If a non-cook can make Ina’s recipes, so can you!
They say desperation is the mother of invention. In my case it’s reinvention from diner to cook, a seismic change for someone proud of her prowess in reservation making, takeout ordering and mooching off the cooking of others. But after a year of takeout, I succumbed and started cooking.

Barefoot Contessa Shortbread Cookies | Made By DeathbedFood
I decided to focus on making Barefoot Contessa recipes for three reasons:
- I’ve already made a few of her recipes – desserts which should not be a surprise as they are likely DeathbedFoods. Her shortbread cookies, flag cake and “Outrageous” brownies definitely met the qualifications.
- My mother, a six decades-long master of her kitchen, adores Ina Garten, her Barefoot Contessa show and cookbooks.
- And several foodies I follow frequently share drool-inducing Barefoot creations.
I’ll be sharing my ups and downs in the kitchen with a new blog series called “DeathbedFood Cooks Barefoot“. In it, you’ll see how well I manage to pull off Ina’s recipes. My guess is that it will motivate you because you’ll see that if an inexperienced cook like me can do it, you can too!
I’ve gathered an extensive Barefoot Contessa cookbook collection and selected a list of recipes I’d like to tackle. Take a look and tweet me @DeathbedFood about which you’d like me to try first!
Barefoot Contessa Modern Comfort Food
- Fig + Cheese Toasts
- Split Pea Soup with Kielbasa
- Broccoli + Kale Salad
- Ultimate Beef Stew
- Sautéed Rainbow Chard
- Outrageous Garlic Bread (this is probably NEXT on my list!)
- Bittersweet Chocolate Cake
- Boston Cream Pie
Barefoot Contessa At Home
- Portobello Mushroom Lasagna
- Chicken Piccata
- Chicken with Goat Cheese
- Zucchini Pancakes
- Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
- Pesto Pea Salad
- Tomato Feta Salad
- Broccolini with Vinaigrette
- Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
- Broccoli Rabe with Garlic
Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics
- Roasted Tomatoes with Basil
- Parmesan Broccoli
- Wild Mushroom Risotto (Made!)
- Mustard Roasted Fish
- Sole Meuniere
- Coq au Vin
The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook
- Split Pea Soup
- Filet of Beef Bourguignon
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Outrageous Brownies (Made! See post!)
Barefoot Contessa Cook Like a Pro
- Tomato + Avocado Salad
- Cauliflower Toasts
- Red Wine-braised Short Ribs
- Triple Chocolate Loaf Cakes
Barefoot Contessa Cooking for Jeffrey
- Tarragon Shrimp Salad
- Roasted Italian Meatballs
- Crusty Baked Shells + Cauliflower
- Vanilla Cream Cheese Pound Cake
- Apple Pie Bars
Barefoot Contessa Family Style
- Curried Chicken Salad
- Linguini with Shrimp Scampi
- Coconut Macaroons
Barefoot Contessa Parties
- Noodle Kugel
- Spaghettoni Al Pesto
- Chocolate Chunk Cookies
- Chocolate White Chocolate Chunk Cookies
- Double Chocolate Pudding
Barefoot Contessa Make It Ahead
- Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
- Crispy Baked Potatoes with Whipped Feta
- Peas + Pancetta