14 Comments
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Jaymee Geelan's avatar

I realize I'm commenting on this a year after you posted it, but I am reading her memoir and was looking for a ranking because I don't actually have any of her cookbooks. This was so well written, witty and fun to read.

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Anastasia Sunshine's avatar

The one book I don’t have is How Easy is That, ordering now. I bought a copy for my mother in law a couple years ago, after she passed I went to get it and couldn’t find it. I reckon she gave it away.

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Liz C's avatar

Thanks for the ranking, Ben. After listening to you for years I have wanted to try one of her books but didn’t know where to start.

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Claire P.'s avatar

At Home and Family Style are the two most-used of my collection. Ina can do no wrong in my eyes and I rely on her for absolutely wonderful dishes that taste great and are pleasing to the eye. My cousin also feels the same and actually created a spreadsheet listing what color the Garten cookbook is, favorite recipes from it and what page they are on. When you love Ina, nothing is too overboard!

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Dana's avatar

Please post the spread sheet! 🤣

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Ashli Spencer's avatar

I assume you’ve read her memoir! It feels like a warm hug.

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Dana's avatar

I learned to cook from the book Parties. Actually the format of recipes grouped as meals taught me how to plan a party menu, so I considered that a plus. It is still my favorite of all her cookbooks. My favorite recipes include: Apple crumble, orzo with roasted vegetables, Caesar salad and beef tenderloin.

As an aside, her new memoir, Be Ready When the Magic Happens, is also a great read!

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Ben Mandelker's avatar

Yes! The orzo and the tenderloin are fantastic!

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Amy's avatar

Love the rankings. Many of your * recipes are also my favorites. I would add one I think you left out……..her Ultimate Beef Stew.

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Shanna's avatar

I am banned from buying more cookbooks until I have a better space but dammit I am ordering How East is That!

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cellospice's avatar

What a wonderful walk down Ina Garten lane, Ben! I refer to the same scallop recipe in the Paris book as well as the cauliflower gratin. One quip I know we won’t be seeing as a future cookbook title “It Looks Like a Dog’s Breakfast”

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Ben Mandelker's avatar

Hahaha I love that one

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Drew's avatar

Turkey meat loaf for the win!!!🥇

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Jami's avatar

I’m going to save this edition so I can go back through all of the recipes you mentioned. I’m ashamed to admit I don’t own any of her cookbooks. But I’ve watched all of her shows and look up the recipes on the food network site. Her toast chicken with homemade croutons is a huge hit in my house. And I always have a batch of her Caesar salad dressing on hand.

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