Barefoot Contessa Parties!: Ideas and Recipes for Easy Parties That Are Really Fun

by Ina Garten, James Merrell (Photographer)

"A good party is not about the food," says Ina Garten, "it's about the people." That may be true, but her Barefoot Contessa Parties! will ensure that your next party is a fabulous one, regardless of your guest list. Garten, author of The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook and a monthly column in Martha Stewart Living, has been catering since 1978. So who better to put together a collection of entertaining theme parties? She's included everything from drinks and hors d'oeuvres to dessert and coffee, as well as notes about what "surprises," atmospheres, venues, and table decorations lend themselves to each. Because she likes to attend her own parties (and who doesn't?), almost every recipe is make-ahead and remarkably uncomplicated.

From casual get-togethers, such as the Pizza Party--which includes recipes for Caesar Salad with Pancetta, California Pizzas that your guests can assemble themselves, and Ice-Cream Sodas--to the elegant Academy Awards dinner--where your guests will enjoy Raspberry Vodka, Rori's Potato Chips with Caviar Dip, Smoked Salmon with Mesclun, Filet of Beef with Gorgonzola Sauce, Roasted Cherry Tomatoes, Garlic Roasted Potatoes, and Chocolate Ganache Cake--Garten's parties are well thought out and well organized. Divided by season, you'll look forward to Summer's Outdoor Grill, which starts with Real Margaritas, followed by Endive and Avocado Salad, Grilled Herb Shrimp with Mango Salsa, Spaghettoni al Pesto, Tomato Fennel Salad, and Peach Raspberry Shortcakes for dessert. Autumn brings beautiful menus like the one where you cook with your guests and end up with a feast of Potato Pancakes with Caviar, Salad with Warm Goat Cheese, Rack of Lamb, Orzo with Roasted Vegetables, and Apple Crostata. Winter's menus bring soul-warming food, such as Seafood Chowder, Butternut Squash and Apple Soup, and a recipe for possibly the world's best Chocolate Chunk Cookies. Spring offers menus such as the Sunday Breakfast, with a main course of Roasted Asparagus with Scrambled Eggs, and the Jewish Holiday Party, with Chicken Soup with Matzo Balls.

Filled with funny party anecdotes, a bit of Ina Garten history, and clever hints and tips to help guarantee the success of these recipes, this collection, subtitled "Ideas and Recipes for Easy Parties That Are Really Fun," delivers on every count. --Leora Y. Bloom

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Food, Nonfiction, Reference, Food and Drink, Culinary

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 27, 2001

About the author

Ina Garten is a New York Times bestselling author and the host of Barefoot Contessa on Food Network, for which she has won four Emmy Awards and a James Beard Award. She lives in East Hampton, New York, with her husband, Jeffrey.

Reviews

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lots of name dropping and “assemble rather than cook” advice. Nothing spectacular.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ina’s recipes are simple and delicious - I want to cook and bake all of them! You can read this (and all her) cookbooks like a novel. This one tells stories of great parties and friends. ❤️

[Katie N · Rating 5 out of 5]

fave lemon bar recipe!

[Julie H. Ernstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ★ Ina Garten likes to say she "assembles" meals not cooks them...and that she likes to be a guest at her own party which means she wants it all done before people arrive. My way of thinking. As the years have gone on...I like her more and more. Her TV show "Be My Guest with Ina Garten" is like being invited into her home. She's my go to chef when I'm looking for a recipe.

[Gaili Schoen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garten writes about her sensible philosophy of parties - cook simple things ahead of time so that you can enjoy your own party. Her recipes support this philosophy. A fun timeless book with some great recipes and lots of helpful photos.

[Sepi · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Jan Duthie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ina as always gives great hints and recipes to stop making having a party feel as though you have gone through the mill! I really want to enjoy not endure parties.

[Rachel Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her best cookbook

[Judy Zeh · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kristina Rastelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorites of all Ina's books.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great idea book & recipes

[Correen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite of her books.

[AngelaC · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read through the entirety of the book, but have not tried/read through all the recipes yet. I enjoyed the writing that introduced each section - some good ideas here. Must get cooking!

[Sonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rack of lamb!

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Kimberly Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kylie Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, the only thing I've made out of this book is the Lemon Cake, but it was fabulous. You might assign someone to zest and juice lemons while you work on the rest of the batter. Using Meyer lemons made the cake 5 times better than those other lemons did. The lemon syrup didn't soak in all the way, I might have decided I would rather eat the cake than give it enough time to soak though. The cake froze and then defrosted in the fridge for the day I was going to use it, and was just fine. You must love lemon! Turns out my brother doesn't like lemon and he did not enjoy the cake. But my boyfriend said he didn't like lemon and this is his new favorite cake. Turns out he'd just never had lemon done well.

Lots of steps to this cake, none of them hard.

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

"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!