Cookbook Review: Barefoot Contessa Foolproof

I love Ina Garten. She is by far my favorite Food Network Chef and I have learned a lot of techniques and ideas from her, despite my allergies and limitations. Her most recent cookbook featured gorgeous food photography and was really fun for me to read this past week.

I love her fresh cocktail and appetizer ideas for entertaining, and Foolproof's selections did not disappoint. Sidecars with Dried cherries? Yes, please! I loved that she calls the sidecar the cousin of a  the whiskey sour. Plus, since her sidecar is cognac based, it would not be offlimits for me corn-wise since all American whiskey is made from corn.

Her Tuscan smashed chickpeas with tomato and garlic sound like a marvelous appetizer idea.

I also tried her roasted carrots, which were to die for. To see that recipe on Food Network's site, click here.

In the main course section, I was particularly intrigued by her vodka sauce, which I think could potentially replace my favorite recipe that calls for a cup of chicken stock.

I haven't attempted vodka sauce in a few years. The original recipe I mastered in 2005 when we were first married called for shallots, fresh basil and heavy cream, and was completely delicious. My "cream of tomato" soup recipe is dairy free and perfectly rich-tasting, so I am thinking maybe I can use the same idea for Ina's vodka sauce.  I think it's definitely worth a shot. Here's Ina's version:

¼ cup good olive oil
2 1/2 cups chopped Spanish onion (1 large)
1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1½ teaspoons dried oregano leaves
1 cup vodka
2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled plum tomatoes, drained

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3/4 pound penne pasta
2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano leaves, plus extra for serving
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

All in all, I highly recommend this cookbook if you are looking for some fresh menu ideas.