Ina-Garten

Ina Garten, an American author of cookery books as well as Emmy Award-winning host for Food Network's longest-running program Barefoot Contessa that began airing in 2002, has 27 seasons until 2020. Ina was employed at the White House as a writer of nuclear energy policy documents and also the budget. Although she found her job intellectually stimulating initially eventually she lost her interest in it and decided to purchase a smaller specialty food store - Barefoot Contessa. Prior to selling the company, she spent 18 years building it into a highly successful store. There were many more cookbooks as well as magazine columns which were added. Her Food Network television program also was launched and soon became a hit. The company sells numerous items, from the ingredients needed for cooking, to kitchenware and storage. Ina did not go to any cookery schools nor was she employed in a dining establishment. She is entirely self-taught. Her easy-going approach to entertaining as well as her simple cooking style are well known. Some of her best known recipes include Skillet-Roasted Lemon Chicken Beatty's Chocolate Cake Mac and Cheese Beef Bourguignon Balsamic-Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Lemon Bars.