Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics Season 15 Episode 4 Make-Ahead Thanksgiving

In Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics season 15 episode 4, titled "Make-Ahead Thanksgiving," host Ina Garten shares her tips and tricks for preparing a stress-free Thanksgiving meal.

The episode begins with Ina preparing a cranberry sauce with orange zest and fresh orange juice, which she notes can be made up to a week in advance. She also shares her recipe for a make-ahead stuffing using sourdough bread, sausage, and dried cranberries.

Next, Ina prepares her turkey ahead of time by removing the backbone and flattening it out before roasting. She also shares her recipe for an herb-roasted turkey breast, which can be cooked a day in advance and reheated.

Ina then moves on to side dishes, demonstrating how to make roasted Brussels sprouts with pancetta and balsamic vinegar, as well as a make-ahead mashed potato gratin with Gruyere cheese.

For dessert, Ina prepares a pumpkin mousse parfait, which can be assembled the day before and chilled in the refrigerator. She also shares her recipe for a make-ahead cranberry and apple cake with a streusel topping.

Throughout the episode, Ina emphasizes the importance of planning ahead and offers helpful tips for making Thanksgiving dinner less stressful. She also shares her philosophy of keeping dishes simple and focusing on high-quality ingredients.

Overall, "Make-Ahead Thanksgiving" is a helpful and informative episode for anyone looking to simplify their holiday meal prep. With Ina's expert guidance, viewers will feel confident and prepared to tackle Thanksgiving dinner with ease.