I MET INA GARTEN TODAY! (New York City)

As you can tell, today was a very exciting day for me.  I met one of my all time favorite chefs – Ina Garten!  What is it that I love so much about Ina?  Well, it is the simplicity in her cooking, her amazing southern-style cakes, her awesome baking tips, how she casually adds a couple sticks of butter to her cooking – hilarious,  how she urges her audience on using “good vanilla extract” and “good olive oil”, her desire to ALWAYS entertain friends while Jeffrey is out of town, and her adorable relationship with her husband, Jeffrey.  These are some of the reasons why it is an absolute pleasure to watch Ina Garten on Food Network.    

Today my friend, Marian (another fan), and I headed uptown to Columbus Circle.

So pretty!

The book signing took place at Borders Bookstore!  So festive!

Of course, I had to take a picture of the sign!

We each had to purchase Ina’s new book, Barefoot Contessa How Easy is That? 

While waiting in line, 

I quickly skimmed the hardcover book and instantly fell in love with it because of the gorgeous pictures.  

I loved that each recipe had a picture associated with it so you know exactly what you are making.  I’m not just saying this to get you to purchase Ina’s book, I truly mean it.  Gotta love BANANA CAKE!!!

Most of her recipes are so simple!  

Although I love Ina’s cooking, I do feel some of her recipes are high in fat and I believe the fats can be lowered.  Here are examples of Ina’s such recipes where I’ve lowered the fat:
Carrot & Pineapple Cupcake 
Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Marian and I were contemplating what I should say to Ina, however when I was met face to face with “the baking guru,” I copped out.  Instead I said, “Hi Ina, it’s so nice to meet you, I love all of your recipes.”  Lame, right?  I know!!!  What I really wanted to say was, “What do I need to do to be invited to the Hamptons as one of your dinner guests?”  Obviously, it would be a joke that would make her laugh hysterically (or so I hoped)!  Too bad I didn’t muster up the courage to say it.  Silly me, silly me, silly me!!!  

Here is Ina when I met face to face with her, I am so glad that she seems so happy and engaged while talking to me, like my long lost friend.  Hehe!

Ina is just sooooooooooo sweet, and she seems to be such a nice and happy person.  She simply exudes warmth just as she does on her show, The Barefoot Contessa, and I’m so honored to have met her today!  Here is a video to prove to you just how nice and sweet she is:

And here is Ina’s signature on my book!  I’m never lending out this book, ever!  For now it resides on my coffee table in an effort to add a personalized touch to my living space.  🙂

The Perfect Couple! 
All I can say is, Jeffrey is one LUCKY man!!!!!  🙂  In reality though, they are both perfect for each other and lucky to have one another!