Be Ready When the Luck Happens, or Push on til it Does?

Our most recent Cook the Books Club selection (February - March) is Ina Garten's new memoir, Be Ready When the Luck Happens.  I was clueless as far as this author goes.  Having never read any of her cookbooks, or watched her on TV, etc., this was an interesting memoir as a commentary on the life of a celebrity, though more so for her fans, I'm sure.

Ina, as we read in her memoir, was shaped by a sad, difficult and actually abusive childhood.  You come to realize afresh that some people really should not have children at all.  Because of which upbringing, Ina Garten it seems was driven to assert herself in adulthood.  With her accomplishments and ambition in the face of obstacles, at times including her marriage, it was a wonder to me that her relationship with her husband, Jeffrey survived.  She was blessed indeed with that man in her life, and that they were both able to grow through it all.

I checked out several of her cookbooks for inspiration and have tried a few recipes, with mixed reviews.

One, an Oven Baked Asparagus Risotto, from her Go-To Dinners book was very good, delicious in fact.  and we both enjoyed it.  Loved the taste of saffron in there.

One of our last meals together, in fact.  This has been a very stressful and sad time for me.  So this post won't go on too much.  Bob went to heaven last Friday morning, after a long bout with bone cancer.  This was about done, so just finishing up here.  Cook the Books Club for this Feb/March edition. Apologies for being a day late!