Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics Season 13 Episode 4 Cook Like a Pro: Fearless Food

In this episode of Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics, titled Cook Like a Pro: Fearless Food, host Ina Garten takes viewers on a culinary journey to show them how to cook with fearlessness and confidence. The episode begins with Ina introducing viewers to her friend, chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, who shares his secret to fearlessly cooking seafood - searing it in a hot cast-iron skillet and then finishing it in the oven.

Ina then heads to a local cheese shop to pick up some artisanal cheeses and learn more about how to pair them with different foods. She also shares her favorite recipe for a cheese plate that includes a variety of cheeses, fruits, and nuts.

Next, Ina welcomes her friend and cookbook author, Nigella Lawson, to her kitchen. The two whip up a hearty and comforting pasta dish with sausage and fennel, and Ina also shows viewers how to make an easy and delicious side dish of roasted butternut squash with thyme and Parmesan.

Ina then heads to her garden to pick fresh herbs and vegetables for her next dish - a colorful and flavorful salad with homemade vinaigrette dressing. She also shares some tips on how to properly dress a salad and convince even the pickiest eaters to enjoy their greens.

The episode concludes with Ina preparing a show-stopping dessert - a chocolate cake with a gooey, molten center. She simplifies the process by using a store-bought mix and shares her tips on how to achieve the perfect molten center every time.

Throughout the episode, Ina emphasizes the importance of being fearless in the kitchen and encouraging viewers to experiment with new ingredients, techniques, and flavor combinations. She also shares her own personal stories and anecdotes, making the show feel like a cozy and intimate dinner party. Overall, Cook Like a Pro: Fearless Food is a must-watch for aspiring cooks and seasoned pros alike who want to up their cooking game and conquer any recipe with confidence.