If you have followed my blog for a while, you know that I love to cook. It's right up there with shopping and gift wrapping.
The problem I face is that I get into cooking ruts where I really get uninspired and I get tired of making the same boring things over and over again. I have vowed to start taking cooking classes but I also received a lot of cookbooks at Christmas and I have vowed to start actually using them. I picked up Ina Garten/ Barefoot Contessa's How Easy Is That? book with a gift card I received. It seemed like an easy one to use. I did what I always do with new cookbooks and I perused it and decided what I would like to make. As always, I stuck to the same things I always cook, which includes seafood, pastas, simple sides and rarely a dessert. I skipped over the complicated dishes as I always do.
Last weekend, I really wanted to cook so I made numerous dishes out of the cookbook and I was so excited about how delicious they were. I have never cooked my way through a cookbook and honestly I doubt I ever will. I hate beans. It's a texture issue and a problem because there is no cookbook that does not contain some kind of a bean. Or lentils. Just eew.
Anyway, I was proud of myself for not cooking the same old thing and for embracing these new recipes that I decided it was time for a new series!
Well it's the Ina Project right now. I'm currently working on recipes from her cookbook How Easy Is That? and I imagine after this one I might venture onto another chef but right now my goal is to cook as many recipes (check that beanless recipes) from Ina as I can fit into my schedule.
This is my first one and although I made it for New Years Eve dinner, I've made it many times but it's my favorite of Ina's recipes. It's from her cookbook Barefoot in Paris.
Asparagus with Hollandaise.
Okay this is one of the best things I've ever made. It's super easy. You make the hollandaise in a blender and it's pretty foolproof. It's delicious, thick, creamy and will work well with eggs benedict or any other recipe that calls for hollandaise.
One thing I know I am very good at making is asparagus. I have a knack for getting it perfect. I like blanched crisp vegetables and this is a perfect one. I bring water to a rolling boil and throw in asparagus with the ends removed. I cut the ends off so all pieces are the same size rather than breaking each piece. Make sure you have an ice bath ready to go and once the asparagus turns a bright gorgeous green pull them out and immediately into the ice bath to halt the cooking. The asparagus should be tender but crisp. I sprinkle the asparagus with some kosher salt on a platter and serve the hollandaise along side. Like this...
Best side ever and it's super easy.
Anyone else have a favorite Ina Garten recipe I should try?
Anyway, I was proud of myself for not cooking the same old thing and for embracing these new recipes that I decided it was time for a new series!
This is my first one and although I made it for New Years Eve dinner, I've made it many times but it's my favorite of Ina's recipes. It's from her cookbook Barefoot in Paris.
Asparagus with Hollandaise.
Okay this is one of the best things I've ever made. It's super easy. You make the hollandaise in a blender and it's pretty foolproof. It's delicious, thick, creamy and will work well with eggs benedict or any other recipe that calls for hollandaise.
One thing I know I am very good at making is asparagus. I have a knack for getting it perfect. I like blanched crisp vegetables and this is a perfect one. I bring water to a rolling boil and throw in asparagus with the ends removed. I cut the ends off so all pieces are the same size rather than breaking each piece. Make sure you have an ice bath ready to go and once the asparagus turns a bright gorgeous green pull them out and immediately into the ice bath to halt the cooking. The asparagus should be tender but crisp. I sprinkle the asparagus with some kosher salt on a platter and serve the hollandaise along side. Like this...
Best side ever and it's super easy.
Anyone else have a favorite Ina Garten recipe I should try?
5 comments:
Have you made her Red Velvet cupcakes yet? I think that recipe is in the How Easy Is That? cookbook. Delicious!
Roasted vegetables with orzo is an all-time favorite. You can't go wrong - I love them all!
I love your inspiration! I made her shrimp and fennel from her Foolproof book (I got the book for Christmas too). I really want to start cooking more, so I can't wait to cook more from her recipes!
Great tips! I have both cookbooks so I will have to whip those up.
I got the same cookbook and have been hesitant about trying anything. No more! Great inspiration, and my favorite Ina recipe is her macaroni and cheese. Plain and pretty simple. It was my first attempt at a rue.
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