Ina is the arbiter of all things fabulous! I'm a total foodie. It happened accidentally. I was living in a new town and only had my cooking to keep me sane. A passion for wonderful food bubbled to the surface and I've been going strong ever since.

Ina's sensibility is what really appealed to me. Yes, everything in her world is gorgeous. Her home, her garden, her silver, her table settings and her food. However, it's how she puts it all together and the attitude she does it with that makes it work. For instance, she'll laugh and throw up her shoulders if flour gets all over her kitchen while making her famous coconut cupcakes. She doesn't sweat the small stuff. She knows what's important.

Now for this particular book. Yes, it's wonderfully written and beautifully photographed. However, the greatest thing I learned from this book is how to assemble. Ina shows you that you can buy many of the foods you wish to serve and assemble them to save time so you're not running back and forth from the kitchen. Some of my favorite recipes: coconut cupcakes, hummus, guacamole, broccoli with garlic, beef Bourguignon.

If you want food made with the best and freshest ingredients prepared in an earthy and fun manner, I highly recommend this book.

Recommended: Yes