How fun is that?
Be My Guest, putting together menus, and a new book I'm loving.
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The new season of my show, Be My Guest, is airing next month! It’s just a dream to have people I love - or people I’m just curious about! - come spend the day with me in East Hampton! We cook together and we talk about life and work. It’s a really fun day and you’re invited. The new episodes will premiere on April 11th at 12 pm ET on Food Network.
I’m hosting the fabulous actress Allison Janney, musician and composer Jon Batiste, The Daily host Michael Barbaro, and journalist and author Hoda Kotb!! How fun is that?!!!
Ask Ina:
“How do you think about putting a menu together?”
Putting together a menu is definitely not easy! There are so many things to consider, including the season, the guests, allergies, and how many ovens you have.
My first rule is that there should be one “star” on the plate, and the other dishes can play a “supporting” role. You don’t want all of the flavors screaming at you at once. I love it when the star is the side dish, like my Truffled Mashed Potatoes. It’s so simple and good, it makes everything you serve with it even better.
I also prepare a game plan to make sure I can actually pull the menu off! There’s usually something on top of the stove, something in the oven, and something that can be served at room temperature or made ahead. With the Truffled Mashed Potatoes, I’d make chicken breasts stuffed with goat cheese and basil and roasted broccolini. The broccolini can be prepped ahead and it roasts at the same temperature as the chicken.
This Week’s Favorites:
In honor of the Academy Awards, we rewatched Driving Miss Daisy. It’s two brilliant actors - Jessica Tandy and Morgan Freeman - telling a sort of love story against the backdrop of prejudice. I highly recommend it!
I’m making my favorite Charlie Bird Salad and serving it with rotisserie chicken for dinner tonight.
I loved reading A Marriage at Sea by Sophie Elmhirst. It’s a true story from 1972 about a couple who decided to sail around the world but they end up adrift on a raft for 118 days after their boat is hit by a whale and sinks. Can you even imagine?? It is quite a tale of survival and so well-written!
Oooh - Jon Batiste??? Bet he was a fun guest!!
There is a Puerto Rican chef, Mia Castro, that just recently presented her book. I bought it and it’s excellent. Please check her. I will love to se you cooking with her.🩷