86 Quotes by Ina Garten

The thing about all my food is that everything is a remembered flavor. Maybe it's something I had as a child or maybe it's something I had in Milan, but I want it to taste better than you ever thought.

I don't like sitting at a table that's too large, where everyone is too far apart. That's a party killer.

I time everything. I'm a scientist at heart.

I use other cookbooks for inspiration. I must say I tend to cook from my own cookbooks for parties.

The most overrated tool: a pasta maker. Why make it when you can buy it? It's a lot of work!

I measure everything, because I always think that if I've spent so much time making sure this recipe was exactly the way I want it, why would I want to throw things into a pot?

My favorite fall or winter lunch is big steaming bowls of soup. I usually invite people for around 12:30 and have two hearty soups like shrimp corn chowder and lentil sausage soup, which can be made a day or two ahead.

I always have music. I love it to be very upbeat. When you're having drinks, I like something like Cesaria Evora. During dinner, I like the much more traditional - old Frank Sinatra and things like that.

There's something really wonderful about a party where you help yourself. Of course, first you get what you really want. But 'family style' service also really encourages people to connect with one another.