Ina Garten is one of my favorite TV chefs (Barefoot Contessa). I like her personality and her recipes always look delicious and reasonable (from a time and ingredients perspective). I’ve actually met her and she signed one of my cookbooks. She looks and acts the same off TV as she does on. I think it would be fun to spend an afternoon in the kitchen with her, cooking and chatting over a bottle of wine. I have to admit to this - I always thought her name was pronounced like "in-a-garden." It is not "in-a" it is "eye-na" and it is a "t" in her last name, not a "d."
Anyway, I was recently reading Redbook magazine (Nov. 2010 issue, page 232) and there was a page that featured her. She is promoting her new book, How Easy Is That?, and had some tips for keeping it real in the kitchen that I thought made perfect sense. Here are a couple that stood out. (My comments are in blue.)
The party is only as happy as the host. “It is a much better party if the food is simple and you’re relaxed.”
How many times have you had a party where you are stuck in the kitchen missing out on all of the fun conversations? I know this has happened to me too many times. One thing I’ve done in the past is hire someone to help out and make sure the food is replenished, dirty plates are picked up, there is enough wine and clean glasses, etc…. You can find a little helper for about $15/hour (that is $60 for 4 hours!) and it is worth every penny. Another good tip is you can hire students from the local bartending school to man your bar for a very reasonable rate.
Having a man who can cook is overrated. “It’s more important to have one person who cooks and another person who appreciates it.”
Cheers to you Ina! I love that outlook. I am the only one that cooks in my house and sometimes I get frustrated by that, especially when I have friends whose husbands love to cook and help in the kitchen. But I will say that my husband does really appreciate my cooking and that definitely makes it all worth it.
Gratitude is the best hostess gift. “I always send flowers or a note the next day to express my appreciation.”
I was lucky to have been brought up by a very thoughtful mother. She instilled in me, at a very young age, the importance of hand-written Thank You notes, and how rewarding it is to give thoughtful gifts and show people that you appreciate them. I wish more people would be better about that kind of thing. It is such a simple thing to do and is such a nice gesture of gratitude.
Cook with your heart. “I only cook for people I love.”
If I cook for you, it is because I love you! I enjoy showing my love through food (and wine). Cheers!
Check out Ina's new cookbook. Her recipes are yummy and not intimidating.
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