I've got two of her books, Make It Ahead and Barefoot in Paris. This is probably the first time I devour a whole book in a week, cover to cover! I just couldn't put it down. Her books are not picture rich but each picture tells you exactly what you should know and expect about a dish she's going to show you. I like she always writes at the beginning of each chapter to prepare readers. I feel like Ina is talking to me! Reading her words one page after another, I couldn't put it down. I found her approach very pragmatic, her advice sensible, all with clear instructions. I just found connecting to her as an amateur cook myself, as if she understands exactly what I am going through and pointing out what I should do when I get stuck.
And most importantly, her recipes work. I've tried mustard roasted fish, cape cod chopped salad, salmon with lentils, goat cheese mashed potato, provencal roast lamb. People, I just got her books less than three weeks. Do you know how many times hubby praised the dishes I cooked from her books? Four out of five, ladies and gentlemen. Four out of five! That's unheard of and I call it very good results indeed!
With almost one hour late for St. Valentine's day, I wish all of you here a good and happy day. Do something which pleases you, with or without valentine. To borrow Ina Garten's sage words, take something ordinary and make it really special.
