Barefoot Contessa Ina Garten Says 'Make It Ahead' in New Book

In her newest cookbook, Make It Ahead, Hamptons celebrity chef Ina Garten, aka the Barefoot Contessa, is tackling a fan favorite question: “Can I make it ahead?” The book, featuring recipes that can be partially done ahead of time, is due for release on Wednesday, October 8.

In Make It Ahead, each recipe has clear directions for what can be done ahead of time, and how far in advance, so would-be cooks can prep food well before entertaining friends and family—eliminating any last-minute surprises.

To start, imagine making a pitcher of Summer Rosé Sangria filled with red berries, allowing it to chill overnight for the flavors to develop, and then serving the delicious drink to guests the moment they arrive! Other recipes provide for multiple meals—simmer a pot of Wild Mushroom & Farro Soup, enjoy a bowl for lunch, and then freeze the rest for a chilly evening. For Winter Slaw, prepare the kale, Brussels sprouts, and lemon vinaigrette ahead of time and simply toss them together before serving.

The book explains how to assemble French Chicken Pot Pies filled with artichokes and fresh tarragon a day in advance and then pop them in the oven just 30 minutes before before dinner. And for dessert, Ina offers her Decadent (gluten-free!) Chocolate Cake topped with Make-Ahead Whipped Cream. She also includes recipes just in time for the biggest cooking day of the year—Thanksgiving. Her Ultimate Make-Ahead Roast Turkey and Gravy with Onions & Sage is said to be amazing.

Make It Ahead is loaded with photographs and hundreds of make-ahead tips, making it what may just be the ultimate go-to guide for preparing meals that are stress-free yet filled with the tasty food readers/chefs have come to expect from the Barefoot Contessa.

Order it from Amazon here.