As always, the book in your hands reflects the efforts and contributions of many people. I am especially indebted to the intrepid band of visionaries who have been involved in the creation and publication of my digital magazine, Giada Weekly; it has been an amazing experience that brings new surprises, challenges, and, most of all, fun and excitement every single week as the new issue goes online. Profound thanks to:
Maya Mavjee, David Drake, and Ranjana Armstrong, who have supported my vision from the beginning;
Pam Krauss, Geraldine Campbell, Lindsey Galey, Nina Caldas, Derek Gullino, Amy Boorstein, Sally Franklin, Emily Pollack, Anna Mintz, Neil Spitkovsky, Kevin Jan, Amy Sly, Ian Dingman, Sonia Persad, Alex Martinez, and Kelli Tokos, who go above and beyond, week after week;
The talented photographers who have brought our stories to life: Ray Kachatorian, Lauren Volo, Tara Donne, Pernille Loof, Megan Fawn Schlow, and Quentin Bacon;
All those who contributed their wisdom and recipes to this collection, including my incomparable aunts Raffy and Carolyna, my mother, Veronica, my sister, Eloisa, as well as Alex Guarnaschelli, Mark Bittman, Frank Prisinzano, Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarborough, Tara Maxey, Marco Canora, Ed Brown, Josh Tupper, and Dr. Michael Breus;
The exceptional members of “team Giada,” who are with me every step of the way as I tackle new frontiers: Julie Morgan, Sam Saboura, Lish Steiling, Ashley Reed, and Natasha Wynnyk;
And, as ever, thanks to Eric Greenspan, Jon Rosen, and Suzanne Gluck, for sage counsel and friendship in equal measures.