The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook
by Ina Garten, Martha Stewart
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Book Reviews of The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook
Book Review: Ava Gardner would have approved!
Summary: 5 Stars
This lavishly illustrated volume containing many stunning full-color photographs of finished dishes as well as locally grown produce strives for elegant simplicity and proves that good food need not be complicated. The dishes described are not difficult to prepare and require no special expertise or equipment. The author provides clearly written recipes that call for widely available ingredients. She knows that even standard dishes can benefit from fresh thinking and encourages inventiveness in the kitchen. This book would make a lovely gift for anyone who likes to entertain simply, naturally, and with style.Another book that I highly recommend is Sonia Uvezian's masterpiece, "Recipes and Remembrances from an Eastern Mediterranean Kitchen," which has to be one of the greatest ethnic cookbooks ever written. It too inspires innovation and brims with magnificent recipes suitable for entertaining that have consistently brought me raves from both family and guests. Uvezian's recipes for hummus with red pepper paste and for pomegranate wine punch are just two of the hundreds in her book that will bring you fame as a cook.
Book Review: A Gift for My Granddaughter
Summary: 5 Stars
When my granddaughter moved into her first apartment at college, a few weeks ago, she asked me for recipes for some favorite foods, as well as ideas for complete meals. After sending some of my own recipes, I saw the Barefoot Contessa's cookbook at amazon.com. What a perfect gift idea for my granddaughter whose favorite cook on the Food Network is Ina Garten!!!!Lauren was totally surprised when I gave her the book. Not only does it contain the favorite recipes of the Barefoot Contessa, but it also has ideas for complete meals. Since my granddaughter is just learning to cook, she has found this cookbook to be so helpful. The book is beautifully illustrated and contains recipes that are not too difficult for a 20-year-old beginning cook to follow. What a wonderful way to teach my granddaughter to cook and to prepare healthful meals.I am so pleased that this item was available at such a great price. In addition, I received the cookbook just 4 days after placing the order.(Just another product available at amazon.com which has proven to be a smart purchase.) Thank you for having such items available. Melanie Mabe, Point Pleasant, WVBook Review: GREAT RECIPES - DIETERS BEWARE!
Summary: 4 Stars
This book contains great recipes but for those who are conscious of their calorie intake, and many individuals are very health conscious these days, some of these recipes would blow your calorie intake for a week! However, if you feel the need to pamper yourself now and then, these recipes are certainly delicious. My personal favourite was the French Onion Soup and Lobster Potpie. While these recipes cater to the "party platter," it would have been a little extra plus to provide measurements for smaller servings (two to four servings) especially for those who enjoy the recipes but would prefer dinner for two as opposed to a "party platter." The idea of freezing what is left over is great if you have a large freezer space but not everyone has that option. Often, simply halving the ingredients, does not always give optimum results either.
As far as the recipes go, they are quite tasty, and there is such a variety here, you are almost certain to find something to please every taste - but a word of caution: watch the calories and butter if you are trying to restrict your intake.
Book Review: A must have!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a book that everyone should have in their collection. I have purchased at least three as gifts so far. It's become my party bible! I was preparing one of the recipes last December and had difficulty locating an ingredient. I phoned the store hoping one of the staff could help. Ina called me back! I was speechless for about a minute but was thrilled to talk with her. She is terrific and had wonderful advice. She seemed so flattered that I loved her book. (The pages are beginning to stick together from all the use it gets.) Everything I have tried has been wonderful. Lemon chicken, sugar snap peas with sesame, salmon salad, roasted carrots, veggie torte, oriental noodles...everything. I e-mailed her again recently with another question and she wrote back! (She's a real person who seems so thrilled that people take an interest in food and entertaining) She's working on another book due out in the spring. This one is will be sought after I assured her. Every time I use the book I enjoy the end result even more than the last.Book Review: I found another elegant cookbook that makes the best wedding present!
Summary: 5 Stars
I am an avid, but amateur chef and am getting married in Fall 05. I've been given a bunch of cookbooks. My favorite show on Food TV is the Barefoot Contessa . . . but my favorite cookbook so far, hands down, is called NOT ON LOVE ALONE by Jessie Carry Saunders. It has a friendly, intimate tone, and it feels like something written by a young woman for other young couples. Just like Ina Garten, the recipes are elegant and delicious without ever feeling fussy.
It has a friendly, appealing feel, like the author is in the kitchen with you, telling you stories about the recipes as she teaches you how to make them. Also, it's a super-high quality book -- it's a hard cover, the pages are nice and thick, and the watercolor illustrations on every page make the book seem like something you could display on your coffee table as easily as you could use it in the kitchen.
Like I said, I love the Barefoot Contessa, but if you want a similar style cookbook by a pretty young chef, my recommendation is NOT ON LOVE ALONE. Enjoy! :)