The Art of Cooking with Ina Garten
The New Yorker Radio Hour
Deep Dive
Why did Ina Garten dread dinner time as a child?
Dinner was not a joyful time for Ina Garten because her mother, who had no interest in food, prepared unappetizing meals like broiled chicken and canned peas. Her father, a stern taskmaster, would grill her about school and criticize her, leaving her with a knot in her stomach by the end of the meal.
What was Ina Garten's first experience with cooking?
Ina Garten's first experience with cooking was after she got married. She was never allowed in the kitchen as a child, so she bought Craig Claiborne's The New York Times Cookbook and a set of kitchen equipment. Her first attempt was making challah, which she found challenging but rewarding.
Why does Ina Garten prefer to cook alone?
Ina Garten prefers to cook alone because she finds cooking hard and likes to concentrate fully on what she's doing to ensure the dish turns out well. She enjoys the space and focus that cooking alone provides.
What is Ina Garten's approach to making cooking accessible?
Ina Garten's approach to cooking is classic and accessible, focusing on simplicity and encouraging even novice cooks to follow her recipes. She believes in simplifying techniques, especially during stressful times like the pandemic, to make cooking manageable for everyone.
What is Ina Garten's recommendation for a beginner cook?
Ina Garten recommends starting with a roast chicken, which she considers the easiest dish to prepare. She suggests roasting it with vegetables like potatoes, fennel, or asparagus, emphasizing that it's simple and hard to overcook if done correctly.
Why did Ina Garten's store, The Barefoot Contessa, become so successful?
The Barefoot Contessa became successful because Ina Garten designed it as an immersive experience. She engaged all senses with wonderful smells, displays of produce, great music, and samples of food. The store was fun to visit, which drew people in even when they weren't hungry.
What was Ina Garten's hesitation about doing a TV show?
Ina Garten hesitated to do a TV show because she didn't think anyone would want to watch her cook on TV. Despite multiple offers from the Food Network, she initially declined until they persisted and convinced her to try 13 episodes.
What is Ina Garten's opinion on bay leaves in cooking?
Ina Garten is unsure if bay leaves make a significant difference in cooking. She admits she has never tested recipes without bay leaves to see if their absence affects the flavor, leaving the question open-ended.
What is Ina Garten's advice for transforming potatoes into party food?
Ina Garten suggests making potato latkes as a party food. She recommends preparing them in advance and reheating them in the oven, making them a convenient and delicious option for gatherings.
What is Ina Garten's favorite way to cook vegetables?
Ina Garten prefers roasting vegetables over boiling or steaming them. She believes roasting brings out their flavor by caramelizing the sugars, making them more delicious and easier to prepare.
- Ina Garten's success is attributed to her approachable style and classic recipes.
- Her childhood dinners were characterized by a lack of joy and connection.
- Ina prefers to cook alone to concentrate and ensure high quality.
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