The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook
by Ina Garten, Martha Stewart
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Book Reviews of The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook
Book Review: Easy, fun, and delicious!
Summary: 5 Stars
Ina Garten is a master in the kitchen and in her specialty food store and she has transferred her talent into this cookbook. The recipes are easy to follow and easy to make from hummus to lemon chicken to her absolutely delicious raspberry tart she scores on every one.
One thing to note is how often she calls for fresh ingredients. I will concur on this point with another viewer in saying that if you skimp on these ingredients the meals will not taste exactly right.
This is a good cookbook for the beginner cook as well since the recipes are easy, straightforward and simple enough to understand. She even has in the beginning of the book pictures of what mince, chop, julienne, etc. are to her so you will be able to get it exactly right.
A great addition to any cookbook shelf!
Book Review: A great gift for a bride or housewarming
Summary: 5 Stars
Admittedly, I am a foodie. But if there's one thing I love more than food its cookbooks. In fact, I collect a cookbook from every city/region/country that I visit. And this is by far the most used cookbook on my shelf. Ina's emphasis on fresh, ripe ingredients and simple preparations make this a must-have for the French-cuisine enthusiast looking to actually spend time with guests and for the new bride alike. Get it. It will be the best ... you every spent on a cookbook. Make the roasted corn chowder (with extra bacon and scallions to crumple on top) then make the guacamole. I don't want to set expectations to high -- if you hate rosemary, you won't like the rosemary white bean soup. But if you like the basic ingredients, these simple, farm-fresh recipes are guaranteed to win you praise at the table.Book Review: New Year's Eve Party Perfect!
Summary: 5 Stars
I made four recipes from this book, not previously tried, for NY Eve party that night. Lemon chicken turned out delectable, but when paired with her Satay Sauce to dip the chicken in, superb flavors married together! And her signature cupcake: buttermilk made the cake close to wedding cake consistency, with sweet, flaked coconut in the batter plus added to the cream cheese icing. I put them in Tulip papers from King Arthur Flour Co. and sprinkled good "dust" from Wilton over the coconut floating on the creaminess of the icing. They looked and tasted magical. Everything was a total Hit. Preparation was very easy and nearly every ingreient was easily available. My belief in Ina was confirmed by my virgin voyage with her recipes and suggestions, making each of us winners. I highly recommend this treasure.Book Review: A beautiful cookbook, in need of slight revision
Summary: 3 Stars
I've used this book to prepare for several parties, and I found the recipes easy to follow and the results tasty. However, for a book focused on entertaining, one that suggests preparing as much as possible in advance, there are no specific directions on when to stop preparing, when to add finishing touches and reheat. (It took a LONG time for the refrigerated Parmesan Smashed Potatoes to get hot -- the whole dinner was delayed.) I am not a pro, and I need the advice. Books like Lora Brody's Entertaining Survival Guide are more useful, in giving advice on doubling the recipe, freezing, etc. This is an irritating oversight in such a beautiful book. The Indonesian Ginger Chicken took a lot of chopping of ginger and garlic to make the sauce and after all that effort tasted just like Teriyaki sauce.Book Review: Worth the calories!
Summary: 5 Stars
Although I would not reccommend this cookbook to some one on a low fat diet, (butter seems to be a main ingredient) it is great for easy entertaining. The recipes are easy to follow and I have yet to meet with failure! Although, I found the roasted potato fennel soup a bit bland. The roast chicken is a brainless staple in my house. The grilled lemon chicken with satay sauce is perfect summer party food. Crab cakes, spinich pie, turkey meatloaf, onion soup - you name it I have tried it, all to elegant and delicious results! The coconut cupcakes were to die for. They are not light and fluffy (with 5 eggs and half a pound of butter?) but dense like a moist chewy macaroon... yummy! I found that half of the frosting recipe is more than enough. Cook with the Contessa and diet tomarrow!