NPR's Book of the Day
Food meets family in new books from Ina Garten and Stephen Colbert
Oct 18, 2024
Ina Garten, the beloved Barefoot Contessa, discusses her transition from a federal job to culinary fame, sharing how her upbringing shaped her food philosophy. Stephen and Evie McGee-Colbert dive into their cookbook, reflecting on family recipes and childhood memories from South Carolina's Lowcountry. They chat about the joy of cooking together 31 years into marriage and believe even simple ingredients can yield magnificent flavors. Their stories celebrate the intersection of food, family, and creativity.
18:22
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Quick takeaways
- Stephen Colbert's childhood meals, focused on efficiency, sparked his culinary skills and formed the foundation for his and Evie's family-centered cookbook.
- Ina Garten's contrasting upbringing instilled a love for joyful cooking, inspired by her grandmother, leading to her vibrant culinary persona as the Barefoot Contessa.
Deep dives
Colbert's Culinary Roots
Stephen Colbert reflects on his childhood, emphasizing the utilitarian approach to food instilled in him by his mother. Growing up as one of eleven children, he notes that meals were often simple and focused on efficiency rather than elegance, which he humorously characterizes as recipes found on ketchup bottles. This background prompted him to develop his cooking skills, as he often had to prepare food for himself if he craved something beyond the standard meals. Colbert highlights his mother's recipe technique as a central influence on the recipes in their new cookbook, emphasizing the importance of family traditions and memories in shaping their culinary journey.
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