Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics Season 1 Episode 5 Thanksgiving Countdown

In the fifth episode of Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics season 1, titled Thanksgiving Countdown, host Ina Garten shares her tips and tricks for preparing a stress-free Thanksgiving feast. With the big day just around the corner, Ina is focused on getting her menu planned and organized ahead of time to make the actual day as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

To start, Ina demonstrates how to make a delicious homemade turkey stock, which she will use as the foundation for many of her Thanksgiving dishes. She then moves on to her make-ahead mashed potatoes, which can be whipped up a day or two before the big day and reheated just before serving. Ina also shares her secret to achieving perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts, which she pairs with sweet roasted butternut squash.

As she works through her menu preparations, Ina emphasizes the importance of simplicity and creating dishes that can be prepared in advance. She also highlights the importance of delegation, encouraging hosts to recruit family and friends to pitch in with the cooking and setting up.

Throughout the episode, Ina offers her tips for achieving a beautiful table setting, from selecting the perfect tablecloth to setting each place with a thoughtful and creative touch. She also demonstrates how to create a simple yet succulent herb-roasted turkey, the centerpiece of any Thanksgiving feast.

As the clock ticks closer to the main event, Ina puts the finishing touches on her menu, which includes classic Thanksgiving dishes such as cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, and homemade gravy. She also shares her recipe for a simple yet flavor-packed stuffing, which she advises viewers to bake separately from the turkey for maximum flavor.

With all of her dishes prepped and ready to go, Ina takes a moment to reflect on the importance of taking time to appreciate the people and traditions that make Thanksgiving so special. She reminds viewers that while the food is an important part of the day, it is the company and joy of being together that truly encompasses the spirit of the holiday.

Overall, this episode of Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics offers a wealth of helpful tips and tricks for preparing a memorable Thanksgiving feast that is both delicious and stress-free. Whether you are an experienced cook or a novice host, Ina's simple yet flavorful dishes and practical advice will inspire you to make Thanksgiving a cherished tradition for years to come.