Nadia Caterina Munno (aka The Pasta Queen) Shares Her Passion for Italian Cooking

Steve Duffy READ TIME: 5 MIN.

Nadia Caterina Munno

EDGE: Your second cookbook is coming out. What are you excited about sharing with the readers?

Nadia Caterina Munno: This cookbook compiles every recipe you will see on "The Pasta Queen." Not only will you be able to watch the show, which graphically takes you to Italy, teaches you the ingredient sourcing, and shows you how I cook it, but you will also have this gorgeous cookbook with amazing photos. The pictures are out of this world, and you have a written recipe for each dish.

EDGE: For the home cook, what indispensable tools should we all have in our kitchen?

Nadia Caterina Munno: It's great that you asked this because the show has a storefront where you can shop each episode for the tools and ingredients we use. You won't wonder how to make the recipe or what you need. We have pasta makers, rolling pins, tongs, wooden spoons, and salt & pepper shakers. We've got it all worked out in the most essential way. My cookbook also goes over that extensively.

EDGE: Why do you think your mix of authentic Italian classics and modern interpretation resonates with the audience?

Nadia Caterina Munno: Tradition was once an innovation. So, what is tradition today was once a new thing many years ago. When I make one of my signature dishes, embed a new ingredient, or take a new spin on a recipe, I hope that this new creation will eventually become a family tradition.

EDGE: Do you have a dish that is a guilty pleasure?

Nadia Caterina Munno: Lasagna is my guilty pleasure. It has layers upon layers of flavors, like a warm hug from your Nonna. I would bring it if I were stranded on a deserted island. It would probably keep me going for a while. It includes every food group that you need.

EDGE: Is there anything that you won't eat?

Nadia Caterina Munno: No, I don't think so. I'm crazy about food.

EDGE: What do you hope the viewer will take away from watching your show?

Nadia Caterina Munno: A bit more passion for Italian food. A little more zest for life, a little more willingness to love, enjoy life, and cherish the moments with the people you love through cooking for them. That's what I want for them.


by Steve Duffy

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