Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics

I can't remember when I "discovered" Ina Garten, The Barefoot Contessa. It was probably on Foodtv, but she's been one of my best friends ever since. Via, The Barefoot Contessa and Barefoot Contessa at Home plus Barefoot Contessa Family Style, Ina frequently cooks at my house.

I fell in love with her style of cooking and her simple philosophy...keep it uncomplicated and use really good ingredients, so imagine how delighted I am with her latest book Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics: Fabulous Flavor from Simple Ingredients. The title says it all and truly...I've already dog-eared most of the pages.

Tomorrow night we're having friends for dinner and most of the menu will be from the new book...

Italian Wedding Soup

Parmesan & Thyme Crackers

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Warm Cider Vinaigrette

Wild Mushroom Risotto

Roasted Salmon Fillets with Thyme & Maple Syrup

(my own, but in keeping with the BC "keep it simple" philosophy)

And perhaps I'll just follow her "no cook" ideas for dessert, like vanilla ice cream drizzled with saba (or Grand Marnier) or mixed with chopped crystallized ginger and store bought biscotti.

The book is fantastic, no surprise...the photos by Quentin Bacon will have you drooling, so wear a bib! And it's not just the recipes and gorgeous photos that make this book so special, it's the little side notes for each recipe and interesting tips to mark the beginning of each section: How to arrange flowers like a pro; 10 no-cook things to serve with drinks; and how to bake like a pro (something I desperately need to know) are just a few.

So as much as I love all the books on my shelves for one reason or another....Ina's books always stand out as the best of the best and this time is no exception.

Here's another great dish to try Tuscan Lemon Chicken...easy and glorious and on her website with lots of others just for you.

Oh...and if anyone wants to buy me a present...I'm still missing Barefoot Contessa in Paris and Barefoot Contessa Parties!