Il Talismano della Felicità

The Talisman of Happiness—or Il Talismano della Felicità—is more than a cookbook; for generations of Italians, it has been the definitive manual of the domestic arts. First published in 1928 by Ada Boni, it was conceived as a comprehensive guide for the modern kitchen, blending French technique with the soulful regional traditions of the Italian peninsula.

A complete English edition is newly available, faithfully preserving Boni’s authoritative yet encouraging voice. From foundational soffritto to elaborate holiday roasts, these recipes serve as a "talisman" for the home, offering a timeless bridge between Italy’s rustic past and the modern table.

For our potluck, please choose a recipe from The Talisman of Happiness. Let us know what dish or dishes you plan to bring in the comments for this event.

If your RSVP includes +1 guest, please plan to bring at least two dishes from the cookbook. The target number of attendees and dishes is 12.

We ask that you only RSVP if you fully plan to show up. If fate deems you must change your plans, please update your RSVP as soon as you are certain. We want members on the waitlist to have time to prepare.

Please do not join the waitlist unless you plan to be ready to take up the opportunity to join us when it arises. A half-hearted choice to sign up but expect it "won't happen anyway" spoils things for the next member up.

If you choose to join the waitlist, please be assured that about twelve days prior to the potluck, whoever has had an RSVP the longest without letting us know what they plan to prepare will be moved to the "not going" list in favor of members on the waitlist. Please post what you would like to prepare around that time.

You need to be able to receive Meetup emails or you will miss important messages. In Meetup settings > email updates, look for the toggle that lets you choose what emails you get group-by-group. Make sure the Seattle Cookbook Club "event updates from organizers" is toggled on.

I ask that guests to my home have their true identity in their member profile - a photograph that looks like you and a name you prefer to be called.

Please send a direct message if you have specific questions or concerns.