Every project needs parameters, and these are mine…
No Substitutions. When it comes to the ingredients, I will use exactly what the recipe calls for without making editorial substitutions or adaptations.
No Shortcuts. I will follow the recipe as written, without using methods that reduce or eliminate steps in the recipe. For example, I will start with whole onions and chop them myself. I will not purchase pre-chopped onions.
No "Staffing It Out." I own a bakery, and I employ a kitchen staff. However, for this project, I will not be staffing out the preparation or execution of the recipes. I will be the one doing the cooking, start to finish. My family and staff will be supporting me logistically with the management of the project, but the cooking will be all me.
Grilling. Lots of Ina's recipes involve grilling, and specifically grilling over charcoal. We do not own a charcoal grill, but we do own a gas grill. So when a recipe calls for grilling, we will be using our gas grill at home. My husband, Timm, is the chief griller, and as such, he is going to be in charge of anything grill-related. I look forward to learning.
Tasting. I will taste every dish. Not a tough sell, but worth mentioning.
Commercial vs. Residential. Some of the prep work and execution will be done in my home and some will be done in the Hurley House kitchen. I will be using residential tools and appliances with one exception. For items that are cooked in the Hurley House kitchen, if they need to go in the oven, then I will be using our commercial convection oven. It can't be helped.
Menus. If Ina suggested a menu in her books ("Lunch in the Garden" or "Birthday Dinner,") then we have tried to use those menus as much as possible. The rest of the menus were hand-chosen by yours truly.
Ingredients. When possible, we will use Ina's suggestions on brands of ingredients. But sometimes, I may be forced to make different brand selections than the ones she recommends.
Time Frame. All of the recipes will be executed in 365 days. The project will begin on September 24, 2018 and will end at 11:59 p.m. on September 23, 2019.
The Recipes. I will be cooking all of the published recipes from the following cookbooks: The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook, Barefoot Contessa Parties!, Barefoot In Paris, Barefoot Contessa Back To Basics, Barefoot Contessa How Easy Is That?, Cooking For Jeffrey, Barefoot Contessa Foolproof, Barefoot Contessa Family Style, Barefoot Contessa Make It Ahead, Barefoot Contessa At Home, and the October 23, 2018 release Barefoot Contessa Cook Like A Pro. Nothing more. Nothing less.