The New Basics Cookbook
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (10 January, 1989)
list price: $19.95 -- our price: $13.57
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Editorial Review

While it won't tell you how to boil an egg, Lukins and Rosso's TheNew Basics has proved itself a modern classic, fit to reside on your shelvesnext to The Joy of Cooking and The Fannie Farmer Cookbook.Aspiring chefs can use this 850-page tome to plan their next cocktail party (trythe Raspberry Dip with Crudites), make brunch for the in-laws (how about SmokedSalmon and Leek Frittata and a Chicory and Bacon Salad?), or even bake up abatch of Pinwheel Cookies for the office. The "basics" include tipsfor entertaining, a glossary of cooking and wine terms, suggestions for a well- stocked pantry, and instructions on how to pick the best seasonal ingredients.Menus and delightful culinary quotes are sprinkled throughout the book, and thechatty tone will inspire confidence in every kitchen. ... Read more

Reviews (74)

Not Bad.
This cookbook lives in my kitchen, my sisters, my mothers, my aunts... and it is a great book and good reference guide, to an extent. There are many recipes for many different types of dishes and as reviewer Jennifer Blunt put it there are quite a few good recipes in here but also quite a few inconsistencies.

Having said all of this, my advice is not to take this book as an authority on anything! The results on alot of the recipes are great but in my opinion there are certain recipes such as Gumbo for example (page 382) that need to adhere to certain guidelines in order to call it gumbo. Julie Rosso has made the cardinal sin of not including the initial step of starting with a brown roux, a process that gives the dish it's distinctive color and flavor and takes a long time to do (1 to 1 1/2 hours). This is an example and I would beleive that there are more such mistakes. Shame on you Julie.

Still despite this negative comment if you can pick up a used copy of this book for a few dollars, it is a good buy as you can find many dishes to make your family quite pleased!

The ONLY book you'll need!
A short note about the brisket that didn't work for another reviewer: It is AWESOME! Simple, and excellent, I find it hard to believe that this person found a way to ruin this one. Be sure to cover tightly, but other than that this is a no-brainer and probably the simplest recipe in the book!

Now, on to the book as a whole: I have enjoyed cooking for a number of years, and consider myself to be pretty good at it. This book was purchased for me by a family member who also enjoyed it, and I have to say it is probably the only one on my shelf that gets any use. Some of the recipes are simple, others complex. Good info on fruits, veggies, meats, etc. Good suggestions on wines to serve with your food, and other great serving tips! This book has seen its day in my kitchen, it's gotten so much use that i'll probably need to buy another soon.

Best cookbook on my shelf!

The New Basics Cookbook
It is a classic among cookbooks. The recipes are uniformly excellent. If you love and have the time to cook and are not on the Southbeach diet or need to be on one,I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Isbn: 0894803417
Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cookery, American    3. Cooking    4. Cooking / Wine    5. General    6. Methods - General    7. Cooking / General   

The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (06 April, 1999)
list price: $35.00 -- our price: $22.05
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Editorial Review

Lauren Bacall gets cranky when Barefoot Contessa, an East Hampton specialty food store/institution for more than 20 years, is sold out of Indonesian Ginger Chicken. She can now thank her lucky stars that exuberant owner Ina Garten has written The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook and included this recipe. Ms. Bacall is sure to be pleased to discover how easy it is to achieve such fantastic flavor. Simplicity is something of a bottom line at Barefoot Contessa. "Food is not about impressing people," Ina Garten says. "It's about making them feel comfortable."

Aimed at the cook who intends to entertain, The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook draws on Garten's experience as a caterer, as well as her knowledge of what customers really want to eat when they arrive at her shop. She has culled her favorite recipes and has included timesaving tips, always striving for ease and simplicity. Neither cooking nor entertaining should be a chore, according to Ina Garten, and her lovely cookbook is a case in point.

This is an intensely illustrated cookbook that shows the foods to best advantage (and makes it a lovely gift book). Presentation counts for a great deal, and Garten's food styling adds to any food platter. But just as relevant are photos that bring in the spirit of fresh, locally grown produce. There's the local poultry producer proudly holding a laying hen in case anyone should wonder where the eggs come from.

Starting with appetizers, Ina Garten isn't afraid to include such basics as hummus and guacamole: she knows from experience that her versions make a profound impact. There are French Onion Soup and Corn Cheddar Chowder, Baked Virginia Ham and Salmon with Fennel, Roasted Carrots and Caramelized Butternut Squash--and then one killer dessert after another. Included, too, are some breakfast specialties. Any upscale bed and breakfast could have this book in the kitchen and get rid of all others.

This isn't a cookbook about getting outrageous with food. The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook is about warming the hearts and souls of your guests with familiar food raised to a gourmet level. --Schuyler Ingle ... Read more

Reviews (156)

LOVE THE CONTESSA!!!!
I own about 20 cookbooks, most of which sit on the shelf and collect dust.But not the Contessa's!!!I have 3 of her cookbooks (including this one) and LOVE each and every one of them!All three are dogeard and the pages covered in various ingredients from so much use.

I ALWAYS receive rave reviews when I make one of Ina's dishes!

As far as I'm concerned you simply CAN'T go wrong purchasing a cookbook with the name INA GARTEN on the front!

The Barefoot Contessa Saved my Dinner Hour!
Thanks to Ina Garten, my family is finally eating decent dinners!I love the recipes because they are simple, easy to prepare, and delicious!I love to cook, but at the end of a long day I used to have a really hard time getting inspired to make something good for dinner.Now, I just open up Barefoot and pick two recipes, and voila! dinner.My husband's favorite recipe is the Indonesian Chicken and my kids like the Turkey meatloaf with Parmesan smashed potatoes - yum!

Beautifull book
Love this book; I'm a big fan of the barefoot Contessa. The recipes are simple and Delicious. I would recommend it to everyone. I already gave this book as a gift to 2 of my girlfriend and there were delighted!
I also bought Simple and Simply Delicious by Sylvie Rocher ...Great book. Simple and Delicious recipes ... Read more

Isbn: 0609602195
Subjects:  1. Barefoot Contessa (Store)    2. Cookery    3. Cooking    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Entertaining - Party Planning    6. General    7. Cooking / Entertaining   

New Food Fast
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 November, 1999)
list price: $24.95
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Reviews (26)

Yum!
Love this book for its fresh, original and tasty recipes. We were so impressed with this title that we have subsequently purchased two of her other books. I must say that the photos make a HUGE difference in inspiring me to cook. It just looks so good!

My only complaint is that sometimes important bits of info are left out such as what size to chop certain ingredients (mince or dice?). Note that many of the recipes include ingredients that less adventurous eaters might not recognize.

Best cookbook ever!!!
This is a great cookbook to have. All of the pictures are beautiful, and the recipes are quick, simple, and delicious. What could be better!!

Simple and delicious.A must buy.
If you are thinking of buying this book, stop thinking and just do it.My cooking skills are average for a New Yorker, but with this book I have impressed my friends over and over.Not only are the recipes fast, but they're delicious too.There's always a little something extra in each recipe that takes it from standard to inovative.I highly recommend this book.I will buy all of Donna Hay's books! ... Read more

Isbn: 1551109786
Sales Rank: 439656
Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Wine    3. General    4. Methods - Quick & Easy   

Cooking of the Caribbean: Tropical Taste Sensations from the Islands in the Sun (Contemporary Kitchen)
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 January, 2000)
list price: $12.95 -- our price: $10.36
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Reviews (1)

A Exciting Change of Cuisine
I bought this cookbook on impulse (okay, because of the cover) and have used its recipes quite frequently since. First of all, since I mention its cover, I have to say that the photography is rich and beautiful and pays great homage to this cuisine. Each recipe has its corresponding photo plus step-by-step photographs of its preparation, which I felt might be overkill, but actually helpful when dealing with ingredients and techniques that I've never met before.

I found unusual ingredients in this book such as ackee, cassava, chayote, taro, green bananas, and salt cod. I took this as an opportunity to try foods that I have never tried before. Such an opportunity is something that I expect from a cookbook and this one certainly delivers the goods! I also appreciate the unexpected combination of ingredients in each recipe. For example one of my favorites is the Caribbean Vegetable Soup with onion, garlic, thyme, carrots, celery, green bananas, taro, red lentils, chayote, macaroni, etc. I promise you will not be disappointed!

Some other favorites are the Coconut Jumbo Shrimp, the Mango, Tomato & Red Onion Salad, the Creole Fish Stew, the Pork Roasted with Herbs, Spices & Rum (very rich!), BBQ Jerk Chicken, and last but not least, the Peanut Chicken.

One more thing to add, if you are trying to incorporate more fish into your diet, this book is for you. Though the fish section is heavy on the shellfish, you will find 4 delicious recipes included for snapper, trout, and salmon.

Enjoy! ... Read more

Isbn: 0754802655
Sales Rank: 884590
Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Regional & Ethnic - Caribbean & West Indian   

The Black Dog Summer on the Vineyard Cookbook
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (10 May, 2000)
list price: $25.95 -- our price: $16.35
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Editorial Review

The Black Dog Tavern on Martha's Vineyard is a cult classic--and anyone who's eaten there will recognize the distinctive black-lab T-shirt that fans of the restaurant all over the world wear. Now, with The Black Dog Summer on the Vineyard Cookbook, by Elaine Sullivan, those samediners can bring the Dog's savory new New England fare back home as well. The best of these 100-some recipes center around the Black Dog's specialty: breakfast. Aficionados will find such familiar favorites as Eggs in the Grass (poached eggs over asparagus with hollandaise sauce), "M" Go Blue (banana and blueberry pancakes; the name recalls a University of Michigan cheer), and Huey, Louie, Andouille (a pepper, onion, and andouille sausage omelet). The book's step-by-step depiction of omelet preparation is particularly useful, even for veterans; the illustrations for this and other cooking technicalities, like clam opening, are precise and educational. Other standout recipes include Quahog Chowder, Crunchy Pecan Chicken with Lemon Sauce, Caramelized Scallops with Smoked Chili Cream, and Seared Tuna on Watercress Salad. Desserts such as Fudge Bottom Pie, Blueberry Pudding with Lemon Sauce, and Black Dog Ginger Cookies evoke the Black Dog's comfy-cosmo flavor, while scattered pictures and vignettes evoke the restaurant's casual vibe. With a pantry listing and useful cooking tips, this exuberantly designed book is a happy, well-produced effort. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

The Black Dog Summer On The Vineyard Cookbook
This is an absolutely must have cookbook for all you preppys and lab lovers out there. The recipes are five star!! The photographs are wonderful. The Black Dog Cookbook is a treasure.Don't worry about money....just buy it.....it's well worth the price!!!

ho hum
An over hyped menagerie of recipes. Some are very good, but the over promotion of the expensive restaurant is too much to bear

Be ready to shop for hard-to-find ingredients.
I happen to love this book - it has the best hummus recipe I have ever used, a fresh tomato sauce that is perfect for the summer vine-ripened beauties, ideas for unusual marinades, and terrific grilling tips.Fudge Bottom Pie is one of my family's favorite desserts, and the Molasses Ginger Cookies are the best ever out of my kitchen.The photography is lovely and the anecdotes are entertaining.

Praises out of the way - the recipes can call for some difficult to find ingredients, such as Asian sauces and produce, seafood your market may not always have, funky oils and mustards.A pet peeve of mine is to hear celebrity chefs tote how Japanese mirin is available "right in the regular grocery store."Well, it is not in MY grocery store!But since I love to cook, I tend to keep a shopping list of "exotic goodies" that I need in order to try certain recipes and make a single trip every month or so to the expensive specialty grocery store.

If you don't mind the occasional search for "Pommery Mustard," (the recipe that calls for this deems it 'essential,' even though there is only a half a teaspoon required) then this book is worth a look.Get it for next summer and some fresh ideas for your family. ... Read more

Isbn: 0316339326
Subjects:  1. Black Dog Tavern (Vineyard Haven, Mass.)    2. Cookery, American    3. Cooking    4. Cooking / Wine    5. History    6. New England style    7. Regional & Ethnic - American - New England    8. Cooking / American / New England   

Grill Pan Cooking
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (01 April, 2001)
list price: $12.95 -- our price: $10.36
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Reviews (1)

Delightful Little Book on Pan Crilling
Grill without grill on the stove-top with a grill pan using this and other cookbooks showcasing this flexible, and healthy way of cooking.

Here are thirty simple recipes all done in the grill pan on the stove. There are appetizers here including a nice Pan-Grilled Bruschetta with Eggplant, Feta and Oregano and Char-Grilled Paneer (an Indian cheese with even recipe included here to make yourself.)

For the mainer courses there's Tuna with Tea-Smoked Tomato Sauce and a delightful spicy number, Pan-Grilled Vietnamese Beef.

To top it off, there is great grilled fruit including a winner: Grilled Sugar Bananas with Cinnamon, Rum and Lime Ice Cream. ... Read more

Isbn: 1841721573
Sales Rank: 430613
Subjects:  1. Barbecue cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Grill pans    5. Methods - Barbecue & Grilling   

All-Clad LTD 11-Inch Square Nonstick Grille Pan
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $137.00 -- our price: $69.99
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Editorial Review

Distinguished among All-Clad's renowned cookware collections byits stylish, charcoal-black, hard-anodized aluminum exterior, the LTDline provides serious and professional cooks with all the virtues thatmake All-Clad's worldwide reputation unsurpassed. Key to its highperformance is a three-ply, bonded construction. Sandwiched between theexterior and the interior lies a thick core of pure aluminum thatspreads heat evenly across the bottoms of pots and pans and all the wayup the sides. The striking exterior resists scratching, chipping, andpeeling. Certain pieces, like this one, have two interior layers, oneof 18/10 stainless steel and the other of scratch-resistant,professional-grade nonstick bonded to the steel.

This grill pan exemplifies why All-Clad's LTD cookware appeals tocontemporary cooks. It's 11 inches square, perfect for grilling fourbig burgers or two porterhouse steaks. Plus, the meat will look betterthan if it had come from a flat pan because the grill marks itappetizingly. Because the grill's cooking surface is made of durablenonstick, you can grill halibut steaks without fat for a healthy meal,and the grill cleans up easily. Its polished, 18/10 stainless-steelhandle is secured to the pan by stainless-steel rivets for strength,grooved on the top and rounded on the bottom for comfort, and holed inthe end for hanging on a hook or peg. The long handle stays cool on thestovetop but won't be harmed by an oven's heat. LTD cookware carries alifetime warranty against defects and should be hand washed. --FredBrack ... Read more

Features

• Lifetime warranty against defects
• 11-inch square, nonstick grill for stovetop grilling
• Stainless-steel interior, hard-anodized aluminum exterior, aluminum middle layer
• Layer of scratch-resistant, professional-grade nonstick bonded to interior
• Stainless-steel, stay-cool handle riveted for strength

Reviews (11)

Pricey, but I guess it's "ALL CLAD"
Well I've had this grill since Jan.2003 and it's still here today.. so I guess it beat all my non-stick disposable pots/pans!! I took a vow never to buy non-stick that's why. Anyway, this grill performs nicely if you have it on medium heat. It does not heat evenly though(my experience). It is not NON-stick %100 though, I don't know why..stuff sticks to it??
The design it nice. All the juices stay in the pan..minimizing splatter. I make grilled cheese sandwiches if I don't want the fat.
I would recommend it if you are into buying non-stick but would not if you just wanted a grill. To me cast iron grills are the best. I use this pan if I'm only cooking for one, amybe two.My cast iron grill is a double burner grill, I use it for family meals. But anyway I give it 3 stars. It is hard to clean up like the reviewers said though, I usually have to soak it, and scrub.

Goodfor just about everything
I've used a couple of other grill pans from other manufacturers and was never very impressed. But I decided to give it one more try with the All-Clad. What a difference. Everything I've made from fish to vegetables, soy burgers, steaks - everything, has come out great. I've also found that it cleans up easily after a quick soaking. I don't use any spray and only oiled it as per the instructions the first time I used it. Northing sticks. Overall, a great pan I use several times a week.

Better Than George Foreman
I have only owned this item for about 3 weeks and have used it at least 10 times already. What I like about it is that it is big enough to hold just about anything, leaves nice "grill marks", takes less energy and time to heat the pan, and it is very very easy to clean.If you find it hard to clean, it is probably because non-stick spray or even oil (not including butter) is being used.Don't do it.It is already "non-stick".Usually I put any oil that is needed on the meat or veggies first, then cook it.If you have a sticking problem, after cleaning the pan, rub a little soft scrub 0n the spot.This gets rid of any residue that may have caused the sticking to begin with.I think it is better than George Foreman, becuase the fat doesn't drain away which, in the end, saves the flavor. ... Read more

Asin: B00005AL8Q
Subjects:  1. Griddles    2. LTD    3. Open Stock    4. Cookware    5. (Cook Ware)    6. Grill Pans    7. Stovetop Grilling    8. All-Clad    9. (Allclad)    10. (Al-Clad)   

Calphalon Nylon Tongs
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen

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Editorial Review

Always an indispensable tool for cooks, tongs are perfect for grasping foods in hot pans or on the grill. They are also loved by the bartender dealing with a party's worth of ice cubes. These 12-inch tongs are made of tough, heat-resistant nylon and are safe for using with nonstick surfaces. For storage in a handy place, hang them on the oven handle or on a peg. They should be hand washed in a mild detergent. Like all Calphalon nylon tools, they carry a lifetime warranty against defects. --Fred Brack ... Read more

Features

• Lifetime warranty against defects
• Grasp all manner of foods firmly during cooking or serving
• Great for ice cubes at a party
• Made of heat-resistant nylon and safe for nonstick surfaces
• Hand wash with mild detergent

Reviews (27)

Calphalon Tongs NO GOOD!!
I was VERY disappointed in this item. I would actually give it 0 stars!! I tried turning a pork chop, a boneless chicken breast and even holding a baking bag open to pour contents into a serving dish and they wouldn't hold any of these things. I have thrown mine away and bought the locking metal tongs which I LOVE!!

These are great
Don't know why anyone is complaining about these tongs?
They are great for Bacon, Chicken breasts, fryed potatoes, sting beans, grilled cheese sandwich etc.

You can't pick up a large Prime Rib with these, DUH!!
But find me a better Tong for bacon etc.?
Even my metal ones do not work this good..
Since I have Calphalon commercial nonstick, of course I use the nonstick type now.

I see that Amazon doesnt sell these anymore, but bed Bath & Beyond does.

I just bought this for my Daughter, who is the worlds worst cook, hates to cook, and truthfully doesnt cook very often..She really thinks that every Meal should be Catered or everyone should have a live in Chef (not a bad idea, Oprah does) lol!!..If they work for her, then they should work great for anyone...

If they break, I would take them back!
I don't put these or anytype of nonstick in the dishwasher.

if they'were' what the photo 'looked' like!
I will save you the trouble, only buy these if you are using them on food that is the same size as a hershey kiss, they dont open wide at all. I have to open them with my hand just to get them around the food. ... Read more

Asin: B00004SY9U
Subjects:  1. Cooking Utensils    2. Tongs    3. (Calphlon)    4. (Calaphon)   

Villaware 275-06 Moka Express 6-Cup Espresso Maker
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $22.99 -- our price: $19.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

This traditional Italian steam-infusion espresso maker brews rich, delicious espresso in the old-world style, but don't depend on it to keep coffee warm or to reheat leftovers. Crafted of polished aluminum, the finish may need an occasional polish--after using it, just hand wash with a soft cloth and mild detergent and then wipe dry. Its classic design deserves to be kept on display for everyone to enjoy. --Jane DePaolo ... Read more

Features

• Measures 8-1/2 by 4-3/4 by 5-1/2 inches; 1-year limited warranty
• Traditional, Italian, steam-infusion espresso maker
• Brews rich, delicious espresso in the old-world style
• Crafted of polished aluminum; easy to clean
• 24-ounce capacity; classic design enhances any kitchen décor

Reviews (73)

Save your money and still have good coffee...
This is the best most effective way to make expresso and the cheapest!!!Don't waste your money on any other kind of machine--they are just smoke and mirrors.If you are fans of Goldie Bear and yearn for the jolt of espresson she brews in the monring but this espresso maker and yo will have money for more books.

average tasting coffee, not espresso
for all who are expert coffee tasters I will say 'lower your expectations'.
1)This device makes good tasting coffee but far away from espresso. It lacks thickness and smell.
2)The rubber tears off quickly.
3) Hard to clean without using soap
4) the bottom part is not polished so it changes its colour and builds up residue, which does not smell good. Also when left wet it forms white spots, which presumably come from the aluminium. ALUMINIUM IS DANGEROUS FOR YOUR HEALTH!
5)don't fool yourselves reading other reviews and get a stainless steel one!

Cheap pot, great coffee!
This is such a wonderful espresso-maker...I've compared stovetop espresso with that made in my relatives' expensive machines, and the Moka pot makes equally delicious coffee.All I need are good beans, ground very well, and an attentive ear.I love to hear the bubbling in the morning!I use stovetop-brewed espresso for iced mocha lattes, and they're superb, and much cheaper than buying one at a coffeebucks place.At under $20 this Moka pot is definitely the best coffee bargain to be had. ... Read more

Asin: B00004RFRU