Thanks for your honesty in assessing this cookbook! I requested it from my local library on pub day, but still haven’t received it. Based on your remarks, it’s not one that I’ll add to my permanent collection - I, too, have every Barefoot Contessa book and met her IRL many years ago. I wonder if Lidey is using her proximity to past employers (including Ina and Erin French) to assume that she’ll be an instant success? I’m thinking that’s the case. I’ll stick with Julia Turshen, she’s a rock star and her books are constantly used in my kitchen, either for making a recipe or providing inspiration.
I love Julia Turshen, too. I was thinking about her while writing this because of how Ina also wrote the foreword to Small Victories. And then I thought of the Turkey and Ricotta Meatballs in that book, which are a favorite, as the meatballs from Cooking in Real Life fell apart.
I’d be interested to hear what you think of it after you get it!
Is there anything better than Julia’s meatball recipe? No. I probably wouldn’t even try Lidey’s meatball recipe…I’m not sure when I’ll get the book from the library, but I’ll be sure to circle-back when I do!
I have this book! The granola is OUTSTANDING. Super simple and tasty. Use maple syrup instead of honey.
Oh, ok! Thanks for the tip. I will definitely try. I have it for one more day!
Thanks for your honesty in assessing this cookbook! I requested it from my local library on pub day, but still haven’t received it. Based on your remarks, it’s not one that I’ll add to my permanent collection - I, too, have every Barefoot Contessa book and met her IRL many years ago. I wonder if Lidey is using her proximity to past employers (including Ina and Erin French) to assume that she’ll be an instant success? I’m thinking that’s the case. I’ll stick with Julia Turshen, she’s a rock star and her books are constantly used in my kitchen, either for making a recipe or providing inspiration.
I love Julia Turshen, too. I was thinking about her while writing this because of how Ina also wrote the foreword to Small Victories. And then I thought of the Turkey and Ricotta Meatballs in that book, which are a favorite, as the meatballs from Cooking in Real Life fell apart.
I’d be interested to hear what you think of it after you get it!
Is there anything better than Julia’s meatball recipe? No. I probably wouldn’t even try Lidey’s meatball recipe…I’m not sure when I’ll get the book from the library, but I’ll be sure to circle-back when I do!