Ina’s Greatest: A tour of my favorite recipes from The Barefoot Contessa’s collection -- Part 1

I remember the first time I saw Ina Garten, The Barefoot Contessa, on the Food Network. She was setting her table with white hydrangeas in her picturesque backyard in The Hamptons. She seemed so unlike me, as I hiked away on my treadmill in my basement, my son slumbering away in his baby swing. I knew in those first 30 minutes I wanted to know more about her. She quickly became my inspiration for cooking and entertaining. I am a self-professed cookbook collector, and her collection is my most coveted. In the evening, you can often find me with a cup of tea and a stack of cookbooks. It’s my happy place. I find it the perfect way to introduce myself, and my blog, with this three-part journey through The Barefoot Contessa’s 13 cookbooks.

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The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook 1999

This was Ina Garten’s first leap into the cookbook game and all I can say is THANK YOU, INA! Published in 1999, the much-awaited collection features many of her East Hampton specialty food store’s favorites, but also includes some recipes from other contributors. This cookbook quickly became my prized kitchen sidekick. It’s a love letter, of sorts, to so many of us that find ourselves waiting by the mailbox for the next cookbook from The Barefoot Contessa. The format for this book breaks her collection into seven categories. It’s a seven-stop journey for your tastebuds. I have selected a few of my go-to favorites to share with you. I must admit, this process has been nearly as challenging as picking a favorite child.

My Favorites From This Collection

Appetizers

Soups

Salad

Dinner

Vegetables

Desserts

Breakfast

Thank you, Ina Garten, doesn’t seem a great enough gesture for her debut cookbook. Cover to cover, this cookbook changed the way I looked at food and cooking for those I love. I hope you enjoy it, too!

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Barefoot Contessa Parties!

2001

Parties! It’s only fitting Ina Garten released a cookbook with a title like Parties! In my opinion, she’s the QUEEN of the dinner party! Sit back and enjoy my review of The Barefoot Contessa’s second cookbook, released in 2001, Barefoot Contessa Parties! This cookbook is divided into seasons of entertaining. I’ll share a few of my favorites from each of the four seasons.

My Favorites From This Collection

SPRING

SUMMER

AUTUMN

WINTER

Life is a party! Grab Barefoot Contessa’s Parties and cook your way through the seasons!

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Barefoot Contessa Family Style

2002

Family Style is the third cookbook and follows a more traditional format with seven categories of recipes. The goal of this book was to share several recipes that help to make everyone feel at home with simple and delicious meals. Enjoy my favorites from Family Style.

My Favorites From This Collection

STARTERS

SALAD FOR LUNCH

DINNERS

VEGETABLES

DESSERTS

BREAKFAST

KIDS

This collection from Ina Garten is a family-friendly collection. You and your family will be sure to have many favorites, too.

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Barefoot in Paris

2004

Barefoot in Paris is a love letter from Ina to all of us. I love French food and it’s an obsessive kind of love. I quickly fell in love with French cooking. That was a catalyst for the donation of many French dinners for local fundraising events. Ina Garten’s fourth collection of recipes is divided into six categories. Please enjoy my journey through France, via Ina Garten's Barefoot in Paris.

My Favorites From This Collection

TO START

LUNCH

SOUP & SALAD

DINNER

VEGETABLES

DESSERTS

I have fallen head over heels with French cooking thanks to this cookbook. I am so grateful for this collection. They’ll become some of your favorites soon, too.

Merci, Barefoot in Paris!

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