Garlic Galore!

"There is no such thing as a little garlic." - Arthur Baer

I use garlic in practically everything I cook. It is a staple for me. If you like garlic as much as I do, keep reading - I am going to introduce you to a garlicky treat!

One of my favorite chefs and personalities is Ina Garten - The Barefoot Contessa. I love her story. She pursued what she loved and she made it happen. Ina Garten lives in East Hampton on Long Island, New York. I am very familiar with the area because I grew up on Long Island and we vacationed in the Hamptons during our summer break. It is a lovely backdrop for Ina to share her culinary creations. Ina has such a warm and inviting way about her. She is the kind of person you can imagine hanging out with. And she has the most fabulous recipes.

One of my favorite Ina Garten cookbooks is Barefoot in Paris. I must tell you, I think I was French in a past life. I love France. I have recurring dreams of France, and Paris in particular, and when I dream, I actually dream in French. It is like having an adventurous out-of-body experience. I love those dreams.

I have been to Paris twice and even the first time, I felt as if I had been there before. It is a wonderful city. And, of course, the food is beyond good. Ina Garten obviously loves Paris and it certainly shows in all of her recipes. They are all très bon!

Ina also has a knack for making the preparation of a fabulous meal look effortless and she can make a gourmet feast seem easy to prepare. I just love watching her!

In her Barefoot in Paris cookbook she has recipes that range from a Goat Cheese Tart to Boeuf Bourguignon to Profiteroles - and well, Chicken with Forty Cloves of Garlic!

As Ina says: "I know it sounds outrageous to cook chicken with forty cloves of garlic, but garlic becomes very sweet and tender when it's cooked for a long time. This is great to serve for a party with Moroccan Couscous (which is also in her Paris cookbook on page 158) because not only are they delicious together, but they can both be prepared a day ahead and reheated."

I am working my way through her cookbook and look forward to the experience of many more dishes as delectable as this chicken! I have served it to Brian and to my guests and it is always a huge hit. So, for all you garlic lovers out there, please try this recipe! See it in the Recipe section. And pick up a copy of Ina Garten's Barefoot in Paris for more of her French creations.

Bon Appetit!