Barefoot Contessa Family Style: Easy Ideas and Recipes That Make Everyone Feel Like Family

3 Responses to “Barefoot Contessa Family Style: Easy Ideas and Recipes That Make Everyone Feel Like Family”

1. "bluedevil98" says:

   February 17, 2014 at 5:45 am

   322 of 323 people found the following review helpful

   
   Outstanding versions of stand-by foods, December 17, 2002

   By 

   “bluedevil98″ (Sacramento, CA USA) –

   This review is from: Barefoot Contessa Family Style: Easy Ideas and Recipes That Make Everyone Feel Like Family (Hardcover)

   I absolutely love this book! The recipes are entirely in keeping with the title… these aren’t fancy or earth-shattering innovations, so people who thrive on that may be disappointed (I seem to notice a trend among some of the reviewers who have posted). They’re just really wonderful versions of honest, straightforward food. The recipe for chicken and biscuits is the best I’ve ever made, the chicken soup is outstanding, the roasted winter vegetables are lovely, and the mashed potatoes and gravy are absolutely sinful versions of old favorites.

   As I’m sure you can gather from the previous list, these are recipes for things that you probably already know how to make… it’s just that they’re absolutely superlative versions of those things. (Much like the chocolate pudding from her Parties! book, if anyone has tried making that: it’s just chocolate pudding, after all, but it’s heavenly).

   So here’s my advice: if you’re convinced that you already have the perfect recipe for every standard dish under the sun, this book isn’t for you. If, however, you love good food and are willing to contemplate the idea that classic dishes could be even better, give it a try. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Furthermore, I think that this would be a wonderful wedding gift or gift to someone who’s just starting out: why not begin life with a collection of wonderful recipes for comfort foods?

   0

   Help other customers find the most helpful reviews 

   Was this review helpful to you? 
   

   
   
   

   
   |

    Comment

   Reply
2. BeachReader says:

   February 17, 2014 at 6:28 am

   153 of 154 people found the following review helpful

   
   Easy, Classy Comfort Food, February 6, 2003

   By A Customer

   This review is from: Barefoot Contessa Family Style: Easy Ideas and Recipes That Make Everyone Feel Like Family (Hardcover)

   I don’t normally write in to review books, particulary cook books, but this one is an exception. I am an avid gourmet cook and I’m always looking for new cookbooks. However, I hate investing in them because I usually only end up making one or two recipes out of each book and it feels like a waste of money. Within two weeks of getting the Barefoot Contessa book, I had made almost half of the recipes – to raving reviews from family and friends.

   The recipes are easy and fabulous and they can easily be served for a low-key family dinner or a special dinner with company. While they could be considered gourmet, none of the recipes call for exotic ingredients which means everything is already in your pantry or readily available at the grocery store. What I particularly like is that Ina offers menu suggestions in the back of the book so all of the planning is already done for you.

   Most importantly, this book is family friendly. There is a section devoted to children’s food including favorites like Mac and Cheese and Chicken Fingers. However, my girlfriend’s 2-year old couldn’t get enough of the Shrimp Scampi (one of the “adult” recipes) and that was enough to get her to buy the book too.

   I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for easy, delicious recipes for all kinds of occassions.

   0

   Help other customers find the most helpful reviews 

   Was this review helpful to you? 
   

   
   
   

   
   |

    Comment

   Reply
3. Anonymous says:

   February 17, 2014 at 7:20 am

   112 of 116 people found the following review helpful

   
   Comfort Foods, March 26, 2003

   By 

   BeachReader (Delaware) –

   This review is from: Barefoot Contessa Family Style: Easy Ideas and Recipes That Make Everyone Feel Like Family (Hardcover)

   I loved this book’s theme/subtitle: to make all your guests feel like family. The beautiful format and layout, as well as the photos, makes this a cookbook to be treasured. Many of the recipes are simple, basic ones that many of us already have, which is why I gave this four stars instead of five.

   As usual, every recipe I have tried has been a success (Turkey Lasagna, Banana Sour Cream Pancakes, Shrimp Scampi, Rice Pudding, Mustard Vinagrette). I especially love the simple ingredients and the non-fussy style of the cooking. The recipes please my family and myself and keep my time in the kitchen at a minimum, which makes me very happy.

   Although I did not garner as many new recipes from this cookbook as I did her other two, I would not hesitate to give this as a wedding shower gift to a novice cook.

   Looking forward to Ina’s next cookbook.

   0

   Help other customers find the most helpful reviews 

   Was this review helpful to you? 
   

   
   
   

   
   |

    Comment

   Reply