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Summary: The Best Cookbook Ever.....
Review: As a self described cookaholic and avid cookbook collector and reader, I was amazed that I was amazed at the innovative and easy recipies contained in this book. I entertain often and even cater an occasional party for friends and family and I have used virtually every recipe in this book. Ina has a way of making things simple yet tasty. Her recipies are clear and concise and the clever kitchen tips she gives are priceless. I have always been one to "doctor" a recipe to my liking but I have found that with these recipies, no doctoring is needed. Even when the ingredient list is minimal as in the Indonesian Ginger Chicken or the Roasted Carrots, I am surprised at how so few ingredients can pack so much flavor (this is the only way I prepare carrots now as my husband loves them this way). Even the more lengthy ingredient list are well worth the time and effort, the Satay Dip has become a refrigerator staple as my 18 month old son dips everything from chicken to celery stalks in it. The Roasted Potato and Fennel Soup is sublime as well as the decadent Coconut Cupcakes. I gave this book to my sister for Christmas and her inlaws have not stopped raving about the Turkey Meatloaf and Parmasean Smashed Potatoes that she prepared. I have over 200 cookbooks in my collection, yet this is the one that I use every week. It is a wonderful addition to any kithcen librairy, if only for the glorious photographs.
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Summary: A Christmas Story!
Review: This cook book was everything I was looking for in gift giving this past Christmas. I purchased it for a friend at Christmas time. But before I could get it wrapped, my Mother had it out of the bag and was reading it, then my Sister In-Law had it in her room. I finally tracked it down in time to wrap it! But before my friend could even open the cover her Sister had taken it from under the Christmas Tree and asked to borrow it over the Chirstmas weekend! Now I am buying three more, one for each of the browsers who had to give the book up.What I love most about the book is that the recipies are easy to follow and the photographs are a delight to the eye. Both cook and cookbook browser will be more than satisfied with this masterpiece in presentation!
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Summary: better meals
Review: After years of cooking 'kid' meals I decided to have a dinner party for adults on New Years Eve. I made the lobster pot pie substituting whole scallops instead. It was perfect - a little problem with the crust resolved after adding water. Tonight I fed my 16 year old the roasted brussel sprouts and she ate them all up. I wish I had raised my children with this cookbook. Thanks
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Summary: My Favorite Cookbook!
Review: This book is absoultely sublime! Everything I have made has turned out wonderful -- the lemon chicken as a entree has become an often-requested part of my repertoire. I also make the coconut cupcakes for myself on my birthday every year. Those are just my favorites; buy this book and discover your own!
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Summary: my favorite cookbook
Review: Just the right amount of text and pictures, everything I have cooked (about 20 recipes now) has been enjoyed and recipes requested, just be careful about the big portions. Will wait for the day when another cookbook can woo me away!
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Summary: The best party foods yet!
Review: Have made hummus for years, but this recipe is absolutely the best lemony one yet. Made it for an office party and have 3 requests for the recipe. The sun-dried tomato dip is also very pretty and delicious. The roasted carrots are a very simple and tasty side dish for any dinner. All the recipes are uncomplicated and just perfect. The cooking magazines should take some lessons from the success of this cookbook. This is what people really want - excellent flavors without the hassle.
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Summary: Love it!
Review: I love this book. It is a wonderful read for those of you who (like me) take cookbooks to bed for nighttime reading. So far I've been pleased with everything I've tried. They are elegant, yet relatively easy to prepare. Nothing yet has called for some obscure ingredient I can't find in Oklahoma, or a skill I don't already have. Be sure to try the Baked Virginia Ham and Coconut Cupcakes. It's also inspiring. I'm always encouraged to read about people who take the road less traveled and venture into areas where they have absolutely no expertise, just because it's something they always wanted to do. Her willingness to take a risk, and dedication has brought life to her dream. My hat is off to Ina.
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Summary: Three recipes did not work!!
Review: While I am not a gourmet, I am a pretty good cook and three recipes I tried did not come out well. the crabcakes had too much liquid, the turkey meatloaf was not very flavorful and the texture was leaden, and the onion dip was just plain bad!! The recipes all look good in the photos, but I will not waste time and money trying any more. anyone interested in a second hand book?
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Summary: A great gift for a bride or housewarming
Review: 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.
Rating: 
Summary: A beautiful cookbook, in need of slight revision
Review: 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.
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