Reasons I Heart Ina
It’s no secret that I love me some Ina Garten. Her new cookbook, How Easy Is That? came out this Tuesday and of course, I had it in my possession by 10am that same day.
Most of my friends and family don’t get the infatuation though. Even my husband, who kinda sorta gets it asked me the other day, “What’s the big deal?”, when I told him her new book was the number one selling cookbook on Amazon and Barnes and Noble before it’s official publish date.
And it got me thinking – What is it about the Barefoot Contessa that makes me weak in the knees? Yes, she leads a fabulous life in the fabulous Hamptons with some fabulous friends. But all that aside, this is what it boils down to:
- Despite her oh so fabulous life, there is something about Ina’s personality that makes her seem so approachable. Her warmth truly comes though the television screen.
- Unlike some other celebs in the food industry, Ina is not overly exposed.
- Ina’s approach is cooking is easy, breezy and carefree. A 4-hour meat sauce is a delicious labor of love, but the recipe for an easy weeknight bolognese in her new book is really what the everyday home cook needs.
- Easy does not mean tasteless with Ina. From having made many of her recipes, I can attest that her food (both sweet and savory) is proof that a combination of quality yet simple ingredients results in delicious dishes.
I could go on forever. But I will leave it at that (for now).
As for what I think of her new book – It’s Great!!!! The focus of Ina’s new book is around creating simple yet appetizing dishes that save time and minimize stress in the kitchen. I have yet to make anything from it, but have a bunch of recipes flagged to try that look and sound amazing. Recipes aside though, the book features dozens of tips that will help even the most experienced home cook save time in the kitchen.
Go grab a copy and join me in my on-going Ina love fest 
Share
Estela @ Weekly Bite — October 28, 2010 @ 12:17 pm
Great review! I agree with every word! I met Ina yesterday at her book signing. She’s so kind and sweet
Monique — October 28, 2010 @ 12:20 pm
i hope you’ll be posting photos of your delicious concoctions from her book!
Julia — October 28, 2010 @ 12:21 pm
I have the same love for her. I truly think she is AMAZING. And she isn’t just some lame tv ‘chef’ personality with no skill. I agree, her personality is just so warm and approchable. Everytime I see her make a meal for her friends I always wish I could be invited. I would like to meet more then almost anyone else in the world. And I would like for her to make me some of her scones (any flavor is fine, but the maple oatmeal wouldn’t be too shabby) and hot chocolate w/ homemade marshmallows while we sit on her patio and enjoy the warm Hampton sun and some good convo.
The Duo Dishes — October 28, 2010 @ 12:34 pm
Ina is supposed to adopt us and whisk us away to the Hamptons. Why hasn’t she called?
ha! She’s so beautiful, refined and classy. What a lady!
Rosa — October 28, 2010 @ 12:39 pm
I know her only through the internet! I’d love to see her shows…
Cheers,
Rosa
Duchess — October 28, 2010 @ 1:11 pm
I called myself the duchess only becuase Contessa was taken! I want to be Ina when I grow up… sigh she’s wonderful.
steph (whisk/spoon) — October 28, 2010 @ 3:27 pm
she has such a fabulous life, but it seems like she doesn’t take it for granted. she really seems to be happy and enjoy everything she has. not that i’ve ever met her or anything, but i love her, too. and she sure knows how to cook! i’ve been wondering about getting this book, b/c i do have al her others…i’ll have to go take a look in the store!
Katrina — October 28, 2010 @ 6:28 pm
I work in a bookstore and was so excited to see this book was coming out. I picked it up as soon as we opened Tuesday.
Jackie — October 29, 2010 @ 11:05 am
I love Ina!!!!
Jaime — October 29, 2010 @ 11:25 am
I love Ina, too… I was curious though about the #1 cookbook status b/c I thought dorie’s around my french table was #1….well I went and looked and there are different categories under cooking so that is why
Nadia — October 29, 2010 @ 11:27 am
I am a big Ina fan too and I totally agree with you on all fronts, I am a bad Ina fan and haven’t picked up the book yet.
ingrid — October 29, 2010 @ 12:09 pm
Gonna check it when I go to the bookstore!
~ingrid
Jessica of My Baking Heart — October 29, 2010 @ 3:54 pm
I SO want that book. She’ll be in Dallas next week (I think) – trying my hardest to work it into the schedule!!
Angie — October 29, 2010 @ 4:20 pm
I heart Ina too! I love her easy demeanor. She seems approachable, which in turn makes me want to pay attention to her recipes. I may be crazy here but in her shows, I love the dynamics between her and her husband Jeffrey; they are so cute together. And of course, her recipes are delicious and simple…my kind of recipe!
Linda — October 29, 2010 @ 4:39 pm
Well said!
For me, the Barefoot Contessa recipes are not fussy, visually beautiful and most importantly delicious. Ina is doing a book signing at William Sonoma in my neck of the woods soon, so can’t wait to pick up a copy and hopefully meet her!
Joanne — October 29, 2010 @ 6:50 pm
We need to find her house in the Hamptons and stake it out. As soon as you get your license, that is our mission.
Hungry Sofia — October 29, 2010 @ 7:03 pm
She just never disappoints! Have to get my own copy soon!
5 Star Foodie — October 29, 2010 @ 9:40 pm
Sounds like a great book – the recipes must be awesome!
Xiaolu @ 6 Bittersweets — October 30, 2010 @ 10:38 am
I love Ina, too. And agree with all your points. One of the few shows on Food Network I can still stand hehe.
Michelle — October 30, 2010 @ 11:33 am
Oh, I’m totally on board the Ina love fest. I watch her show as often as I can, and have loved every one of her recipes I’ve tried. She never disappoints. But Jeffrey? He kinda creeps me out!
Barbara Bakes — October 30, 2010 @ 6:43 pm
I don’t have an Ina cookbook. Sounds like I’ve been missing out. This one would be perfect for me.
Abby — October 30, 2010 @ 7:51 pm
I love Ina, too, for just the reasons you list. She’s about the only thing worth watching on Food Network, if you ask me.
Indecisive Baker — October 30, 2010 @ 10:47 pm
I’m a newly founded Ina fan, but I’ve love all the stuff you’ve got going on here, I’ll add it to my amazon wishlist!!
Ruby — October 31, 2010 @ 12:58 am
I’m an Ina Garten fan too! Her personality and cooking skills are so wonderful- she’s a very likable person and watching her show make me happy. Thanks for reviewing the book, I hope to get it soon! =)
Nicole — October 31, 2010 @ 3:03 pm
Bless your soul, I have now a new cookbook to add to my wish-list.
Shandy — October 31, 2010 @ 5:51 pm
Ina is the queen of cooking, especially when it comes to entertaining and making time for myself to enjoy the guests along with simple, weeknight food recipes. I don’t know how she does it but I am always impressed. You would think chefs would run out of ideas for recipes and cookbooks.
Amanda — November 1, 2010 @ 10:54 am
I could not agree more!! I adore her and all she does and STRIVE to achieve a fraction of her abilities. I just wish she would get twitter so I could stalk her more.
Sara — November 1, 2010 @ 11:38 am
I sometimes feel guilty for preferring easy recipes that take only a little bit of time. I feel like I’m not really succeeding unless I try all these complicated approaches. Ina makes me feel better about preference to go easy. That and she’s got some fantastic ideas.
A Plum By Any Other Name — November 1, 2010 @ 5:17 pm
She is my absolute FAVORITE too! I have never made a recipe of hers that didn’t deliver as promised. don’t know how I let her new cookbook slip by me. So glad I found your blog!
Megan — November 2, 2010 @ 10:29 am
I love her too! You just feel like you’re there with her. She’s so inviting. And her recipes are so good!
Jennifurla — November 8, 2010 @ 3:40 pm
I love her for the same reason, especially how easy going she seems. I bet she never breaks a sweat in the kitchen.
Pamela — November 8, 2010 @ 8:49 pm
I am going to get this from the library. I do really enjoy watching her show. She does seem so laid back and I think it would be fun to cook/bake with her! Looking forward to seeing what you cook up with her.
food librarian — December 7, 2010 @ 12:51 am
I heart Ina too! Can’t wait to get this book! – mary