aj12754's Profile

From: Montclair, NJ USA

Joined: November 22nd, 2009

About me: I can't be the only person who starts thinking about what to cook next while I am doing the dishes for the meal I just finished eating ... right?

Favorite cookbook: I flirt with all of them. But I am a sucker for good writing and great pictures.

Favorite recipe: Pretty much any combo of good bread and great cheese.


Latest review:

June 20th, 2020

Slow-Roasted Tomatoes from One Good Dish

A dish that could not be simpler to make, and absolutely delicious. Topped the cooled tomato with a room temperature slice of mozzarella drizzled with EVOO and some ribbons of basil. A real treat. read more >


recipe reviews (696)
book reviews (39)
useful review votes (442)

aj12754's Reviews


Search Reviews:

6 recipe(s) reviewed. Showing 1 to 6Sort by: Title | Date | Rating

The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook

By Ina Garten, Martha Stewart
Clarkson Potter - 1999

12th December 2009 (edited: 4th April 2010)

Homemade Granola : page 210

This is the only Ina Garten recipe that has ever let me down. The flavor mix should have produced a great granola but the cooking time of 45 minutes resulted in burnt nuts and burnt coconut. I ended up throwing the entire batch in the garbage and have not been motivated to give the recipe a second chance. Especially since the holiday issue of Fine Cooking a few years back (2005?) has three terrific granola recipes that I return to over and over.

useful (2)  


12th December 2009

Lentil Vegetable Soup : page 80

Healthy and delicious; recipe makes enough for a family of four to get two meals out of it. Recipe calls for chicken stock but substitution of vegetable stock makes this a great main dish soup for vegetarians.

useful (3)  


27th September 2010 (edited: 27th September 2010)

Perfect Roast Chicken : page 130

I've done this chicken several times with very good results ... although as another reviewer notes, the onions do seem to burn before the chicken is ready.

I follow Thomas Keller's suggestion in Ad Hoc at Home and let the chicken sit for an hour or so at room temperature prior to roasting. As a result, I generally roast for a slightly shorter period than the 90 minutes called for by the recipe. I think doing so results in better taste and texture.

useful (1)  


10th December 2009

Roasted Brussels Sprouts : page 150

Another Contessa recipe that is so simple it is barely a recipe. But this is the recipe that made my entire family love Brussels sprouts. Just delicious although I consistently find that mine don't need 35-40 minutes in the oven as Ina suggests. I usually plan for 20-25 minutes and I shake the pan every 10 minutes or so.

useful (2)  


10th December 2009

Roasted Carrots : page 149

This is barely a recipe it is so simple. But roasting really brings out the flavor and sweetness of the carrots. It is a great fall/winter side dish. Also delicious when parsnips are added to the mix.

useful (1)  


If you are able to get really fresh and flavorful sugar snap peas, this is an incredibly simple and delicious side. You don't even cook the peas, simply trim and toss with the oil and sesame seeds.

This is great for a summer side with any Asian main dish. Side benefit is how pretty it is on the plate.

Another winner from the Contessa!

useful (1)