First I will say I love cookbooks! Secondly, Ina Garten has been a favorite of mine for so long now I can’t even remember when I first saw her. I watch her religiously on the Food Network channel whenever she’s on. This may sound odd, but for me she has a comforting nature. When I watch her show I’m just relaxed and really enjoying watching her putting together her recipes in that easy way that she has.
This latest cookbook of hers is fabulous. First of all it’s a beautiful book from the front cover to the wonderful pictures of the recipes themselves inside the book. The photos are bright, vivid and inviting and definitely have your mouth watering! The book is separated into sections like breakfast, lunch, dinner and my most favorite-desserts.
Ina’s introduction to this edition is great and not to be bypassed on your way to the recipes. Here’s a quote from Ina that I really think sums up her cooking style, “I don’t see why we can’t buy perfectly good ingredients in a grocery store, cook them simply, and serve an absolutely delicious meal that will delight everyone at the table”. This is one thing I really enjoy about using Ina’s recipes-she takes ordinary ingredients that I can get at my local store and she doesn’t make it a complicated process for someone to put them together into a tasty and wonderful meal. The recipes in this book are very easy to follow and most don’t include a list of ingredients that is so long that you’re scared to even contemplate trying it out.
A few recipes that I’ve tried from this book and that I’ve seen her cook on her show are the Parmesan & Thyme Crackers. These are so yummy and perfect for a party or get together with a few friends. For me, parmesan is a staple in my kitchen and these simple crackers have a not so simple flavour-they are easy enough to make but at the same time, delectable. Her Cream of Fresh Tomato Soup I’ve made with fresh tomatoes from my back yard. The onion and garlic flavors along with the heavy cream mixed in make this a heavenly soup. As for a dessert which is my favorite meal, I vote for the Brownie Pudding-butter and cocoa-need I say more. Yummo!
A few recipes I really want to try but haven’t yet are the Old-Fashioned Carrot Salad that’s made with rasins, sour cream, mayo among other things and it sounds divine if you’re a lover of these kinds of ingredients as I am. Another is the Parmesan-Roasted Broccoli-doesn’t the title of the recipe itself make your mouth water-it does mine. It’s got more of my favorite ingredients like garlic and parmesan; the only thing I would leave out is pine nuts as I’m allergic but this is definitely another recipe I plan on trying soon.
There are just so many amazing recipes to try in this book and it will take me a while to make it through ones I’ve marked as my favorites. For those who really like Ina Garten and her cooking style as I do, this newest book of hers is a must. For those who love to cook, it’s a must and for those who maybe aren’t so talented in the kitchen, this is really an easy book to follow and you may just surprise yourself with some of the delights you can make in your very own kitchen.
Oh man, I love cookbooks. I might have to add this one to my Christmas wish list. Thanks for the review.
Kathy, it’s just awesome. I’m probably a biased opinion though because I do like her so much but her recipes are simple and easy to follow and it doesn’t get any better than that especially if you’re a busy person. If you do get it, I’d love to see what you think.
I don’t cook too often but I LOVE to bake so I like cookbooks a lot 🙂 I don’t think I’ve ever caught her show before though.
Ina Garten is my absolute favorite! I have all her cookbooks and can’t wait to get my hands on this one. It’s on my wish list for Christmas : )
one word – YUMMILICIOUS!
Damn! I want this book lol!
I love Ina! I’ve seen all her shows and what I like best about her is that she keeps it simple when entertaining. A few small appetizers that are really wonderful instead of a huge spread.
I want her house too. Her house is beautiful and so is her garden now that I am thinking of it. Don’t you love her husband? They are so cute together.
ladytink, her show is really good. She’s not fancy or flashy which I really like. I am not a baker whatsoever-lol.
Mary, I hope you get it for Christmas. It is just awesome.
Veens, lol. Do you like to cook?
Ti, I even watch the reruns with her. lol. That’s what I like to-the simplicity. Seh makes it easy for people to actually do what she’s doing on her show. Oh, her house and husband-don’t even get me started. lol. They really do seem like the ideal couple and after so many years of marriage-still so sweet with each other.
Dar, What a great review! I love cookbooks as well and really enjoy watching Ina Garten’s show. I’ve realized that I haven’t watched it for quite awhile and need to get back into the groove of watching her show and getting inspired to cook! I agree, she has a comforting presence about her and I love her house and when she goes out shopping at the markets in her area! I’ll be adding this to my wishlist…maybe a Christmas gift from my husband!
Oh, I’d love to try that carrot raisin salad! Love that stuff!
I’m a big fan of Ina’s. Have you seen her Chefography? That was so interesting, and she and her husband are so cute! Before I started blogging more, I was sooooo addicted to the Food Network!
–Anna
Diary of an Eccentric
I love Ina as well and she is very calming, isn’t she? I haven’t actually tried any of her recipes, but I think I’ll be asking for one of her cookbooks for Christmas–I love cookbooks also, Dar!
Dar, I feel the exact same way about watching Food Network – it’s very comforting. Sometimes I’ll have it on during the day, with the volume muted, just because seeing it makes me feel nice.
I’m glad you liked the cookbook. I have two of her older ones and have made one of her recipes – spinach au gratin – over and over for holiday dinners.
Shana
Literarily
Bonnie, I too love when she goes out to the markets. The markets looks so great, I wish we had those kinds here. This would make a great Christmas gift.
Anna, I forgot to get myself some raisins so the salad will be waiting again but it sounds so yummy doesn’t it. Yes I saw Ina on Chefography-her and her hubby are the sweetest. I watch the Food Network while I’m blogging. It’s looking like I have a few addictions going, doesn’t it. LOL.
Trish, I also like how happy she is or seems. She has a face that just radiates happiness. Maybe that comes from what seems a very happy marriage.
Shana, when I don’t feel good I put it on that channel and just lay back and watch. Something about cooking just comforts me I think.