cooking with the barefoot contessa

my all time favorite cookbook author is ina garten, the barefoot contessa.  she has impacted my way of cooking over the past years, with her easy approach to roasting vegetables and meat, making soups and stews, and preparing easy appetizers for any occasion.

these cookbooks are filled with simple ideas for meals, picnics, barbecues, formal or casual dinners and lunches.  every recipe that i have tried has been a success.

 ina owned her own store on long island for years before her talents as a cookbook author evolved.  her knowledge for food preparation continues into table decoration, flower arrangements, baking, and even mixed drinks. many of her recipes talk about transporting food to other's homes or packing them for a picnic.