I went to bed last evening with a grin on my face. For what seems like years, I’ve had stacks of books on my bedside that I’ve never been able to finish. Perhaps it’s the English Major in moi that is simply uninspired or burnt out at this point. Or the fact that my brain is constantly swirling and can’t seem to really get in the groove with a book, unless I am on the beach or by the sea. I’d read a few chapters here and there, get bored, and move on. The other week, I decided to pick up Ina Garten’s Memoir and instantly, it became the perfect book to fall asleep with. A friend described it as “cute” and I think that is an accurate representation of its essence. It very much chronicles her hard work, persistence and intuition that resulted in her success. She touches on the difficult childhood that shaped her, in addition to sharing fun stories, adventures in Paris and a deeper peek into her relationship with Jeffery, her husband and biggest champion. The memoir is wholesome, honest and comforting, akin to her cooking.
Speaking of cooking, I’ve been spending more time mapping out lovely family meals, Sunday Suppers, and home cooked dinners with friends. I recently made Ina’s Creamy Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Thyme — wow! It has so much flavor and made for yummy left overs. I highly recommend.
It’s a small victory, but one I’m celebrating — finishing her book! As we head into the warmer months here in New England, it also gave me an added motivation to stay committed to growing my library. Next up, Graydon Carter.
In the meantime, read Ina’s memoir, see here.
