In honor of the release of Ina Garten’s newest cookbook Go-To Dinners, I wanted to share my favorite Barefoot Contessa recipes from her various cookbooks. I admit – I am a recipe cook, and hers are many of my favorites. I also included some tips I have discovered from making them over the years.

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THE RECIPES

* Ina likes to use a lot of kosher salt – just one of my favorite things about her, but make sure to use Diamond Crystal salt. Morton Kosher Salt has a lot more sodium, so if you use that one don’t use the full amount she calls for.

FAMILY STYLE

Lasagna with Turkey Sausage

Chicken Stew with Biscuits – *cook the biscuits halfway through before putting them on the Chicken Stew. Don’t tell but I use Pilsbury pre-made.

Tequila Lime Chicken

Chicken Noodle Soup

PARTIES

Chicken Chili

MAKE IT AHEAD

Jalapeno Margaritas

Raspberry Bake French Toast

COOKING FOR JEFFERY

Rigatoni with Sausage and Fennel  – this is my family’s favorite. We make it every Christmas Eve and on a cold night. It is super easy and soooo good. I just use fresh fennel, and leave out the fennel seeds.

Dark Rum Southside’s

HOW EASY IS THAT

Grapefruit Margaritas – One of my faves! Don’t forget the salt and you can make them ahead of time just don’t forget to still add the ice. Check out my other tips in my post about this recipe.

Lemon Chicken Breasts – Easy weeknight dinner

Weeknight Bolognese – This is one of the recipes that if you don’t use Diamond Crystal salt, don’t use as much as she calls for.

MODERN COMFORT FOOD

Frozen Palomas

Boston Cream Pie

Giant Crinkled Chocolate chip cookies

FOOLPROOF: RECIPES YOU CAN TRUST

Balsamic Roasted Beet Salad

Slow Roasted Filet of Beef with Basil Parmesan Mayonnaise – This is a great holiday dinner, make the Mayo ahead of time

Truffled Mashed Potatoes – Goes well with the Filet of Beef

Chocolate Chunk Blondies

BAREFOOT CONTESSA AT HOME

Easy Lobster Paella – This is a great recipe for entertaining that makes it look like you are a gourmet chef. Get Lobster meat that is already cooked and out of the shell. It’s a little pricier, but a huge time saver.

BACK TO BASICS

Brownie Pudding – Stick in the oven while you are eating dinner and don’t forget the good vanilla ice cream.

Mustard Roasted Fish – My friend Julia made this at a dinner party and it is delicious and beautiful.

Creamy Cheddar Grits – Perfect holiday side

Bon Appétit,