Much more attention gets paid to Rachael Ray and Paul Deen, but Ina Garten is another Food Network favorite that also has a new cookbook out. The Barefoot Contessa at Home: Everyday Recipes You'll Make Over and Over Again is her compilation of recipes that are short, easy are perfect when you want something tasty but don't really want to cook something elaborate. It's the Hamptons take on the same old theme of quick-fix meals, with some menu suggestions and grocery shopping tops thrown in. As always, Ina pays special attention to getting the best ingredients you can, which would certainly improve the quality of any quick-fix meal, though it doesn't make them quite as easy on the budget as some.
The important thing to consider about this particular book is whether you like Ina Garten or not. Her demeanor carries from the screen onto each page so if you are rubbed the wrong way, as a number of people are, by her on-screen personality, you might not enjoy the book quite as much. But if you like her upscale-casual manner, very generous use of butter and cream and the ever-present consideration for others that Ina always has, you'll probably enjoy it, from the Easy Cheese Danishes to Avocado BLTs and Chicken Pot Pie.
Cakes so amazing they'd be hard to cut into
Fruit juice: An invitation to diabetes?
Morbid thoughts? Have a cookie
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-02-2006 @ 8:48AM
Tara said...
Yeah I know what you mean on how many people are rubbed the wrong way... I've watched her show many times, mainly because what she makes usually looks devine, but her personality is kind of dry and almost forced. I would buy the cookbook though because her recipes are very good. Expensive, but good.
Reply
11-03-2006 @ 8:16AM
Josh said...
I own all of the Barefoot Contessa's cookbooks and just received this one in the mail a few days ago. It seems to be a little bit of a departure from previous works and includes recipes for things like Whiskey Sours, a healthier version of Lemon Cake (w/ yogurt), Tortilla Soup and Seared Tuna with Mango Chutney.
I can understand how she rubs some people the wrong way. I'm not sure how I would like her in a one-to-one interaction, but her recipes are tasty and easy. I think of her as a northeastern version of Paula Deen. My only gripe about her work is she places a considerable amount of emphasis on pleasing friends so they want to come back. I sincerely hope my friends like me for more than my cooking! :-)
Reply
11-05-2006 @ 4:30AM
jessica said...
i like her. her on-screen demeanor is just so relaxed. she doesn't try to sell you on one overriding aspect of her personality i.e. no over emphasized accent or fake cheerfulness. she makes classics that are suitable for company or for your family. she's just simple, plain and good and i appreciate that about her. it's a welcome departure from all of this hyped up foodnetwork stuff.
Reply
11-08-2006 @ 3:13PM
Mary said...
I am a huge fan of Ina Garten. I have all her cookbooks and just received the newest one. Every recipe I have made is delicious and comes out just perfectly. I love her laid back style and easy manner -- no rush or hype with this lady. She is very comfortable with herself and it definately shows she enjoys her work!
Reply
11-10-2006 @ 7:58PM
Terry Fenwick said...
Ina Garten is new to me as I have not watched cooking shows very
often. My husband just died this last May and we used to watch and
enjoy Julia - even her reruns but now that I am alone, I find it
good to watch the cooking channel to be hungry. Ina is truly a
delight! I love her food and I love her with Jeffrey. I have a lot of tears
when she cooks for him and says, "There are many women who would love
to cook for him." How right she is. Ina is also beautiful, warm and
welcoming. I feel I am sitting on a barstool on the other side
of her counter as she cooks and just having a little cooking lesson.
I TIVO her show day and night - never miss it - and I save many of
her shows - ALL of them with darling Jeffrey. Thanks, Ina!
Much love from the other coast. Terry
Reply