By Eugenia Chien Mon, October 6, 2008, 12:01 am PDT

Ina's book Barefoot in Paris In the increasingly telegenic lineup of Food Network chefs, Ina Garten seems like a strangely likeable earth-mama with a really, really big house in East Hampton, and gardens blooming with fresh flowers and herbs. This month, the Barefoot Contessa (as she's better known, from the name of her former store and current cooking show) is releasing a new book called "Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics." In the book, Garten shows readers how to entertain like royalty -- even those of us who don't live in mansions. Garten's food always seems lush, stylish, and delicious, but I have to admit that her love for her husband, Jeffrey Garten, is the one thing that makes me both love the show -- and cringe. Garten unabashedly adores her husband, who seems to go away for business for weeks at a time. That may drive some wives crazy, but Garten seems to always have her Jeffrey in mind during any episode. (Jeffrey's back for the weekend? How about a picnic?) She oohs and aaahs over the food, and when Jeffrey finally comes around to tape the end of the show and enjoy the fruits of her labor, you can see that she truly loves cooking for him. Such displays of affection are a little unnerving for me, but Garten's recipes warm my cold, cold heart. Her famed Coeur a la Crème with raspberry and Grand Marnier sauce is actually very easy to make, and can be prepared ahead of time: You simply pour a mixture of cream cheese, sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla into a heart-shaped mold (what else?), then chill and serve with a raspberry and Grand Marnier sauce. Or, if you're lazy like me, sprinkle a handful of raspberries on top and call it a day. And if, like me, you're allergic to public displays of affection, I think Ina would say that a square-shaped mold is perfectly acceptable. Suggested Sites... Recipes by Ina Garten - fans review more of the Barefoot Contessa's recipes. Barefoot Contessa - Lemon Chicken with Croutons - watch Ina Garten prepare one of my favorite chicken dishes. Entertain with Chow.com - great entertaining tips and stories from Chow.com.

Directory categories: The Barefoot Contessa, Cooking Advice, Aphrodisiac Recipes

Archived under: Celebrities, Cooking, Food and Drink, Recipes, Romance, Society and Culture, TV

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