 |
Book Reviews of The Barefoot Contessa CookbookBook Review: Recycled Martha? Summary: 5 Stars
Not sure what the reviewer below meant, but I assume he/she didn't know that Ina was responsible for most of Martha Stewarts recipes -- at least the good ones (she did work for Martha for a long time, you know, before starting her own thing.) I don't claim to know who should get complete credit for this book, but Ina's not a Martha wannabe or ripoff. She's just a former co-worker who created some of the best things that were ever attached to Martha's name (you surely don't think Martha does that stuff in between insider trading do you?)I think her stuff is pretty terrific and love the comfort food angle to gourmet leaning dinners and party food. In spite of what you might expect from a middle aged New England white woman, she downplays all the high end charateristics of food and makes things as simple and comforting as can be. Comfort is what her food and this book is primarily about.
Book Review: Garten is a Gourmet Guru for Common and Uncommon folk Summary: 5 Stars
I cook, a lot. My friends cook, alot. I really dread trying to buy cookbooks on line, hoping that they are worth not only the shelf space but the shipping and handling. I recieved this cookbook a year ago but never really explored it. I made one or two dishes, all were delicious, but until recently I had not delved into its pages. Wow. what a treat. Kind of like finding forgotten money in your pant pocket.I strongly encourage people to try the swordfish,carrots, fennel, beef bouruigon, banana muffins--I could go on and on. Every recipe is a crowd pleaser and they are easy. Garten's recipes involve fresh ingredients--most of which you already have on hand-- that are simply cooked with surprising twists. The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook is a must have for all aspiring and inspiring cooks. Makes a great gift and is a valuable addition to every cook's collection regardless of expertise.
Book Review: Great Food in No Time at All! Summary: 5 Stars
I have recently become a fan of The Barefoot Contessa (Ina Garten) and wanted to own one of her lavishly illustrated coffee table cookbooks. I checked them all out of my local library and settled on this, her first book--not because it is better, but because it contains more of the recipes I am interested in. The photos are lovely, directions easy to follow and taste is superb, plus they are not time consuming to prepare.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who just wants a better way to roast a chicken, make delicious French Onion Soup, roast vegetables and more. Be sure to try the fresh corn salad. Yummy!
Ina offers many helpful entertaining, decorating and shopping tips as well. You can't go wrong with this book.
The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook
Book Review: Gorgeous! Wonderful! Summary: 5 Stars
I love this cookbook and it is very well-used in my house. Garten's recipes are wonderfully elegant but essentially most are very uncomplicated.There are very few recipes that intimidate me and I think that is due to her great style and her desire to make simple food GREAT! While the food is considered upscale it is not difficult for the average cook to make successfully. I really appreciate the use of fresh foods and many things that I have on hand on a regular basis. I have given this as gifts to three people and they all love it. One cookbook was for my daughter who is very young and a real novice cook. Even she found these recipes simple and easy to make, not ambitious at all as some reviewers have suggested. I love all the gorgeous photos and the author's cooking hints are invaluable, even to someone like myself who has 35 years of cooking experience!
Book Review: This One's A Keeper! Summary: 5 Stars
I can't say enough about this wonderfully illustrated, masterfully written cookbook. Before I got married, I didn't cook at all. After our wedding, my husband and I entertained quite a bit and always chose recipes that left me stressed when my quests arrived. Then I found The Barefoot Contessa and fell in love. The recipes are easy and delicious. I've tried about 20 of the recipes so far and have loved all of them. Be sure to use fresh ingredients - and the best quality you can afford - it really make a difference! The quantities are very large, so watch out if you're just cooking for the family - you may need to size down the recipe. Some of my favorites are the brownies, pecan bars, meat loaf, hummus, sun-dried tomato dip and the banana crunch muffins. Don't pass this one up - it's the only cookbook in my collection that gets used every week!
More Customer Reviews: First Review ‹ 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 ›
|
 |