search barefoot contessa

Ask Ina

Ask Ina

Have a cooking or entertaining question?

From Wendy McCormack - Western Australia

What brand of knives do you recommend?

See Answer

From Suzy DeVore - Springfield IL

I want to make your Fresh Fig and Ricotta Cake - would it still taste as wonderful if it wasn't warm?

See Answer

From Rose - Cohasset, MA

I plan to serve Company Pot Roast for a dinner party. Is it possible to make it ahead and reheat to serve?

See Answer

From Dr. Marilou Elido - CA

Can I prepare the Buffalo Chicken Wings a day in advance?

See Answer

From Christine Benoit - Clinton Township, Michigan

I am looking for a high-quality olive oil. What brand do you suggest?

See Answer

From John - Connecticut

Because fall is approaching, what are some of the best foods to get a farmers market in the fall?

See Answer

From Barbara - Toledo, OH

Can I serve Savory Palmiers cold?

See Answer

From Cynthia - Punta Gorda, FL

May I make the Mocha Chocolate Icebox Cake a few days ahead and put it in the freezer?

See Answer

From Dorothy Hayers - United Kingdom

I am not familiar with Hersheys chocolate syrup. Do you know of a U.K. equivalent?

See Answer

From Mike Taylor - Enterprise, AL

When you cook with butter, what brand do you use?

See Answer

From Elizabeth Ramsey - Atlanta, GA

What brand of chocolate chunks do you use in your chocolate chunk cookies?

See Answer

From Lisa Stern - Seaford, NY

Is there a difference between a pine nut and a pignoli nut? I can't find pine nuts.

See Answer

From Sheila - Pelham, AL

How do you keep cookies crisp? Mine always get soft.

See Answer

From Sandra Marschall - North Carolina

I want to make your Chicken Stock, but my pots are not as big as yours. How do I make half your recipe without cheating the flavor?

See Answer

From Susan Walsh - New Jersey

Can the Parmesan Crisps be frozen?

See Answer

From Cheryl - Seattle, WA

I will be making your Herbed Goat Cheese (Cooking for Jeffrey). I would like to know how long will the cheese keep in the fridge?

See Answer

From Seth - Nagoya, Japan

I’m looking to make my first Le Creuset Dutch oven purchase. What size do you use most often in your recipes?

See Answer

From Jami - Nebraska

I made your Coconut Macaroon recipe, but I did something wrong - they puddled at the bottom as they baked. What did I do wrong?

See Answer

From Ms. Daryl - Starr, SC

Where can I find the plastic freezer containers that you use?

See Answer

From Chrissie McGiveran - Los Gatos, CA

I purchased Framboise, Cassis and Limoncello recently and I would like to know if any need refrigeration after opening to preserve shelf-life and how long will they last?

See Answer

From Julian - Houston, Texas

I’d like to know what brand panini press you use on the show?

See Answer

From Sandra McCullough - Oregon

How much in advance can I make your Fresh Corn Salad?

See Answer

From Ginny Krol - Buffalo, NY

What’s the best way to soften butter?

See Answer

From Lois Stark - Greenwich, NY

What size eggs do you use for baking? I'd like to make the Sour Cream Coffee Cake, but would like to know what size eggs to use.

See Answer