She was working an economic policy job at the White House when, at age 30, she bought a small specialty food store called the Barefoot Contessa. It started her on a career as an entrepreneur, cookbook author and culinary TV host.

Ina Garten's new book, "Be Ready When The Luck Happens," gives a close and personal look at her life. Here are a few of its surprising highlights.

Ina Garten begins her memoir, “Be Ready When the Luck Happens,” with the following: “Do what you love. If you love it, you’ll be very good at it.” It’s attributed to her husband, Jeffrey Garten, familiar to fans as a loving, steady presence and a key part of Ina Garten’s brand as a wildly successful cookbook author and TV personality.

Combine the whiskey, lemon juice, lime juice, and syrup. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice, and fill two-thirds full with the cocktail mixture. Shake for 30 seconds and pour into martini glasses. Add a maraschino cherry and serve ice cold.

Ina Garten was working an economic policy job at the White House when, at age 30, she changed direction, buying a small specialty food store called the Barefoot Contessa in West Hampton Beach, New York.