OK - yet another new category for my journey - Food & Cooking. I love to cook - it is really the only creative outlet I use on a regular basis, except now, writing this blog. I would like to share my favorite recipes, ideas, websites and sources, and of course, I want to hear what yours are too.
To begin the list, I am a little obsessed with Ina Garten, The Barefoot Contessa. Not in a weird stalkerish way, but in the I can see myself in her, wouldn't it be fun to do that, kind of way. In fact, I fancy myself the Gluten Free Barefoot Contessa.
I am enamored with almost everything about her - I have all her cookbooks, and use them regularly. I think her recipes are beautiful, easy and they taste great. I have found that when I make her recipes, they work and are easy to fool around with to get the result I want for any given meal. Contrary to the local joke - you don't really need to use a pound of butter in every dish. Yesterday, my nephew Emmett and I made a version of her Granola from the first cookbook, called interestingly enough, The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook. The granola received rave reviews all around.
I watch the Barefoot Contessa Show on the Food Network when I can and enjoy watching her cook and actually eat her food. I hate those chefs that look like they never eat a bite. She is a obviously a talented chef, but she also makes it seem easy and accessible to us amateurs.
I'd love to meet her one day, In fact, I probably have met her, she just doesn't remember me (OK that does sound a little stalkerish). when I was in high school in Rye, NY, I visited the Hamptons with friends and I'm sure I ate at the original Barefoot Contessa deli in East Hampton.
I never go see famous people whether it's at a book signing or a meet and greet, but I think I will step outside my box in this 50th year and if she comes to Minneapolis on her next book tour, I'll get up early and be first in line. That is if someone doesn't forward her this blog first and she decides to give me a call.
Do share your food & cooking favorites; recipes, chefs, websites etc ... It's fun to learn from each other.
Maggie, I also have a love of Ina and would join you in line anytime to see her in person. I have really enjoyed your writings and your thoughts. I especially related to the "right" family. My family has a bad case of it when we all get together. Since the holidays are approaching I will try to keep it to a minimum. But all I can change is myself:)Hope to see you soon Maureen
ReplyDeleteHi Maggie :)
ReplyDeleteJust popping in to say I'm reading! And I too love Ina, though we don't cook from her cookbooks often (I say "we" but really it's my husband that does the cooking, and I just scrounge around for recipes). We'll have to compare Ina recipes the next time I see you (hint hint...I'll be running on Saturdays starting in November).
Debi
...and her chicken pot pie is to die for ...mhk
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