Barefoot in Paris by Ina Garten

If you are a fan of The Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten’s television show on the Food Network, then you will love her latest book, Barefoot in Paris. On television, Garten, the former owner of a trendy East Hampton specialty food shop (also named The Barefoot Contessa) is mesmerizing to watch: I can sit for hours watching her chop shallots or puree fresh fruit. Her likeable style doesn’t get lost in the translation from television to cookbook. In fact, as you read her book you feel as though she is talking directly to you. She has a chatty, yet concise writing style. Gorgeous color photos by photographer Quentin Bacon make this a book beautiful enough to display on your coffee table. The book features easy French recipes for the at-home cook and every recipe is prefaced with a brief anecdote. Some wonderful recipes from this book include “Lemon Chicken with Croutons”, “Veal Chops with Roquefort Butter”, “Pear Clafouti” and “Strawberry Tarts”. If the recipe titles sound complicated, the instructions are not; Garten is a master at elegant cooking made easy. Garten provides us with interesting details about French wine, cheese, table settings-- even flowers. She also includes photos of must-have French ingredients and cookware. Finally, she includes a helpful list of her favorite places in Paris-- just in case you’re planning to go. Garten’s books are a great companion to her TV show. Many of her best recipes have been featured on her show-- which means you can really simplify things by watching her prepare them before you try. Her previous books, “The Barefoot Contessa”, “Barefoot Contessa Parties” and “Barefoot Contessa Family Style” are three favorites of mine, and “Barefoot in Paris” ranks right up there with them. It’s a beautiful book that you will turn to whenever you’re in the mood for a little taste of Paris.