The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook

Rating:
Summary: How good can food get?
Review: For a non-traditional Thanksgiving, we made the Crab Cakes straight from the book and served them with traditional side-dishes! What an absolute surprise! Not only did the house smell like heaven while they were cooking, but they completely melted in our mouths. I have never enjoyed cooking from a cookbook as much as I enjoy this one.

Rating:
Summary: magnificent
Review: I had people for dinner a few nights ago, and no one can stop talking about the wonderful results. I tried the Indonesian Ginger Chicken, and it sure was tasty. I followed her easy directions, and marinated the chicken overnight-- which is a real lifesaver, since you're not in the kitchen, seasoning, while everyone else is gossiping in the living room. I love recipes where you can prepare ahead, and just pop them in the oven when you want to eat. That seems to be the focus of Ina's book-- have fun with whomever you're entertaining, while a scrumptous meal cooks in the oven. The only thing I would do differently with the Ginger chicken is to buy pre-minced garlic and ginger. Doing it yourself takes forever because of how much is called for in the recipe. All in all, I think this book is terrific, and I've read through each recipe many times, simply imagining the tastes and looks of the food. It's so well put together, and I think Ina owes much of the book's success to the wonderful photography. This is the kind of cookbook you pick up to read just for fun, even if you're not planning to use it that day. Great job! Buy this now!

Rating:
Summary: Cooking Away
Review: Many thanks to the reader from Memphis who said the frosting recipe made too large a quantity -- I made the Coconut Cupcakes and 1/2 the recipe of frosting, and it was just enough. Delicious. I also tried the Turkey Meatloaf, cutting the recipe in 1/3 since there's only 2 of us. That also was tasty, but I still prefer my meatloaf made with beef. Anxious to try the other recipes.

Rating:
Summary: A Great Gourmet Cookbook for someone who doesn't cook alot!
Review: I made those brownies for my husbands job (they were having international week) and everyone loved them. I also made the eggplant dip which my inlaws cleaned up nicely on. It was pretty popular, I made it with the croutons. And I was thinking of making the indon. chicken, and the buttercream cake for desert...but I am not sure. But EVERTHING I have made so far has come out magnificant. Go and buy it on Amazon, I did. It's an awesome book for company.

Rating:
Summary: Everyone will want to know where you got the recipe!
Review: I purchsed this book simply beceause I liked the review I stumbled upon. I can honestly say that I am forever thankful. Everyone who has had a dish prepared from the book has asked for the recipe. I am planning on sending three copies out for Christmas alone. The recipes vary from simple and short to more structured and time consuming with more exotic ingredients and spices. Even a novice can follow their directions and be pleased with the results. This is one of those cookbooks that will appear in many a kitchen and for good reason.

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful presentation and appealing simplicity
Review: We all fantasize occasionally about living the life of the rich and leisured in fabulous places like the Hamptons. So it's wonderful to be able to create the food they devour at their posh get-togethers for our own families and guests. This book is beautifully photographed and its layout is easy to use.The recipes have a simplicity about them that is very appealing. I made the Outrageous Brownies--with all that butter, vanilla and chocolate, they weren't cheap, but the recipe makes a huge pan. And it gave me a good excuse to buy a high quality half-sheet pan from Williams Sonoma! Only a raving lunatic would cut them into 20 pieces as the recipe states. They're far too rich. I cut them into 48, and they're still good-sized brownies that let you know you've been fed. Most of them went to my college-age daughter for finals week, where I'm sure they'll be scarfed down with enthusiasm. Made the Indonesian Ginger Chicken last night. It was a spur of the moment decision, so the chicken did not marinate overnight as the recipe directs, but it was still great and very easy. I chopped the garlic in the food processor and would do the same with the ginger when I make it again. Also note--unlike most in the book, it's a low fat recipe, with no added fat in the marinade ingredients. My meat and potatoes husband loved it, and I didn't tell him it was healthy! I'm looking forward to trying many other recipes, especially as the holidays approach.

Rating:
Summary: This is the Ultimate Cookbook
Review: This cookbook was an impulse buy for me from reading the great reviews. It was well worth ordering has become my favorite book! The desserts are incredible and make alot, especially if you cut smaller pieces. I've tried cutting down fat in some recipes with great success, but for special occasions or when you want to dazzle guests, don't change a thing. This book is perfect!

Rating:
Summary: This cookbook is absolutely delicious and foolproof.
Review: The Barefoot Contessa cookbook is beautiful and begs you to try each and every one of its recipes. I have never enjoyed a cookbook more and continue to recommend it to everyone.

Rating:
Summary: Okay, okay, who needs another brownie recipe?
Review: You do. The pan called for is a half-sheet pan, so you might have to buy it. But it's worth it. I'm not kidding. I wouldn't have thought about making a different recipe from the one I usually use, but my friend who is a pastry chef, told me these were great. She wasn't kidding. Follow the directions EXACTLY. Everything else I've tried is fabulous too. But the brownie recipe is worth the price of admission.

Rating:
Summary: LOVELY COOKBOOK, EASY RECIPES
Review: As I sit here, I am finishing up one of Ina's recipes -- "Raspberry Corn Muffins". They were so easy to make, looked exactly like the picture, and tasted fantastic. My husband even had one for dinner the first night I made them! I also made the granola, which came out beautifully. As a vegetarian, I usually only buy meat-free cookbooks, but this book is a work of art. I plan to try another recipe very soon. Thanks, Ina!