Updated October 2026 Of Ina’s later cookbooks, I think Cook Like a Pro may be my favorite. I nearly had to make this a top 35 list instead of my usual top 10 because there are so many stellar recipes. Obviously, I didn’t love every […]
Tag: store bought is fine
The Best Recipes from Ina Garten’s Make It Ahead
After cooking through Ina Garten’s Make It Ahead, I’m ranking my 10 favorite recipes from the book, including Jalapeño Margaritas, Ham & Leek Empanadas, Roast Chicken with Bread & Arugula Salad, Tri-Berry Crumbles, and Thanksgiving staples that prove Ina’s make-ahead recipes are as practical as they are delicious.
The Best Recipes from Ina Garten’s Barefoot Contessa Cookbook
After cooking all 1,300+ Ina Garten recipes, I revisited her very first cookbook, The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook, 27 years after its release. Here are my 10 favorite recipes — classics like roast chicken, crab cakes, and onion dip — that still balance ease and elegance for effortless entertaining today.
Red Velvet Cake with Ermine Frosting: The Forgotten Classic
My grandpa discovered a red velvet cake recipe in the ’60s that became a family legend. The key is in the heritage frosting. After tweaking the original recipe, I achieved a moist, tender, and vibrant red sponge. Double the frosting for a perfect four-layer delight!
Best Ina Garten Potato Salad Recipes: A Complete Ranking
Potato salad is one of those dishes everyone thinks they’ve mastered… until you start making Ina’s versions back to back and realize how much range there actually is. Creamy, herby, vinaigrette-heavy, lobster-loaded – some are instant classics, some surprised me, and a few I’d tweak […]
Ina Garten’s Classic Caesar Salad with Pancetta and Roasted Tomatoes
Ina Garten’s Caesar Salad with Pancetta is a classic done right. Crispy pancetta, jammy roasted tomatoes, crisp romaine, and shaved parmesan are tossed with a garlicky, lemony dressing enriched with anchovy for depth. It’s simple, balanced, and proof that great ingredients make all the difference.
My Favorite Dishes, Recipes & Cookbooks of 2025
2025 was a quieter year at home- more routine, more cooking, and a deeper rhythm in the kitchen. From favorite dishes I made to recipes I developed and the cookbooks that inspired me most, this roundup captures what I cooked, loved, and learned along the way.
Sausage & Mushroom Strata with Crispy Shallots
If you’ve never had strata, it’s the perfect Christmas morning treat as most of the work is done ahead of time, and it’s a hearty, warming dish ideal for a cold winter morning. This spin on a family favorite ups the flavor with a homemade mushroom cream sauce and crispy shallots!