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Photo: Mike Smith/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images
“This was the very first show that I filmed 20 years ago,” Garten wrote on Instagram. “Yikes! A lot has changed but I guess that some things never will??”
It’s obvious from this clip that there were still some kinks to work out—including the woozy handheld camerawork—but some things have definitely stayed the same, like Ina’s signature blue shirt and her breezy, how-easy-is-that attitude. And the recipe itself is exactly the kind of simple, reliable recipe we always love to see from the Barefoot Contessa.
And of course, if you’re opting out of Dry January this year, Ina has a fifth ingredient you might want to add. “For those of you who like a little something special, you can mix it with vodka,” Garten suggests in the clip.
She also notes that this drink would pair well with a Mediterranean-inspired dinner, which is exactly the feast she prepared in her first episode. Garten opted to make hummus, tabbouleh and a grilled leg of lamb for a delicious dinner perfect for a warm evening. Of course, this lemonade would brighten up any meal, even something cozy like ourSkillet Chicken with Orzo & Tomatoesor a bowl ofSlow-Cooker Chicken & Chickpea Soup.
Mediterranean Dinners You Can Make in 20 Minutes
The commenters on Garten’s post seem to agree that this recipe—and Garten’s show—have aged pretty darn well. “I used your lemonade recipe, tweaking the ice as an end add-on,” one fan wrote. “My two young children loved this special lemonade for years to come.”
Others said Ina’s lemonade method is “the way I do it to this day” or that they still “make it all the time.” Even fellow celeb chef Michael Simon chimed in to call Ina and her recipes “the best then” and “the best now.”
If you want to have a throwback Ina dinner, you can find her recipes onthe Food Network site. You could also sub in one of our favorite recipes, like ourGarlic HummusorLeg of Lamb with Blood Orange, Garlic & Ras el Hanout.
You could also pair a cold glass of this lemonade with a relaxing book, a favorite show or time with family. But no matter how you serve it, just be warned—this is one recipe that might convince you thatstore-bought isn’t always fine.
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