I MET THE BAREFOOT CONTESSA TODAY

I am sooo excited. My friend Janet and I drove up to Santa Monica today. Ina Garten was signing her new cookbook at a Williams-Sonoma store on Montana Avenue. We arrived at 11:15AM with Starbucks in hand. The signing was to take place between Noon and 2Pm. There were probably 200 people waiting already when we got to the end of the line. We stood on line for about an hour and a half. Much to our delight, Williams-Sonoma employees passed out samples of some of the recipes in her new cookbook: Parmesan and Thyme crackers, Raisin pecan oatmeal cookies, Mango Banana daquiris (without alcohol) and Tagliarelle with truffle butter. Everything was very structured. They sold 1300 books while we were there! She was very nice for the brief moment I had eye contact with her. She looks just like she does on TV. Warm and lovely, and so cute.

The woman in the photo is not me-her name is Fran and we met her standing in line. She purchased the book for her sister who is a big Ina fan.

After Janet and I had lunch we headed back home! Now I have all six Ina's cookbooks and look forward to getting inspired again.

Thank you Ina!!!

THE BAREFOOT CONTESSA

Ina Garten............I love this woman, love, love, love her! Love her cookbooks. (I own five) with elegant, yet simple recipes. Love her television show on Food Network. I watch it every night at 5:00PM. What is it about her? It it her gorgeous home in East Hampton, New York that I love? I fantasize about living in that house., that incredible kitchen, the lush vegetable garden and newly built barn. Is it her dinner parties, where she entertains with such ease, and has such a good time? I want to be a guest at her dinner parties. I want to enjoy her incredible cocktails, delicious and decadent desserts. I want to have talented friends that can come over and create beautiful floral arrangements for me. Yes, I am obsessed with all things Ina.. but, she can have her Jeffrey (married 39 years), I will keep my adorable husband of 21 years, Steve. For more Ina, visit http://www.barefootcontessa.com/.

Here is a recipe I recently made for Easter Brunch. Delicious!

POTATO BASIL FRITTATA (FROM BAREFOOT CONTESSA FAMILY STYLE)

Serves 8

8 T. unsalted butter, divided 2 cups peeled and 1/2 inched boiling potatoes

8 extra large eggs,

15 ounces ricotta cheese

1/2 T. kosher salt, 1/2 T. freshly ground pepper

1/4 cup Gruyere cheese, grated

1/4 cup chopped basil leaves

1/3 cup all purpose flour

1/4 t. baking powder

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

Melt 3 T. butter in a 10 inch oven proof omelet pan over medium low heat. Add the potatoes and fry them until cooked through, turning often, 10 to 15 minutes. Melt the remaining 5 T. of butter in a small dish in the microwave. Meanwhile, whisk the eggs in a large bowl, then stir in the ricotta, Gruyere, melted butter, salt, pepper, and basil. Sprinkle on the flour and baking powder and stir into the egg mixture. Pour the egg mixture over the potatoes and place the pan in the center of the oven. Bake the frittata until it is browned and puffed. 50 minutes to an hour. It will be rounded and firm in the middle and a knife inserted in the frittata should come out clean. Serve hot.