so yummy. I was surprised to see ketchup in the ingredient list! Love that pasta shape, too!

      Reply
    10. Jenny says

      October 06, 2008 at 12:26 am

      How fun Lisa!! You and your daughter must have had so much fun meeting Giada. Your daughter is such a cutie! I get so star struck and nervous around celebrities, but would have loved to meet her! The pasta looks really yummy too! Glad to hear it was a good experience.

      Reply
    11. nicole says

      October 06, 2008 at 12:52 am

      Geez that dish looks really good.

      Reply
    12. Pam says

      October 06, 2008 at 1:33 am

      Your daughter is a cutie - what a fun time you had. I recently checked out a few of Giada's cookbooks from the library and I am loving them. The recipe looks and sounds delicious.

      Reply
    13. Beth says

      October 06, 2008 at 3:31 am

      The pasta recipe sounds great. Don't think Id have the patience to wait in line

      Reply
    14. Clumbsy Cookie says

      October 06, 2008 at 4:30 am

      Glad you had fun Lisa! She does look like a nice lady! I love the idea of mini chicken meatballs, it's a really cool idea! You did great with it!

      Reply
    15. Lucy says

      October 06, 2008 at 7:01 am

      Not sure I could have endured that wait, lucky you!! To a wonderful experience, meeting Giada, a great cookbook, and superb meal!!

      Reply
    16. 1215656559s20768 says

      October 06, 2008 at 7:42 am

      I love Giada and her recipes. Sounds like a really fun time. You're daughter's so cute in her glasses. I have the worst eye sight and have to wear glasses or contacs full time. My daughter always wanted glasses growing up. When I'd take her in for exams she'd always be disappointed that she didn't need any.

      Reply
    17. Stacey Snacks says

      October 06, 2008 at 8:39 am

      I watched her on foodtv yesterday make the chicken meatballs.
      She is so pretty and a great cook.
      That's nice that your daughter got the chance to chat with her too!
      Sounds like a fun day!

      Reply
    18. Mary says

      October 06, 2008 at 9:19 am

      I'm so glad you had a good time. Her recipe sounds wonderful. Do let us know about any other recipes you try from that book.

      Reply
    19. Allie says

      October 06, 2008 at 9:34 am

      I'm so jealous!! She was in Houston this past Saturday and I missed it because we were out of town. So glad ya'll had a wonderful time.

      Reply
    20. Prudy says

      October 06, 2008 at 9:37 am

      What a great recipe to end a fun day. Lucky you!

      Reply
    21. Adam says

      October 06, 2008 at 9:53 am

      Sweet! I'm happy you both had a great time, and you weren't rushed through. Giada does have some really nice recipes, and I like how she uses common ingredients.

      Reply
    22. Aggie says

      October 06, 2008 at 10:00 am

      Giada is too cute! I love her and would loved to be at this signing! I'm star struck just looking at your pictures!

      Your pasta looks delish! Yum. I've never made chicken meatballs but am going to try some soon!

      Reply
    23. Maria says

      October 06, 2008 at 10:31 am

      Lisa sounds like you had a great time! This pasta recipe looks absolutely delicious and I'm drooling!

      Maria
      x

      Reply
    24. Susan says

      October 06, 2008 at 10:32 am

      You lucky girl! What a fun day and to share it with your daughter is twice as nice!

      Reply
    25. mikky says

      October 06, 2008 at 11:59 am

      looks like your daughter had fun... great recipe, btw...

      Reply
    26. Deborah says

      October 06, 2008 at 12:40 pm

      I have 1 of her books, and can't wait to get this one! What a fun time!

      Reply
    27. The Blonde Duck says

      October 06, 2008 at 1:56 pm

      That looks so good! I'll have to pick that book up!

      Reply
    28. Maria says

      October 06, 2008 at 3:18 pm

      How fun you got to meet Giada! I can't wait to get my hands on her new book. The recipe you tried looks fantastic!

      Reply
    29. HoneyB says

      October 06, 2008 at 3:55 pm

      What a fun thing to get to do with your daughter! Its nice to know that Giada is not only beautiful but interested in the people interested in her! It only makes her that much more lovable!

      Reply
    30. Dawn says

      October 06, 2008 at 4:16 pm

      Giada is very good looking and so small. What are the desserts like in the book?

      Reply
    31. Candy says

      October 06, 2008 at 5:14 pm

      What a neat thing to go to with your daughter. Giada really can't take a bad picture. The dish looks wonderful.

      Reply
    32. Debbie says

      October 06, 2008 at 7:30 pm

      I would love to meet Giada..I love her show and cooking. Lucky you! The pasta dish looks delicious...

      Reply
    33. Psychgrad says

      October 06, 2008 at 9:04 pm

      What a cool experience! I love the dish too. I'm going to have to keep an eye out for orecchiette.

      Reply
    34. Annie says

      October 06, 2008 at 9:06 pm

      OMG! I love her too. I would have stood in line for hours to meet her. I am definatley making this recipe and I will be watching for the rest! 😀

      Reply
    35. Reeni says

      October 06, 2008 at 9:21 pm

      She sounds like a sweetie. What a fun experience for you and your daughter. The pasta looks fantastic!

      Reply
    36. Mary Ann says

      October 06, 2008 at 9:57 pm

      What a fun time and how great to hear that Giada is so kind! This looks like the type of meal I would absolutely love!

      Reply
    37. Veronica says

      October 06, 2008 at 10:24 pm

      Lisa, that's so cool! The pasta looks fabulous!

      Reply
    38. That Girl says

      October 06, 2008 at 11:43 pm

      I am SO incredibly jealous!

      Reply
    39. SOUP OF THE DAY says

      October 07, 2008 at 2:47 am

      She had that baby just a few months ago and she's already back to her old figure?! I'm SO jealous.

      Those meatballs look great, thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    40. Parker says

      October 07, 2008 at 7:42 am

      I love watching her on the Food Network. She has great recipes. What a fun inspiring event to attend. Like the pasta dish. I've never even heard of orecchiette pasta, will have to seek it out.

      Reply
    41. Kirsten says

      October 07, 2008 at 9:11 am

      What a great way to spend an afternoon. And that pasta dish looks great! Yum!

      Reply
    42. Rosie says

      October 07, 2008 at 3:27 pm

      Sounds like such a fun day and a great pasta dish to end the day.

      Rosie x

      Reply
    43. giz says

      October 07, 2008 at 9:19 pm

      Beautiful pasta dish. I don't think I would have minded waiting in Williams Sonoma at all for a signature - actually you can drop me at WS in the morning and pick me up at closing and I'd still be okay. Giada would be a bonus.

      Reply
    44. Tasty Trends says

      October 08, 2008 at 12:44 pm

      that is so awesome you got to meet giada! how fun!

      this pasta dish looks great! i just bought this cookbook over the weekend! i can't wait to try some recipes from it!

      Reply
    45. hot garlic says

      October 08, 2008 at 9:19 pm

      So jealous! How great to feel like she apprciated the time it took for everyone to come out and see her and gave everyone some personal attention.

      The recipe sounds fantastic!

      Reply
    46. Janine says

      October 08, 2008 at 10:32 pm

      That's awesome. I love Giada. I've never been disappointed with one of her recipes.

      Reply
    47. Katerina says

      October 09, 2008 at 11:49 am

      This recipe DOES sound really good. I still don't have any of her books but I have liked a few of her recipes, glad to hear she was so nice in person.

      Reply
    48. Emiline says

      October 14, 2008 at 2:26 am

      I had to go back and read this - somehow I missed it!
      That is so cool that you met Giada. I love watching her show.

      Reply
    49. RhodeyGirl says

      April 05, 2010 at 7:06 pm

      Super fun! I went and wrote about it too!!!

      How are you not with Foodbuzz? You need to be!!!! 🙂

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Lisa

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