The Busy Mom’s Cookbook Review & Interview with Antonia Lofaso

Chef Antonia Lofaso understands what it’s like to get dinner on the table and be a busy mom.  And she’s written a cookbook all about it!

Television audiences first met celebrity chef Antonia Lofaso in 2008 on season four of Bravo’s hit show, “Top Chef.” Two years later, Antonia returned to Bravo to compete on “Top Chef All-Stars,” where she fought her way to the finals. With that same skill and determination, she’s now building a brilliant career that exceeds her own expectations; and she’s doing it all while balancing the pursuit of her professional dreams and the demands of single parenthood.

Soon after graduating from the acclaimed French Culinary Institute, Antonia landed a coveted position in the kitchen of Wolfgang Puck’s famed Spago in Beverly Hills. Later, served as executive chef for the launch of the Los Angeles supper club.  In addition to her restaurant and television experience, Antonia has served as private chef throughout her career to many of Hollywood’s A-list elite. She currently serves as executive chef for Black Market Liquor Bar, also in Los Angeles.

A collection of Lofaso’s favorite go-to meals, The Busy Mom’s Cookbook includes everything from breakfast items like Lemon Crepes, Customized Mini-Frittatas, and the Best Blueberry Muffins to stress-free, delicious dinners such as Spicy Chicken Gumbo, Baked Penne with Three Cheeses, and Grilled Fish Tacos with Cilantro Cabbage.  She even tackles the brown bag lunch with choices that the other kids will envy, including Jasmine Brown Rice Stir-Fry and Honey-Yogurt Chicken Pita Pockets.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Antonia, and she was delightful!  She gave great information and tips, as well as a couple recipes, so be sure to watch the interview.  She stressed the importance of gathering around the table as a family, which I am a firm believer.  And she proves that getting dinner on the table can be quick, easy, and delicious!  The Busy Mom’s Cookbook is absolutely beautiful!  Aside from the delicious recipes in the book, it also includes Seven Truths About the Busy Mom, Seven Rules for the Busy Mom’s Kitchen, and a list of the basics that Antonia recommends every mom have in her kitchen.  The recipes are simple to make and don’t take a lot of time.  And isn’t that what we want as moms?  If you’re a busy mom (or dad!) on the go, you’re not going to want to miss out on this cookbook!

You can buy Antonia Lofaso’s book, The Busy Mom’s Cookbook, from Amazon.  It retails for $28.00.

Thanks to Antonia for taking the time to answer my questions and give the readers at A Mom’s Take some great ideas!

Disclosure: I received The Busy Mom’s Cookbook in exchange for this interview & my honest review. I was not compensated in any other manner. The opinions expressed above are my own and any claims should be verified on the sponsor’s site.