Ina Garten Says You Can Either Get on Her Train or Get Out of the Way

Overview

At 78, Ina Garten reflects on her journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a beloved cookbook author, TV host, and now a podcaster. In this conversation, she shares insights on creativity, resilience, and the importance of staying true to oneself while navigating a career in the culinary world. She also discusses her new projects, including her 14th cookbook, Simply Ina, and her upcoming video podcast, Happy Hour with Ina.

Notable Quotes

- I love this expression, getting out over your skis. Well, you have no choice. You've invested your money, you've made a stake in what you've decided to do. — Ina Garten, on embracing challenges and taking risks.

- You're either on my train or just get off, get out of my way. — Ina Garten, on dealing with negativity and staying focused on her vision.

- Your history isn't necessarily your life. You have to figure it out and then decide how you want to live. — Ina Garten, on overcoming childhood trauma and creating a fulfilling life.

🎙️ Reinventing in Later Life

- Ina Garten began her Food Network career in her mid-50s and wrote her first cookbook in her early 50s, proving that it’s never too late to start something new.

- She embraces working scared, finding excitement in taking risks and stepping out of her comfort zone.

- Her guiding principle for new projects is simple: Is it going to be fun? If the answer is yes, she pursues it with passion.

🍴 The Philosophy Behind Simply Ina

- Garten’s latest cookbook, Simply Ina, focuses on easy, delicious recipes with accessible ingredients, staying true to her ethos of simplicity and practicality.

- She avoids overly complicated dishes, preferring straightforward, comforting meals like roast chicken or raspberry cheesecake.

- Her approach to cooking is rooted in her belief that food should bring joy and connection, not stress.

🍸 Launching a Video Podcast: *Happy Hour with Ina*

- Garten’s new podcast will feature intimate conversations with guests over cocktails and mocktails, focusing on shared experiences and takeaways for listeners.

- She emphasizes the importance of fun and connection in her interviews, aiming to create meaningful and enjoyable discussions.

- Garten draws inspiration from her childhood desire for connection, which she now channels into her work and relationships.

💡 Lessons on Creativity and Resilience

- Garten credits her husband, Jeffrey, for teaching her to trust her instincts and pursue her passions.

- She reflects on her ability to walk away from successful ventures, like her specialty food store, when they no longer challenge or excite her.

- Her approach to life and work is rooted in clarity, intentionality, and a refusal to conform to others' expectations.

👩‍🍳 Feminism and the Culinary World

- Garten identifies as a feminist and has always advocated for people to follow their own paths, whether that means pursuing a career or focusing on home life.

- She shares a story about refusing to take home economics in high school, opting for shop class instead, which taught her skills she still uses today.

- Garten sees her career as part of a continuum of women in food, from Julia Child to Martha Stewart to Alison Roman, each bringing their unique style to the table.