The Chocolate Dessert Ina Garten Made For Jeffrey As 'An Expression Of Love'

Ina Garten loves baking for her husband

In her memoir, Ina Garten reflects on how dating Jeffrey transformed her perspective on cooking and baking. "This was the first time I viewed food as a form of love. Prior to cooking for Jeffrey, food was simply good, bad, or mediocre," she recalls about her early relationship with the culinary arts. "Now, baking something delightful became a way to convey my emotions and connect with Jeffrey."

Ina credits her brother for introducing her to Jeffrey. During a visit to Dartmouth College in 1963, she met Jeffrey, and they began dating that same year. They tied the knot in 1968 and have been inseparable ever since, often sharing time in the kitchen.

While Ina mentions in her memoir that the initial brownies she made for Jeffrey were probably from a Dunkin' Hines mix, she has also shared her recipe for Outrageous Brownies on her website. In this version of the rich dessert, Garten incorporates ingredients like instant coffee and chopped walnuts to enhance the flavor and add texture. As an expert tip, she suggests tapping the tray of brownies against the oven shelf halfway through baking to release excess air, resulting in a dense, chocolatey treat—ideal for sharing with a loved one as a gesture of affection.