For fans of Ina Garten and her show, Barefoot Contessa on Food Network, having a collection of favorite recipes in one book is a real treat. While all of Ina’s books are great, her Barefoot in Paris book is filled with wonderful, French-inspired recipes. The thing that I loved about these recipes is that they truly are easy for the everyday cook. You don’t need to be a whiz in French cooking to pull them off.

There are recipes for every course of a meal, along with generous photos and even a story or two from Ina on …read more

The best thing about warmer weather in Birmingham is that Pepper Place Farmers Market opens. We go every Saturday we’re in town, and this weekend was no exception.

The market just opened for the season. Years ago we were just one of a few folks who headed out there every Saturday, but it’s since become hugely popular here. Which is a good thing for the farmers.
 
Today we bought a bunch of strawberries, because Truman would choose to eat strawberries over any other food on earth. We also bought tomatoes from one of the few vendors who had ripe ones to choose from. …read more

I am a self-described foodie and Food Network junkie. I have special affection toward chefs Bobby Flay and Mario Batali.
Recently, I’ve been following Ina Garten, pretty closely. The other night I made her “Perfect Chicken” recipie…and let me tell you…utter heaven. I am not really a big fan of chicken, especially, the wretched boneless, skinless variety. But this recipe calls for a whole chicken, glorious skin still on.
Make this dish for Sunday supper and take leftovers to work with you on Monday, you will wish you made two birds:

1 (5 to 6 pound) roasting chicken
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 …read more