Declaring it now: 2025 is the year of the cookbook club! When Sarah reached out just after New Year’s asking if I’d be interested in joining one of her friends’ clubs, I jumped at the chance. After mentioning the idea to several friends who were equally excited, we decided to start a second cookbook club! It seems everyone I talk to is pumped about the idea!
The first group’s inaugural gathering was this past week, and we naturally had to honor Our Lady of East Hampton, Ina Garten, by choosing my all-time favorite cookbook of hers: Barefoot Contessa at Home.
I immediately knew I would make the iconic Beatty’s Chocolate Cake – I’m not even much of a chocolate cake lover, but this one won me over years ago! The supremely moist chocolate buttermilk sponge (enhanced with fresh-brewed coffee to intensify the chocolate flavor) is covered with a lush chocolate buttercream, made extra luxurious with an egg yolk and instant coffee to turn up the volume.
Next time I think I’ll double the frosting as I almost didn’t have enough to cover the cake. While you won’t necessarily need ALL the extra frosting, who’s complaining about having a little extra “snacking frosting” on hand?!
It was the perfect cap to an epic meal!
Our full menu:
- Cosmos (a signature Ina cocktail)
- Shrimp Bisque
- Chicken Salad Véronique
- Roasted Pepper & Goat Cheese Sandwiches
- Portobello Mushroom Lasagna
- Lemon Fusilli with Arugula
- Chicken with Goat Cheese & Basil
- Honey White Bread
Book: Barefoot at Home, page 165
Rating: 5/5
How Easy Is That: Easy
Store-Bought Is Fine: buttermilk
Pricey Ingredients: —
Hard-to-find: —
Recipe on BarefootContessa.com
