Six years, five months, and three days later I’ve officially completed all of Ina Garten’s 1,272 recipes. It was a massive undertaking and something I could never have done without some inspiration, amazing people, and my phenomenal support system.
INA GARTEN – First, and most importantly, I’d like to thank Ina. One for making cooking less intimidating. I chose to cook my way through your books because with little experience, your recipes made me feel like a professional. Your open, never-critical approach to cooking welcomes so many of us into the kitchen and shows us we’re capable of cooking fabulous meals. And it always looks like you having fun doing so – cooking doesn’t have to be tedious.
Thank you for making so many delicious recipes – I mean how it is possible to like nearly every one of your recipes!?!?! Well, maybe it’s because you put so much care, thought, and time into each to perfect them. That truly shows in every single one of your cookbooks.
And thank you for always being so gracious when it came to the project – you could have easily had the same reaction as Julia Child did to Julie & Julia and I’m so thankful you didn’t. I get that it’s kind of weird for a 30 something guy to photoshop his face onto yours for fake situations – although I always loved our Halloween costumes – but every step of the way you’ve been supportive. From likes and comments to generously responding to my DMs, taking photos during that magical run-in in Paris, and finally assembling the last recipe together.
I’ve always said meeting someone you admire can often be a letdown – how can they live up to what you’ve built in your head – but you’ve far exceeded my expectations. Showing grace, openness, and a spirit of fun that we all can’t get enough of. So thank you. You owed me nothing but have given so much of yourself. And I owe you everything. Thank you for all the delicious food, but more importantly helping me find myself.
TO EVERYONE WHO FOLLOWED ALONG ON THIS JOURNEY: Thank you! I’d be lying if I said there weren’t days when I wanted to quit. But your words of encouragement, advice, and tips helped me through. While many of us are strangers in our everyday lives, we are friends and you’ve helped me in ways you’ll never realize. Thank you for showing kindness, love, and support. In a world that feels angrier and polarized, you’ve been the bright spot reminding me that good is out there – that the internet can be a positive place. I hope we’re cooking together for many years to come. I have one favor – please reach out and keep in touch – I’m going to be going through withdrawals now that I’ve finished this project!
ALEX – My Jeffrey. What can I say? You’re my rock – while all of you get to enjoy perky Trent (for the most part) he often gets the anxious, unconfident, sad version but greets that with so much love and tenderness. I am beyond lucky to have you in my life. Thank you for always making me laugh, providing neverending support, and for eating everything I throw your way. Love you so much.
FAMILY and FRIENDS – Thank you for your unending support, help, advice, and love. And thanks for putting up with my late meals and sometimes cold food as I photographed. A special thanks to Laura R – without you, I may never have started this project. And Annie and Stephanie thank you for your countless hours of advice, editing, sous chefing, and always providing encouragement as I navigated this project.
CASSANDRA’S KITCHEN – Thank you for believing in this project so early. I’ve had so much fun partnering with you over the years and am so happy to call you all friends. Can’t wait to work together for many years to come.
LIDEY and KRISTINA – Thank you for answering all my questions over the years and always being so gracious and welcoming! Ina truly surrounds herself with the best people.
RAQUEL – And lastly, I’d like to dedicate this entire project to my friend Raquel. She was always one of the biggest cheerleaders of this project. How I wish we could celebrate this milestone together. I hope I made you proud.
Xoxo,
Trent
I found you late in your project and loved every episode. Absolutely brilliant. I know big new adventures are out there for you and thank you for bringing a little bit of “my best friend,Ina” to my house. I wrote her an email many years ago and she responded from her personal email. I still have her response in one of her books. I can’t imagine actually getting to meet her. Congratulations on your project. It was amazing.