Watch Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics

Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics is a long-running cooking show on Food Network, starring the celebrated chef and cookbook author Ina Garten. First premiering in 2002, the show has been a staple of Food Network's programming for nearly two decades, and has delighted home cooks and foodies alike with its simple yet sophisticated approach to cooking.

At the heart of Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics is Ina Garten herself, who serves as both the show's host and its primary culinary guide. With her warm and inviting personality, Garten welcomes viewers into her kitchen and walks them through each recipe step by step, always emphasizing the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients and taking the time to savor each bite.

Over the years, Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics has covered a broad range of culinary topics, from comfort food classics like macaroni and cheese and meatloaf to elegant dishes like lobster risotto and herb-crusted rack of lamb. Along the way, Garten has shared countless tips and tricks for home cooks, from how to make the perfect roast chicken to the best ways to chop herbs.

However, despite the show's broad range of recipes and techniques, there are a few signature elements that have come to define Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics. For one, Garten is a big proponent of cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, and regularly highlights the best produce and seafood available in each season. Additionally, she often shares recipes that are perfect for entertaining, whether it's a casual summer barbecue or a fancy dinner party.

Another key aspect of the show is its focus on simplicity – despite the often high-end ingredients and techniques, Garten's recipes are always approachable and easy to follow. She emphasizes the importance of mastering a few basic techniques and building upon them, rather than trying to take on overly complicated recipes from the start.

Throughout its long run, Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics has earned numerous accolades and devoted fans, who love the show's comforting atmosphere, helpful tips, and delicious recipes. It's also helped launch several successful spin-offs, including Barefoot Contessa: Cook Like a Pro and Barefoot Contessa: Foolproof, which continue to build on the show's legacy and showcase Ina Garten's enduring popularity as one of the biggest names in food television.

In addition to teaching viewers how to cook, Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics has also offered a glimpse into Garten's own life and career, both of which are fascinating in their own right. Before becoming a famous chef and television personality, Garten worked in the White House as a nuclear policy analyst before buying a specialty food store in the Hamptons, which she eventually turned into a wildly successful empire of cookbooks, cookware, and other products.

Throughout the show, Garten often shares stories about her life and career, giving viewers a glimpse into her personal history and what inspires her as a cook. Additionally, she often welcomes guests into her kitchen, whether it's beloved friends like actress Katie Couric or professional chefs like Eric Ripert, who offer their own tips and insights on cooking and entertaining.

All in all, Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics is a beloved cooking show that offers a little something for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned home cook looking to expand your repertoire or a curious beginner just dipping your toes into the world of cooking, Ina Garten's warm and approachable style is sure to inspire you to get into the kitchen and start creating delicious meals of your own.

Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics is a series that is currently running and has 26 seasons (203 episodes). The series first aired on October 18, 2008.