The Missoni family opens up its kitchen in a new cookbook

Italian knitwear brand Missoni releases its family recipes in a handsome new cookbook.

(Image credit: Missoni)

last updated 29 August 2022

Francesco Maccapani Missoni (the son of the eponymous fashion house’s creative director Angela Missoni) collects family recipes, and as it turns out, its cuisine is just as singular as its style. Now, the knights of knitwear have swapped the atelier for the kitchen for a new family cookbook dedicated to home-styled Italian favourites.

‘Missoni food makes my soul smile,’ says musician (and longtime Missoni kitchen table regular) Quincy Jones in the introduction. Just as wrapping yourself in the lightning-stripes of a colourful Missoni cardigan on a summer evening, Missoni food gives you an unpretentious hug. It beats with colour, familiarity, locale. It changes, much like a new collection, with the seasons.

‘Gnocchi Verdi’ – spinach and ricotta gnocchi, Missoni family recipe — *‘Gnocchi Verdi’– spinach and ricotta gnocchi.*

The cookbook features a repertoire of recipes so well rehearsed they have a word-of-mouth quality to the way they are written; they drip like olive oil from the writer’s pen, and are interspersed with photo-album snaps, cooking notes, and anecdotes from family members. One of our favourites: ‘A colourful table dressing is always a good start.’

The masters of zig-zag have swapped their signature pattern for eye-catching red-and-white checkerboard on the front cover, though the storied criss-crossing design wiggles its way through the collection of recipes: thrown nonchalantly across tables, encircling the rim of a porcelain plate. This is food photography with traditional Missoni whim and eclecticism.

Expect crisp spring salads (the ‘Asparagus a la Milanese’ is of particular note), and no-expense-spared desserts – don’t miss the Missonis’ ‘One and Only’ chocolate pudding. Most of all, expect to be warmed, happy – and full.

Missoni recipes for ‘Insalata di Cicoria e Cipolle Rosse’ and ‘Cetroli con Yogurt ‘“Tzatziki”’ — Left, ‘Insalata di Cicoria e Cipolle Rosse’ – chicory leaf and red onion salad. Right, ‘Cetroli con Yogurt ‘“Tzatziki”’ – salted cucumbers with yogurt ‘Tzatziki’.

Photograph of the Missoni family outdoors having a meal — ‘We love the outdoors, no matter the weather’ – the Missoni family at a picnic.

Missoni recipes for ‘The One and Only Budino’ and ‘Spicchi di Arance e Pompelmo’ — Left, ‘The One and Only Budino’ – the Missonis’ one and only chocolate pudding. Right, ‘Spicchi di Arance e Pompelmo’ – sweet orange and grapefruit salad.

Missoni recipes for ‘Insalata di Pollo con Soncino’ and ‘Groppetti con Gremolata’ — Left, ‘Insalata di Pollo con Soncino’ – dressed chicken and lamb’s lettuce salad. Right, ‘Groppetti con Gremolata’ – veal twists with gremolata.

INFORMATION

The Missoni Family Cookbook, published by Assouline. Two recipes from the Missoni family cookbook will feature exclusively on the menu at Daphne’s restaurant in Chelsea, London from May 2018

Elly Parsons is the Digital Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees Wallpaper.com and its social platforms. She has been with the brand since 2015 in various roles, spending time as digital writer – specialising in art, technology and contemporary culture – and as deputy digital editor. She was shortlisted for a PPA Award in 2017, has written extensively for many publications, and has contributed to three books. She is a guest lecturer in digital journalism at Goldsmiths University, London, where she also holds a masters degree in creative writing. Now, her main areas of expertise include content strategy, audience engagement, and social media.

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