It’s no secret that I adore Ina Garten. Sit a spell at the cafe and you’ll find I have made many of her recipes over the years and even road tripped to Dallas to meet The Contessa in person.
You can imagine my excitement over the fact that in 7 short days THIS comes out!!! I’m thrilled Ina has gone Back to the Basics as her cookbook is titled. It reflects my culinary mood of late. If I can wait, this cookbook will be on my list of Christmas wishes this year. Along with David Tanis’ much anticipated Platter of Figs.
My friend and cooking buddy Smell The Roses gave me this autographed photo of Ina last week. What a gift! I’ve shared my vision and hopes for The Schell Cafe with Smell the Roses and she asked Ina to send a little luck my way. No pressure with Ina looking over your shoulder. Even if it is only a photograph.
Now for some housekeeping…I am proud to share with you the first thing I cooked on my new FiveStar cooktop was a grilled cheese. WOW! I followed that up with a double box of Mac & Cheese. Impressive, huh? I will be glad to share the recipes with you!
You’ll be happy to know that the new kitchen is being well broken in with all the recipes you submitted for the Recipe Contest. I’ve been cooking up a storm and despite the fact that the house is still completely hidden in boxes, our dinners have been delicious thanks to your amazing recipes. How I ever got along without them all is a wonder to me? As is how Husband & I will ever pick a winner?!?!? Stay tuned.
I’m glad you were able to meet your idol! I’m glad your putting your new kitchen to good use. Can’t wait to see who wins your contest! I have an award for you, I hope you’ll come visit my blog and claim it.
I simply adore Ina as well. You are a lucky duck. She is by far the celebrity gourmet chef on the Food network!
A few of my favorite Ina recipes…Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars, Chicken Stew with Biscuits, Lasagne with Turkey Sausage…and the latest I tried was Chicken Breasts stuffed with Goat Cheese and Basil. I loved it – the fam didn’t go for it so much.
Grilled cheese is one of my favorite foods – good choice!
I bet the grilled and mac and cheese tasted even better in your new digs… How could it not?
A bunch of the images on your site seem broken. You might want to fix them.