Barefoot Contessa Parties! Ideas and Recipes for Easy Parties That Are Really Fun by Ina Garten Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Barefoot Contessa Parties! Ideas and Recipes for Easy Parties That Are Really Fun
Book Review: CHARLES DICKENS AND JANE AUSTEN WOULD HAVE LOVED YOU!
Summary: 5 Stars
Sometimes it's hard to plan a get-together where people enter a room and enjoy themselves with good food and drink and fine conversation. Authors such as Charles Dickens and Jane Austen wrote extensively about people who got together at parties where foods and drinks were served, and wonderful conversation ensued; perhaps that's what every host and hostess would love to hear at their parties. Reading books such as Barefoot Contessa Parties! and The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook make me grateful that someone like Ina Garten took the time to figure out how an average homemaker can create nice parties where the food is not only delicious but comfortable to assemble and enjoy with friends. Before I read the book, it wasn't easy even to prepare a brunch for eight, but with sensible ideas, I can offer guests something different without trying the "omelettes for individuals", as Ina once did. Ina's Chinese Chicken Salad with the delicious peanut sauce is already in my refrigerator, as is the noodle pudding (rich and delicious). I loved the idea of pre-oiling and pre-heating the pan before creating homemade potato chips, and the Asian Grilled Salmon was a winner. Just think what 19th century authors would have accomplished if they were privy to your parties... Thanks to you and your terrific staff! What would I do without you? Sincerely, RobinBook Review: Fun but intimidating
Summary: 2 Stars
She's a lively writer and her general attitude (don't work so hard that you nod off during the main course) is surely welcome. But there's little here for those of moderate means. Can you afford beef tenderloin for eight? And who eats this much, anyway? If you've got more splash than cash, try Prue Leith's Dinner Parties.Book Review: Ina-Thank you for another great cook book !
Summary: 5 Stars
I had planned to try a few more recipes before writing a review. But after making and eating 2 of the Chocolate Chunk Cookies that are photographed on the back cover of "Barefoot Contessa Parties" it's apparent that anyone who is thinking of buying this book should quickly do so. The cookies are great, they remind me of the kind that were made by a company 'David's Cookies'. Only Ina's are better.Yummm. Or as my 6 year old son Alex has just said,"They are extremely super." Last night I made the Brisket recipe but had to exchange water plus ketshup for tomatoe juice - no time to get back to the store. The results were a major success. Alex who has always refused my previous brisket attempts devoured slice after slice. As did my husband and our 10 year old. Tonight will be the vegetable pie recipe. Ina has written an introduction that clearly states the best parties are the ones you can easily prepare for and then happily join your guests. There are four Chapters:Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Fall. Each chapter has 4 menu planners with a brief introduction story ( filled with tips and personal info.for each menu). Each of the various menu's have easy to prepare recipes that are up to Ina's superior standards. I plan on testing them all. Hope she writes the next one within a year. Personally I enjoy her positive attitude that is clear in each of her many and varied recipes.Book Review: She's done it again!!!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
She's done it again! This is a beautiful book just as her first one was. I've cooked nearly every recipe in the first Barefoot Contessa cookbook and all of them work! They're delicious. The kind of recipes that you cook for years and years and not just because it looks interesting. I ran out to the bookstore yesterday and bought this book and the recipes look fabulous. Her commentaries are also entertaining to read and helpful. And, I can't believe it, but she included a recipe for a lemon cake in this new book that I noticed in one of the pictures from her first cookbook. I was positive that it wasn't worth chasing after when I saw the picture but it was such a treat to find it in this new one. It'll be the first thing I try!Book Review: Just as wonderful as the first book
Summary: 5 Stars
I couldn't wait to purchase this book. I wasn't disappointed either. The recipes are clear and straight forward. Ina Garten gives wonderful ideas for all sorts of different get togethers. This is one that anyone who enjoys cooking, baking and just reading cookbooks should get.