THE 5 BEST BAREFOOT CONTESSA COOKBOOKS
With 12 Barefoot Contessa cookbooks and years of Food Network shows under her belt, Ina Garten has this recipe thing down cold. Her newest book, “Modern Comfort Food” (Clarkson Potter, $35), is the No. 1 bestseller on Amazon, and home cooks are already over the moon, talking up her take on creamy tomato bisque, chicken pot pie soup with puff pastry croutons and an ultimate beef stew that uses boneless short ribs instead of chuck. But how do the other books rate? These are our favorites.
1 The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook (1999)
This is the original, the book that put Ina Garten and the Barefoot Contessa on the map — and on Food Network. Aimed at home cooks and party hosts, the book showcases Garten’s breezy entertaining style and offers easy, doable and thoroughly tested recipes that elevate classic fare. More than 20 years later, we’re still making her retro pan-fried onion dip, with its caramelized onions and sour cream, and turkey meatloaf.
2 Cook Like a Pro, a Barefoot Contessa Cookbook (2018)
There’s nothing retro about this recent book, which brims with recipes for shakshuka, farro salads, Campari granita and other delights. For each recipe, Garten shares a pro tip or two about little things that make a huge impact. Making red wine-braised short ribs? Brown them in the oven, rather than the stove — it’s easier and less messy. Making a fresh tomato salad? Add a dollop of fresh herbed ricotta — using Garten’s four-ingredient, 30-minute recipe. Peeling a lot of garlic? Let the Contessa show you a shortcut.
3 Cooking for Jeffrey, a Barefoot Contessa Cookbook (2016)
If you read Barefoot Contessa cookbooks for the personal commentary and glimpses into Garten’s home life — and 50-year marriage — this is the book for you. It’s a culinary ode to Garten’s husband, with Jeffrey’s favorite dishes interspersed with vintage photographs that will have you murmuring “awww.” So what dishes does Jeffrey love? Perfect roast chicken and devil’s-food cake with coffee meringue buttercream.
4 Barefoot Contessa at Home (2006)
Geared more toward home cooking than party throwing, this volume offers up entire chapters of soup/sandwich combos and farmers market-inspired salads, as well as dinner, breakfast and dessert options. Green Goddess
dressing gets a basil makeover for a bibb salad, perfect for pairing with a California BLT or a Caesar club — or a cup of shrimp bisque. The chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter icing are worth the price of the book alone.
5 Barefoot Contessa Parties! (2001)
Garten’s second cookbook is aimed at the party- throwing crowd and organized by celebratory theme, from Jewish holidays (brisket with carrot and onions, rugelach) to a pizza party (Alice Waters-inspired pizza and ice cream sodas) and a tailgate with lobster rolls and Outrageous Brownies. The only aggravating thing about the book — besides recipes that call for $90 worth of fresh lobster meat — is that some of the party menus include recipes that are in the first book, not this one. Outrageous Brownies, we’re looking at you.