The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook – Secrets from the East Hampton specialty food store for simple food and party platters you can make at home (Ina Garten)

In this 1999 first edition/first in series cookbook, the Barefoot Contessa (Ina) introduces her readers how to entertain “with style, simplicity and a relaxed sense of fun.” Many consider this book her best, as she leans in on recipes made popular over a 20-year period of operating her specialty food store/catering business in the Hamptons. The recipes are as fresh as they were 25 years ago; the photos are still appealing, not dated; and Ina’s comments are always spot on. Maybe I’ll go make the roasted-tomato basil soup before I turn in this review.