Monday 30 June 2008

Cooking up Some Barefoot Contessa!


I’ve visited a few of Ina Garten’s cookbooks before on my blog, but Ina’s books could never be a one recipe wonder, well not in my house anyway. We have eaten many great meals courtesy of Ina, and although I sometimes drift away from the Barefoot Contessa books, I always find my way back again.

UKTV Food channel in the UK has been showing Ina’s TV programmes for a while now, and I do like to watch her shows. I know from comments I’ve read on foodie forums that I frequent that Ina is either a like her or loathe her kind of woman, I like her a lot!

The most frequent question I get in relation to Ina is which book should I buy first? It’s a hard question, and one that I can’t really answer as I like them all; but this is not very helpful, so what I tend to say is I started with the first cookbook – The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook and followed with the second Barefoot Contessa Parties! And have pre-ordered the rest as they came out. She has a new one out later this year – Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics for anyone interested.

Here is a selection of the most recent Ina recipes I’ve tried - all delicious.

Ina’s Creme Brulee from Barefoot in Paris, I’ve made this a couple of times and I played around with it a bit, half milk and half double (heavy) cream is my preferance. Recipe Here.

This is an absolute must try! Curried Couscous from The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook. I found it hard to stop eating this – and believe me I never thought I’d say that about couscous =) Recipe Here.

Lemon Chicken

Lemon Chicken with Satay Sauce both from The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook, a terrific combination, her satay sauce is lovely, a bit thicker than many I’ve made before but packed full of flavour. Recipe Here.

A family supper, Mac and Cheese from Barefoot Contessa Family Style, makes a huge amount! Recipe Here.

Asian Salmon, Vegetable tian and sauteed sweetcorn from Barefoot Contessa Parties! (salmon and Corn) and vegetable tian from Barefoot in Paris, a really great Summer supper. Recipe Here, and Here and Here.

Pear, Apple and Cranberry Crisp a gorgeous crisp from Ina’s most recent book – Barefoot Contessa at Home. There is plenty fruit and loads of topping, mmmm. Recipe Here.

24 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've never met an Ina recipe I didn't like! I have all her books and would like to try most of them (I'm obviously in the "like her" category).

Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) said...

One thing I love about Ina's recipes is that they work -- they are well written and well tested. I have all of her books and look forward to the new one!

Sarah said...

I love Ina's programs! My dad's a fan too. We love how relaxed and calm she is.

xox Sarah

Lisa said...

Everything looks great, K-J!! You've inspired me to make the pear crumble, yum. Ina has the best ideas and she always takes the recipes one step beyond the ordinary to make them extra delicious! Yet she heartily recommends "assembling" too. She's helped me so much w/party planning.

Susan from Food Blogga said...

Believe it or not, I've never seen Ina's show. But don't tell my MIL--she loves her! After reading this post, I'm thinking I should start watching it. Everything looks delicious!

hungryandfrozen said...

I love Ina! She's so enthusiastic and warm (and of course the food is great.) Her cookbooks are hugely expensive over here but I can get them out of the library...Love the look of that creme brulee :)

Maria♥ said...

I love Ina but have none of her cookbooks, something that might have to change!!

Everything looks absolutey delish, especially that pear crumble!

Maria
x

giz said...

I'm such an Ina fan and have never made one of her recipes that wasn't good. I've sung her praises for ages and have been known to shout (hope she's listening) that I'm still waiting for my invite to the Hamptons. So far no luck - I'd be happy just walking through her garden.

hungryandfrozen said...

I've tagged you on my blog :)

Cannelle Et Vanille said...

I also adore Ina Garten's simplicity and french twist on food. Your creme brulee looks smooth... great job!!

Oh my! Apple pie! said...

I love Ina, although I've yet to buy any of her books...must get round to it.
Your food looks amazing.

KJ said...

I've never tried any of Ina's recipes. But I'm certainly tempted by some of these!!

Anonymous said...

What a gorgeous feast Kelly. I don't have any of Ina's books but now feel I need some.

Cynthia said...

It is not often that the Contessa would lead anyone wrong. Your dishes are fab!

Amanda at Little Foodies said...

I like watching her shows too. Don't have any of her books but I think I'd like them. It all looks yum as per usual!! xx

Coby said...

K-J I can't put into words how much I want to tuck into that brulee!

I have a list (in order of preference:)) of Ina's books that I wish to own one day:) Your photos only make me hope for my birthday to come around sooner, for the chance an Ina book appears from under the giftwrap;)

Kelly-Jane said...

Thank you all for your comments.

KJxx

Maggie said...

I think Ina Garten is wonderful and I love her programmes.

Cookie baker Lynn said...

I have Ina's At Home and Family Style and use them both all the time. I love the recipes you show here. You always give me inspiration to get back into my cookbooks and try new things.

Sandy said...

Ina is loved in my home. I reference her books probably more than any others.
Your recipes look amazing Kelly-Jane. I especially loved that vegetable tian recipe.

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Anonymous said...

Oh my god!
the food looks great!
you are making me hungry =[ Ina recipes are the greatest!

Cheers,
Beatrice

Kelly-Jane said...

Hello Beatrice

Thanks for visiting my blog and your kind comments :)

KJxx

Shaun said...

Kelly-Jane ~ Ina has another book coming out - in October, I think. Of all her books, my favourite is Barefoot Contessa Parties!. I love the way it works through the seasons and highlights the occasions that arise in those seasons. My favourite recipes from Parties! are: plum tart, vanilla armagnac ice cream, orange chocolate chunk cake, fennel soup gratin and chopped liver. The book is also beautifully presented. Can't wait for the next one!!