Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics Season 12 Episode 1 Jeffrey's Birthday Dinner

In Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics season 12 episode 1, titled "Jeffrey's Birthday Dinner," Ina Garten celebrates her husband Jeffrey's birthday by preparing him a delicious dinner with some of his favorite dishes. For the appetizer, Ina makes her signature Rustic Potato Leek Soup, a comforting and hearty soup that is perfect for the fall season.

For the main course, she prepares a classic Steakhouse Steak with a side of herbed Roasted Vegetables. Ina creates a flavorful crust on the steak by coating it with a mixture of garlic, mustard, and herbs before searing it in a pan. The roasted vegetables are seasoned with thyme, garlic, and olive oil, giving them a beautiful caramelized flavor.

Ina then serves a refreshing salad of Arugula with Parmesan and Cherry Tomatoes, which she tops with a homemade Lemon Vinaigrette. The combination of the peppery arugula, sharp Parmesan cheese, and juicy cherry tomatoes makes for a perfect salad to balance out the richness of the steak and vegetables.

Finally, for dessert, Ina bakes her own version of a classic birthday cake: a Lemon Yogurt Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. The tangy lemon and creamy yogurt flavors in the cake pair perfectly with the sweet and tangy cream cheese frosting.

Throughout the episode, Ina shares helpful tips and tricks for preparing each dish, including how to properly sear a steak and how to make a perfect vinaigrette. She also shares stories about her and Jeffrey's relationship and how cooking and entertaining plays a big role in their lives together.

"Jeffrey's Birthday Dinner" is a heartwarming and delicious episode that showcases Ina's skills as a home cook and her love for her husband. It's a perfect celebration that demonstrates how food brings people together and creates special memories.