Careful preparation and helpful hints are the key ingredients in Food Network star Ina Garten's aptly named Barefoot Contessa Foolproof. Any doubts the reader may have about his or her ability to make these seemingly complicated recipes are quickly assuaged; it's clear that Garten's standards for what constitutes "foolproof" are high. Logically, foolproof recipes must be easy to make and turn out consistently well, but the resulting food must also be, as she says, "deeply satisfying to eat." Garten shares her tips for preparing a menu and ensuring that everything arrives at the table on time and delicious, including one secret: she develops a plan, complete with estimated times of completion, and writes it down.
Individual recipes are neatly organized into cocktails, starters, lunches, dinners, vegetables and desserts. Each section opens with general yet valuable information that should not be overlooked before attempting the recipes. Although the finished products can seem fancy, the ingredients and tools needed are easily obtained. Clear, precise instructions address every detail of the cooking or baking process so thoroughly that the reader can easily tell Garten has given the recipe several attempts. Some of the recipes even include useful margin notes that can leave the impression that he or she is cooking directly from a cookbook in Garten's personal collection. Complete with more than 100 dazzling color photographs of enticing foods, this well-thought-out, easy-to-follow cookbook is an essential addition to any cook's collection. --Sarah Borders, librarian at Houston Public Library