Go-To Dinners: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook

Shop Notes:

In times of national and international strife, one of the happy constants has been the quality and consistency of Ina Garten's cookbooks.  Go-to Dinners double downs on this concept with the acknowledgment that, after the difficult years of a pandemic what people need the most is to feel heard, seen, and loved by their family and friends.  In person.  Preferably with a plate of comforting macaroni and cheese or a slice of Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie.

Go-to Dinners cookbook is a blueprint for crafting lovely get-togethers so we can get used to getting together without all the hassle and worry about recreating a 3-star Michelin menu.  Be casual.  Serve a dish that makes you and your friends feel like they are getting a warm hug.  It's okay.  Comfort food will always be in style and your people will love you for serving it, but also feel free to get a bit creative by adding some new spins on your favorites.  

As for the recipes, there isn't one in the book that I'm not tempted to make   What's more, I see my own pragmatic style of cooking reflected in these recipes.  But, also an elevated version of my cooking.  I see fresh lobster and Blood oranges, but I also see ingredients from Costco, premade pie shells, and egg-based dishes that will make cooking faster and easier.  This is classic Ina Garten and the world is better for it.