No TV personality and cookbook writer has a more fun-loving, yet expert-graceful approach as Ina Garten, whose books (“Cooking For Jeffrey” and “Barefoot Contessa Foolproof: Recipes You Can Trust“, to name a few) are infused with as many practical cooking tips as touching anecdotes.
Ina is both relatable and inspiring. Brooklyn-born, she spent years working in DC, fell in love with cooking by working her way through Julia Child’s cookbooks, opened a gourmet grocery store, and eventually rose to fame as a cookbook writer and Food Network chef. Does she ever stop?
We can’t think of any better way to celebrate our favorite celebrity chef than by cooking some of her classic Jewish recipes. In the spirit of The Barefoot Contessa, pour a flute of champagne, invite some fabulous friends over and start cooking!
Ina’s shown the world that Friday night roast chicken is the secret to a happy marriage.
“Jeffrey was always coming from somewhere else on Friday. It’s so nice to walk in the house with a roast chicken in the oven. Just the smell of it feels like home. It’s the easiest dinner to put together when I’m working all day. So it just became a tradition with us,” she told The Nosher.
Make it your tradition, too, to whip up this simple roast for the people you love.
2. Brisket with Carrot and Onions
This classic tender, juicy brisket recipe will always please a crowd. Bonus: There’s not a squeeze of ketchup in sight.
Schmaltz is the secret to Ina’s chopped liver. Serve this old-world appetizer with a couple of welcome modern twists on matzah crackers for the full experience.
4. Noodle Kugel
Ina’s noodle kugel is a little cheeky — just like her — veering from tradition with the addition of ricotta cheese to add extra richness. If you like your noodle kugel sweet, you might want to add a little extra sugar.
5. Chicken Soup
Soup is Ina’s favorite comfort food, and we totally get it. The world will always feel like a better place after a bowl of this rich, slow-cooked soup.
6. Matzah Balls
Optional, but encouraged.
7. Rugelach
With a cinnamon-scented raisin and walnut filling, these flakey cookies are sure to hit the spot. Ina, you did it again.
