of Ina, and root vegetables

Yesterday I left you with a bit of homework. Did you do it? I spent last night going through my stack of Barefoot Contessa books and focusing on finding a new root vegetable dish to try, and I have one tomato dish that is just as delicious as it is beautiful.

Here's the thing about Ina Garten. Most people associate her style of cooking with memes like this one.



It's hilarious because it feels true but when you spend some time reading her books you'll quickly learn that she is all about comfortable and effortless entertaining. Martha Stewart writes in the foreword of the Barefoot Contessa Cookbook, "There is a liveliness in Ina's cooking, a total lack of finickiness, a reliance on the freshest and best, and a casualness that I know will be appealing to everyone who uses her book". I don't just read her cookbooks for the recipes and gorgeous photography. Ms. Garten is a really good writer to boot! In the opening pages of Barefoot in Paris she tells the reader how her love of all things Parisian started with a special dress brought home by a family member when she was a little girl. The tale was so wonderfully written I burst into tears in the middle of the bookstore. I could picture it all, it was magic! What can I say, I'm a total fan girl. Her advice on table setting, party planning and decor have helped me too over the years. Simple, beautiful, classic.

Let's dive into this food shall we?

First up I've included Orange-honey glazed carrots (Barefoot Contessa at Home p133). I think this could be a nice change instead of the usual sweet potato casserole or candied yams. you know the ones with the charred marshmallows on top? seven ingredients and I bet you have most of them on hand right now!


Next, is a lovely Maple-roasted Butternut Squash (Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics p158). Can you tell that sweet potato casserole is not my favorite? I do love a beautifully roasted vegetable, and the combination of salty, sweet, savory flavors a play in this dish make me very happy. Again, seven fresh ingredients, simple method, huge flavor!



The last dish is just pretty. A pop of red on an otherwise brown Thanksgiving table. Provencial Tomatoes (Barefoot Contessa Family Style p116) take a little extra preparation, but they are so worth it. Inspired by Julia Child (I mean, come on) they would also be a fantastic addition to a traditional Christmas beef or lamb dish. 


I hope I've helped inspire your Thanksgiving menus this year. I'd love to hear about your adventures in the kitchen. If nothing else you know where to find something good to read.

Cheers
-Saron


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