Read: 'Barefoot Contessa Cookbook' by Ina Garten

Editor's note: Every week, staff at the will suggest one book, DVD or other item to check out from the library. Go to the library's website for more information.

• Type: Cookbook
• Title: The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook
• Author: Ina Garten

The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook by Ina Garten is one of my favorite cookbooks. I checked it out of the library one time when looking for recipes to serve at a dinner party.

What caught my eye were the beautiful illustrations, ease of instructions, and that she cooked with good, simple and fresh ingredients. You won’t find any prepackaged add-ins here! And what a surprise when I found out every one of the recipes I tried out was as delicious as and as easy to prepare as they appeared.

To date I have prepared many of the recipes in this book….some of my favorites being “Parker’s Split Pea Soup”, “Curried Couscous”, “Fresh Corn Salad” and her to-die-for “Outrageous Brownies”, which I now have to bring to every family party!

As an added bonus The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook, not only contains fantastic recipes but also helpful ideas such as how to put together a fresh fruit platter, how to make the perfect cup of coffee, how to arrange a country dessert platter, and  helpful ideas on how to assemble party food.

Ina Garten, also known as the Barefoot Contessa, operates a specialty store in the Hamptons and is also one of the most beloved stars on The Food Network TV Channel.  Besides The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook, she has written six other cookbooks, many that can be found at the New Lenox Public Library. Check one out for some relaxful cooking and happy eating!