Web Sites: BarefootContessa.com

Why I am recommending BarefootContessa.com:

It is Thanksgiving once again and so, time to think about gathering together to eat! Ina Garten has a special talent that combines delicious food with great style and thoughtfulness – just the perfect recipe for having a great time with good people.

Click here to visit the BarefootContessa.com

From the website:

I had no idea what I was getting into. In 1978 I was working in the White House Office of Management and Budget and thinking I’ve got to do something more creative with my life. I came across an ad in the New York Times for a specialty food store for sale in the Hamptons and I decided to investigate. My husband Jeffrey and I drove to Long Island to see the store and I fell in love. I had no experience in the food business but I knew that it was exactly what I wanted to do. I made the owner a low offer thinking I’d go home and I’d think about it. She called the next day and said, “I accept your offer.” Yikes! I owned a specialty food store!

Eighteen years later, Barefoot Contessa was a store that was celebrated both for its style and delicious food. In 1996, I sold the store to two employees who continued those traditions. At that point, with nothing to do, I built myself an office over the store and tried my hand writing a cookbook. The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook turned out to be the most exciting thing I’ve ever done professionally and the response from readers has been absolutely overwhelming. In 2001 I published my second book, Barefoot Contessa Parties! In 2002, Barefoot Contessa Family Style was released, and I started my show on Food Network, also called Barefoot Contessa. In 2004, I published Barefoot in Paris about my favorite simple French food and my fifth cookbook Barefoot Contessa at Home, was published in 2006.

Along with my friend and business partner, Frank Newbold, I have also launched an exciting line of products for breakfast, lunch, and dinner called Barefoot Contessa Pantry that is available for sale in stores throughout North America.

In 2003, the owners of Barefoot Contessa, the food store, decided to close their doors and go on to new adventures. I’m excited to continue the traditions and build the brand with new cookbooks, new television shows, and lots of delicious products that continue to reflect not only our quality and style, but also my love of entertaining friends and family.

I live in East Hampton and Manhattan with my husband Jeffrey.

Click here to visit BarefootContessa.com