Food meets family in new books from Ina Garten and Stephen Colbert
Oct 18, 2024
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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.
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.
Ina Garten's Culinary Influence
Ina Garten shares how her upbringing differed significantly from Colbert’s, explaining that her mother viewed food primarily as nourishment, lacking the emotional connection that Garten later embraced. Her childhood was filled with bland, utilitarian meals, a stark contrast to the vibrant and comforting dishes she later became known for. Garten attributes her love for cooking to her grandmother, who was passionate about food and made it a joyful experience for her family. Drawing inspiration from her family history, she describes how this background fueled her desire to create flavorful dishes that are meant to be shared and enjoyed with loved ones.
Collaborative Cooking Experience
Stephen and his wife, Evie Colbert, discuss their collaborative process in creating their cookbook, 'Does This Taste Funny?'. Initially apprehensive about working together, the couple found joy in the experience as they navigated their unique dynamics—Stephen's improvisational style contrasted with Evie's structured approach to cooking. Through shared laughter and a blend of their personalities, they infused their love for family recipes and stories into the book. The cookbook features cherished recipes from Evie's late mother and reflects the warmth and camaraderie of their kitchen, inviting readers to feel as though they are part of their family gatherings.
Ina Garten and Stephen Colbert share some big commonalities. They've both had long and successful careers in television, they're friends–and they love food. Garten has built her career around her persona as the Barefoot Contessa, with recipes that find the intersection between simple and interesting. And now, she's out with a memoir, Be Ready When the Luck Happens. Colbert also has a food-centered book, although his project is a cookbook co-authored with his wife, Evie McGee-Colbert. In today's episode, NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with Garten about growing up in a home where food was strictly fuel and about the joy of solving complex problems. Later, Shapiro talks with the Colberts about the cuisine of the South Carolina Lowcountry and how they've finally learned to play sous-chef for each other 31 years into their marriage.
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