Go-To Dinners: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook

Ina Garten presents a collection of dinner recipes designed to be reliable, satisfying, and easy to prepare. The cookbook emerged from her experience cooking frequently during the pandemic, which led her to reconsider her approach to weeknight dinners. The recipes emphasize convenience through make-ahead, freeze-ahead, and prep-ahead options. Examples include Overnight Mac & Cheese, Tuscan White Bean Soup, Chicken in a Pot with Orzo, and Hasselback Kielbasa. The book also features breakfast-for-dinner options such as Scrambled Eggs Cacio e Pepe and Roasted Vegetables with Jammy Eggs. A section called "Two-Fers" provides guidance on transforming leftovers into new dishes. Additional options include assembled boards using store-bought ingredients, such as an Antipasto Board and Breakfast-for-Dinner Board. Dessert recipes include Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie and Beatty's Chocolate Cupcakes, many of which can be prepared ahead. Garten frames dinner as an opportunity to build community among friends and family.