Jennifer Garner and Ina Garten’s friendship almost didn’t happen. Reflecting on their bond, Garten, 76, shared with PEOPLE how much she admires the actress.
Garner frequently praises Ina’s recipes on her Instagram series, Pretend Cooking Show, which was inspired by Barefoot Contessa. However, their connection could have been missed due to an unexpected mistake.
In her popular Food Network shows like Barefoot Contessa and Be My Guest, Garten regularly invites close friends and her husband, Jeffrey, to join her in the kitchen. In her memoir, Be Ready When the Luck Happens, Garten recalls how many fans would reach out, unaware that her guests were actual friends.
Garner frequently praises Ina’s recipes on her Instagram series, Pretend Cooking Show, inspired by Barefoot Contessa
“My assistant, Barbara, would kindly explain this in her replies,” Garten writes. “But one day, she unknowingly brushed off a letter from Jennifer Garner because she didn’t realize who she was.”
Fortunately, Ina trusted her instincts. “She struck me as smart, funny, and very down-to-earth—definitely not what you’d expect from Hollywood,” Garten noted in her memoir. “When we were filming in Los Angeles, I reached out to her to cook together, and we instantly connected. We’ve been close ever since.”
Their first meeting happened around Garner’s 40th birthday, which Ina fondly remembers. “She invited me to her party,” Garten says. “It was fantastic—40 women in casual clothes, no makeup, just ponytails and sneakers. It was a fun and relaxed event.”
In April, Garner appeared on Be My Guest, where they made cornbread and pizza crackers in Ina’s East Hampton kitchen. They also filmed an episode of Pretend Cooking Show. “Cooking with the Contessa who inspired my show was mind-blowing!” Garner exclaimed. “I love spending time with you.”
Garten added, “She’s incredibly grounded, smart, a wonderful parent, and an amazing cook. She’s truly extraordinary.” Garten’s memoir, Be Ready When the Luck Happens, is set for release on Oct. 1 by Crown Publishing Group and is available for preorder.
