Julie & Julia or Belinda & Ina

Back in 2005 I read a book called Julie and Julia.  As most foodies know, this book was written by a young woman, Julie Powell who decided to replicate all of the recipes (524) found in Julia Child’s “The Art of French Cooking” cook book over the course of a year.  The author began blogging each day about her hilarious and often delicious kitchen adventures.  Her blog and book became so successful that it was turned into a delightful movie in 2009 starring Amy Adams as Julie Powell and Meryl Streep as Julia Child.  Lucky for me, I own a first edition of Julia Child’s “The Art of French Cooking” (a generous gift from my mother in law), the Julie and Julia book by Powell and the DVD of the same name.  I used it as inspiration to host a dinner party for some of my women friends. My local newspaper featured a short story about the gather.  Click here to view the story.

Since then I have become a huge Ina Garten fan – what home cook isn’t?   Last year my thoughtful husband gifted me with her latest cookbook entitled, “Cooking for Jeffrey.”  So far every recipe I’ve replicated from her book has turned out well.  She is known for having her team practice the recipes countless times before publication to ensure accuracy and deliciousness.  When people ask me who are some cooks and cookbook authors I respect, I always reply, “When I grow up I want to be Ina Garten.”  I also admire how much she shows her love through cooking…especially making special meals for her husband.  So I’ve decided that I want to spend the next several months doing something similar…I plan to use the recipes in her book to do my version of “Cooking for Alan”.  It’s my gift to a wonderfully supportive and food-loving husband.  My part time work involves some travel, so I won’t be able to be as ambitious as Ms Powell was in cooking and blogging about a new recipe everyday.  I’m just hoping to devote time to preparing at least one meal per week using Ina’s recipes from “Cooking for Jeffrey.”  Wish me luck!