Barefoot Contessa Parties! Ideas and Recipes for Easy Parties by Ina Garten

Barefoot Contessa Parties! Ideas and Recipes for Easy Parties Reviews

• 
  Darth J

  
  
  The holidays are just around the corner and Ina has some great ideas for your parties and gatherings.
• 
  Gina

  I'm late to the Ina Garten party. It's only within the last year or so that I've made her recipes, starting with a previously reviewed cookbook. I'm sad that I didn't start making her recipes earlier considering all the delicious food I've been missing out on. I'm obviously trying to make up for lost time. Although still not a fan of her show, finding it pretentious and grating, her recipes have made me a true believer in her food.
  I made a lot out of this cookbook. For my typical cookbook reviews I may make 25 - 30% of the recipes, depending on the book total. I've made more than half of the ones in this. To be fair, there's a lot of filler in the beginning and throughout, and full page photography also fills a lot of space. i.e. There aren't as many recipes as the size would suggest. I'm not sure that matters given that every single thing I made was absolutely delicious (with 1 exception), and I've already made several recipes for the second time. The one exception was the Noodle Kugel, which wasn't sweet enough for what I think of as a kugel and had an off-putting texture. Yet, truly every single other thing was amazing. The beef brisket was perfectly seasoned and tender. The lemon bars were the best I've ever made (and I love a good lemon bar). I made the Asian Grilled Salmon and served it over the Roasted Vegetable Orzo Salad, and we couldn't stop eating it. Perfection! Even the simplest recipes like the Garlic Roasted Potatoes were somehow elevated through a detailed balance of flavors. The Spinach Au Gratin was a delicious addition to my Thanksgiving menu. And many more...
  So why not 5 stars? I'm tempted. But I found the wide variation in serving sizes, including what seems to be an inaccurate assessment of serving sizes, annoying. The cookbook is divided up by party occasion, with recipes listed by the occasion at which it should be served. i.e. Canoe trip, birthday party, football party, etc. Yet, the recipes within those groupings would vary widely by serving. One recipe may have 12 servings while another one 6. Not everything within each section seemed to go together well - more like suggestions rather than a menu - and the wide serving variation meant having to adjust recipes if I wanted to serve at the same time. For example, the salmon serves 6 but the orzo salad served 12. It made for varying amount of leftovers. This a picky thing on my part, but it was annoying when trying to menu plan and not waste food. I also found a few of the sauce recipes made significantly more sauce than needed for the accompanying dish. The gorgonzola sauce was divine, but I had a good bit left after finishing up the beef dish. The spinach au gratin claimed to serve 8, but with 5 lbs of frozen spinach and all the other ingredients, I served it at our dinner for 13 and still had lots of leftovers. It was amazing but rich, so smaller portions made for way more than 8 servings.
  My criticisms are minimal for what is overall an amazing cookbook. The simple recipes coupled with obviously stringent testing to get the seasoning just right makes this a great cookbook for both new and seasoned cooks. There are still recipes I plan to try from this one, but given how delicious everything I made was, it's already earned my good review.
• 
  Carol

  What can I say? I love everything Ina makes and so does my family. Lots of great ideas for parties where everyone gets delicious food but Ina also gives hints on how to be more than just a hostess but actually someone who can enjoy her guests.
• 
  Janis

  I really liked this cookbook. Besides some good, solid, basic recipes, I enjoyed Ina talking about throwing relaxed parties and making things simple enough to be a guest at your own party. Since I worry so much when I entertain this will be really helpful to me.
• 
  Julie H.

  Trawling back through cookbooks looking for some fun ideas I've not made in a while during this COVID-19 situation. What a pleasant surprise to revisit this book, looking for ideas for hors d'oeuvres for tomorrow afternoon's virtual happy hour, and I see that the Barefoot Contessa is suggesting that we might want to focus on the beverage--as she got a couple of different margarita recipes here.
  But look, she's suggesting a few nice things to bake for breakfasts. Oh, and that might make a lovely dessert. But ah, for happy hour--I'm thinking we've got the beverage covered but may need to look a little further for the go-with given that we're working with what's already at hand.
  
  In the spirit of keeping things light, all hail Ina Garten and check out her hilarious video (if you've not already seen it) at
  https://www.insider.com/ina-garten-ma...
• 
  Jen

  Dare I say this is one of my favorite cookbooks ever published. I have make numerous recipes from this book and they always exceed my expectations. They're always a cut above the rest in terms of taste and presentation- they sometimes require a little extra effort to gather just the right ingredients, but it is always worthwhile. Definitely a must-have book if you like to entertain.
• 
  Suzanne

  Every time I make something from this book for a party, it's a huge success. Recipes are really easy to follow (sometimes a little time consuming). A great addition to any kitchen.
• 
  Victoria

  This book started it all for me when I was gifted with it over a decade ago. Now I have all her books and wait impatiently for the next! Beautiful photography and I enjoy reading all her tips and stories. From the White House to owning a specialty food store - inspiring or what!?
  She is witty and the recipes are not fussy but demand quality ingredients. I love how almost everything starts with a stick of butter.
  
  If you are looking for a cookbook where you won’t have to hunt down pretentious ingredients, want honest good food, you cannot go wrong here or with with any of her cookbooks. Barefoot Contessa are often my ‘go to’ for everyday cooking as well as entertaining. Cheers!
• 
  Linda Wallace

  This cookbook was given to me as a gift. I really didn’t need another cookbook, but having watched & enjoyed Ina Garten ‘s cooking show, I thought I’d give it a read. I enjoyed her little narratives at the beginning of each recipe section. Not only does she enjoy cooking, but enjoys entertaining & likes to,enjoy her guests. Although I have not tried any of the recipes, I will in the future, most have ready available ingredients and are not too complicated . I will not be making the recipes involving caviar.
  Overall a decent cookbook.
• 
  Sepi

  I checked out this book based on a recommendation. The book has some great ideas but it doesn't match my lifestyle. I was hoping for short cuts, and easier fare.
• 
  Rachel Schultz

  Her best cookbook
• 
  Judy Zeh

  I have all of her cookbooks and love them all. She has a way of making difficult, easy. I started to mark the recipes I want to try but soon realized I want to try just about all of them.
• 
  Joan

  Great idea book & recipes
• 
  Correen

  This is my favorite of her books.
• 
  AngelaC

  Went straight out and bought ingredients for the pork loin & Veg plus Martha’s sautéed cabbage. SO GOOD.
• 
  Lola

  As always, wonderful in this contemporary with no fantastic or elements but a surprise in the ending!
• 
  Kimberly Ann

  Oh my, I open to the Contents and what do I see? I see three margaritas staring at me!
  
  The book is easy to read, the recipes for the most part are simple to prepare, the ingredients are easy to find, the photographs are large and appetizing in appearance. Each menu title page give the number of people to be fed as well as dishes that will be served.
  
  I was unimpressed w/ her Fireside Dinner for two, there were two dishes.... For something so "cozy" I'd not have chosen Vegetable pot pie & double chocolate pudding.....
  
  Contents:
  Introduction: "I've always wanted to give great parties....."
  Spring: Sunday Breakfast; Pizza Party; Jewish Holiday; & Academy Awards
  Summer: Canoe Trip; Lunch in the Garden; Happy Birthday; & Outdoor Grill
  Autumn: Football Party; Autumn Dinner; Not Thanksgiving; & Afternoon Tea
  Winter: New Year's Day; snow Day; Valentine's Dinner; & Fireside Dinner
  Credits
  Index
  
  Recipes include, but are not limited to:
  
  Roasted Asparagus w/ scrambled eggs; sour cream coffee cake; tropical smoothies; Eli's Health bread; & two types of "butter"
  
  California pizzas & Ice cream sodas
  
  Chopped liver (what would the holiday be without?); Chicken soup w/ matzo balls, Brisket w/ carrots & onions; & Noodle kugel
  
  Smoked salmon w/ mesclun (greens); Filet of beef w/ Gorgonzola sauce; & Garlic roasted potatoes
  
  Oven roasted fruit; Sauteed asparagus & snap peas; Grilled leg of lamb; & Tzatziki (Greek yogurt dip)
  
  Real margaritas (no sweet & sour just lemon & lime juice); Spaghettoni al pesto; Grilled shrimp w/ mango salsa; & peach raspberry shortcakes
  
  Potato pancakes w/ caviar; Salad w/ warm goat cheese; & Orzo w/ roasted vegetables
  
  Spinach gratin; Perfect roast turkey; & Plum tart
  
  Lemon bars; Orange chocolate chunk cake; Herbed goat cheese sandwiches; Lime curd; & shortbread cookies w/ dragees (them hard sweet little silver balls)
  
  Seafood chowder; Fennel soup gratin; Chicken chili; & Hot mulled cider
  
  Sauteed cabbage (Martha Stewart taught her this, don't you know); Roast loin pork w/ fennel; Vegetable pot pie; & Double chocolate pudding
• 
  Debby

  I finally have this cookbook to make a complete set of Ina's cookbooks. When I first discovered the BC's show on Food Network, I thought she was so booooooooring. But, as time went on, I realized that the majority of her recipes aren't that difficult to make. So, I started making them. Often. They always turned out great! Okay, so she's from "The Hamptons" and La-Tee-Da. I still like her. Granted, some of her recipes have expensive ingredients. But, not all of them. I try to use "good" ingredients, whenever possible. I think Ina will forgive me if I cheat once in a while.
  So this book. I've come to realize, that when I entertain, I morph into some sort of Martha Stewart on Steroids. Every single thing has to be from scratch. I slave away, freaking out that everything needs to be ready on time. It has to be the right temperature. Then, I realized. Why am I such a perfectionist? My family knows I love to cook and bake. They know that whatever I serve is something they will enjoy, because I cook with love and dedication. This book reminds me that I need to re-think how I entertain. I can make very simple things, make them look pretty (I'm not very decor gifted, but I got a lot of ideas from the beautiful pictures.) For Easter, I'm going to refer to this book for some great ideas on what to make. I do want to be as much fun, as the hostess, as my family and guests are. I'm glad I bought this book (bargain hunt of $4). I always enjoy Ina's personal stories with each chapter. Sure, she's living a very privileged life-- but she worked hard for it! I would love to have the chance to meet her, for sure. She might seem pretentious to some people but I find her cooking and baking recipes to be very doable. Just read the directions, and it'll turn out great. Like I said, she's pretty much a guarantee that the recipe works.
• 
  Cxun Cxun

  I love how she loves to enjoy cooking and actually eating with people. She cooks with her hands. It's a big mess -- measuring with handfuls and pinches rather than measuring cups... She has a TV show, but her brand is very much PRE-TV. I love her cookbooks. She's NOT a food writer. She's great a setting out how to throw a party or take a fattening cake over to your best friend to each together. She does not care about calories or butter. An antidote to current culture and it's baffling science of what's good and not good for you. Also an antidote to the idea that all your vitamins and minerals can be injected into Gatorade or Protein Bars. How many of us think we might need anti-oxydents and pro-biotics and can't find them anywhere in our kitchen; it must be they are only found inside a thing you can eat for $5.00 a serving or thereabouts. She's into carrots and pudding and chocolate and creamy old yoghurt you can make like we did in the 70's before there was Dannon. Dannon -- who remembers that? As far as I can tell, the only product supporting the Greek economy is their yoghurt... but it's not the yoghurt we eat in Greece. That yoghurt is amazing and made with goat milk and has the vague smell of scruffy hillside with a whisper of turd. THAT's something the Barefoot Contessa would not have us shy from.
• 
  Lindsey

  Here's the deal with the barefoot contessa.... her recipes are very hit or miss. I do love her regardless though. I love her show, attitude and passion for food. Her other books are better than this, but this was the first one I owned and the one made me fall in love with her. Best recipes: carrot cake cupcakes, lemon cake, popovers, pasta pesto & peas, filet w/gorgonzola and few others look great but I haven't tried.
• 
  Bonnie Elise

  "Real Simple" magazine asked readers for books they return to when they need an uplifting read. Surprsingly, one reader included this book. I checked it out from our library and really enjoyed it. Lots of delicious recipes of course. Nice background and personal experiences shared. If you like Ina Garten - you'll really enjoy this book. I might get myself a copy as well!
• 
  Meredith

  "The most important thing about giving parties is to stay very, very cool."
  "It doesn't matter whether you offer meat loaf or filet of beef at your parties; what matters is that it's the best you can make it and that you serve it with style."
  "A good party is not about the food, it's about the people."
• 
  Deborah

  Plan to make the Rack of Lamb for your next mini holiday--it has amazing stage presence when dressed up with sprigs of rosemary. It looks fabulous as a star of the show on any buffet. Your guests will never forget it...
• 
  Liz

  This cookbook wasn't as useful to me as the others, but I love a few of the recipes, esp. the orzo with roasted vegetables and the spinach gratin, which I make all the time. Has anyone made the plum tart?
• 
  Kate

  I made a couple dishes from this with rave reviews. It is nice to tuck away new entertaining ideas from someone other than Martha Stewart, too. Ina's recipes are not necessarily low-fat, but they are yummy and do-able.
• 
  April Sotomayor

  Did you know Ina Garten worked in the Office of Management and Budget during the Nixon era - writing the budget for nuclear energy?! The recipes so far look very intriguing too...I think this is going on my Christmas wishlist.