Barefoot Contessa at home

This seems like an appropriate cookbook for the times we are in, as we all cook more at home!

I like Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa,  and have a couple of her books.  I remember her when she appeared on Martha Stewart Shows, and try to catch her show when it is on tv.  She has a relatable approach to cooking.  I loved her hearing her talk about the shop she owned in East Hamptom.  I think that would have been one of the ultimate foodacations.  Staying around East Hampton for a week and buying all the food from her shop.   Forget about East Hampton I just wanted to go to her shop!

As wonderful as it is to try new restaurants when you are travelling, it is just as much fun to be able to pick up local ingredients and play with them in the kitchen.  One of my favourite days on a trip to Tuscany was the day we want into the local village, purchased a baguette and biscotti from the baker. Sausage meat from the butcher and produce from the green grocer.  We then spent the afternoon creating our meal with our own Nonna who showed us how to make pasta!

Right now it is nice to day dream about the places we will go when we feel safe to travel again; I find it hopeful to think about the trips I might take.  One of those trips will be to Vancouver again but this time I am going to stay somewhere that I have a kitchen.  I have been to Vancouver a number of times and one of my favourite places to go is Granville Island.  But because I am usually staying in a hotel,  I have to restrain myself in my purchases as I have no where to store/prepare many of the wonderful things that are available.

Then again I have a hard time even when I go to the local farmers market.  The Boyce Farmers Market is the oldest farmers market in Fredericton and one of Canada's Top 10 Community Markets.  Even though, usually, I can go to the market every Saturday,  I don't because I always over buy.  There is too much fresh good food that it is hard to stick to the shopping list. 😀  It is a problem I hope to have again soon.

What is your favourite foodacation place that you have been or would like to go to??  I am looking for ideas.

But this post is supposed to be about Ina Garten's book, so let's get back to it.

I  made a couple of the recipes when I joined my cousins to quilt.

The Cranberry Orange Scones and the Peach Bellinis

The scones were a hit,  a great treat for brunch one morning.  Made with dried cranberries they were quick and easy and could be prepared at any time, as we tend to have the ingredients on hand.   The recipe in the book makes a lot, but it is easy to halve without any issues.

I did cheat when I made the Fresh Peach Bellinis, fresh peaches in February is impossible so I used frozen, which made a very tasty drink but I can't wait until fresh peaches are available because I bet the drink will be spectacular.  (Sorry no pictures - too busy quilting at that point to remember to take pictures)

My local grocery store had tuna steaks on special last week, albeit frozen,  but I took advantage of the tuna to make Seared Tuna with Mango Chutney.  I still remember the first time I had fresh Tuna steak, it was at the restaurant at the VanDusen Botanical Garden in Vancouver many years ago.  Obviously it was a meal that has stayed in my memory,  I have had tuna in restaurants since but have never tried to cook it at home.  Always just a little leary about cooking tuna at home.  The key to a good tuna steak is not to overcook, it should still be pink in the middle and the difference between just cooked and overcooked is small. 

Ina's instructions were clear and easy to follow and the Mango Chutney provided the right amount of sweet to compliment the tuna.  I served with Couscous with Pine Nuts and a little sauted spinach.  

Considering how easy it was, I will certainly try tuna steaks at home again!

For now, I think I will go enjoy the sun and day dream about some foodacations, until next time. Stay Safe.