#TBT: Ina Garten

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Ina Garten

It’s Thursday, and while that means everyone is just one day away from the weekend, it also means it’s time to throw back — to an earlier period in Food Network’s history. Check back on FN Dish every Thursday to find the latest #tbt of your favorite chefs and get a retro look at their earliest days on TV.

Before Ina Garten was known as the Barefoot Contessa, she was working in Washington, D.C., at America's most famous address: 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. While at the White House, she focused on nuclear energy policy; it wasn't until later that she learned she was destined for a life in food. In 1978 Ina and her husband, Jeffrey, bought Barefoot Contessa, a specialty food shop in the Hamptons on Long Island. After years under Ina's leadership, the once-tiny store had been transformed into a thriving business with dozens of employees and a stellar local reputation. She eventually sold Barefoot Contessa in 1996, but the nickname stuck with her, so much so that her first Food Network show premiered with that title in 2005.

When it comes to cooking, Ina has a passion for creating feasts that are at once familiar and fancy with the best, freshest ingredients available, which is something she's tried to instill in her fans as well. Each week on Barefoot Contessa, Ina highlights a theme, event or ingredient that's particularly relevant to her, and she features it in recipes that are not only accessible and easy to prepare but deliciously satisfying as well. Some of her most lauded dishes include  Engagement Roast ChickenMac and Cheese and Beatty's Chocolate Cake, but she's known to create dressed-up plates as well, like Salmon with Lentils and Croissant Bread Pudding. No matter the cuisine and meal, however, Ina's sure to incorporate can-do techniques and handy tips to help viewers re-create her recipes with ease.

This Thanksgiving, prepare a celebration-worthy spread with the help of Ina's no-fail recipes. Watch her videos to learn how she hosts an Easy, Elegant Thanksgiving at home.

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Ina’s Zucchini Gratin — Meatless Monday

Ina uses zucchini as a seasonal vegetable to replace potato in her gratin. When baked, this dish gets a beautiful golden crust from breadcrumbs and Gruyère cheese.

Ina Garten Bio

Get to know Ina Garten, host of Barefoot Contessa.