barikessa...

Cha-Cha's love affair with Barefoot Contessa still rages strong!

The Husband complains regularly about the fifteen or so episodes that remain saved on DVR. NEVER TO BE ERASED. Cha-Cha wakes up regularly asking to watch "Barikessa" and heaven forbid she be made to watch the same episode repeatedly. Rotation is key!

Cha-Cha and I do a little happy dance every time the DVR captures a new episode of Barefoot Contessa. This doesn't happen very often... come on Food Network, what's up with that?

If asked to pronounce "Barefoot Contessa" properly, Cha-Cha will comply, complete with appropriate pronunciation, however Ina is lovingly referred to as "Barikessa" daily.

While in the tub the other day, Cha-Cha "made" Ina's Summer Pudding, complete with layers of bread and several types of berries. All water and washcloths, of course, but very carefully measured and assembled.

Cha-Cha is convinced that she can do everything Ina can do and insists on helping to crack the eggs and pour and stir anytime I actually do cook.

No episode of Barefoot Contessa is complete until Ina has had her friends over for a party. Cha-Cha chants "they didn't eat yet, they didn't eat yet" while I fast forward that last set of commercials before the beloved finale!

Poor Cha-Cha with a Mama who cooks from scratch less and less each day. Forget the part about inviting friends over for the party. Not happening much around here lately. We'll continue to live vicariously through the lovely "Barikessa."

Thank you, Ina, for the wonderful example of a real "cooker" and for babysitting my three-year old while I get a few things done around here!