Ep 3. Jeffrey's Faves

In season 18 episode 3 of Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics, Ina Garten is cooking up some of her husband Jeffrey's favorite dishes. The episode begins with Ina preparing her take on a classic egg breakfast sandwich, which she affectionately refers to as the "Jeffrey." She lays out all the ingredients, including crispy bacon, a toasted English muffin, and a fried egg, and shows viewers how to assemble the perfect breakfast sandwich.

Next up, Ina makes a delicious roasted salmon dish, which she says is one of Jeffrey's all-time favorites. She starts by prepping the salmon fillets with a mustard-based marinade and then roasts them in the oven until they're cooked to perfection. She also makes a flavorful side dish of roasted veggies to accompany the salmon.

For a sweet treat, Ina whips up a batch of her famous peanut butter swirl brownies. She starts by making a rich, chocolatey brownie batter and then adds dollops of creamy peanut butter to create the perfect swirl. Ina is all about presentation, so she arranges the brownies on a beautiful platter and garnishes with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Ina also shares her recipe for a comforting bowl of French onion soup, which is a dish she says she often makes for Jeffrey on cold winter nights. She starts by caramelizing a big batch of onions for a deeply savory flavor and then adds in beef broth and a splash of sherry to create a rich, flavorful broth. She tops the soup with a layer of melted Gruyere cheese and serves it alongside a slice of crusty bread.

Last but not least, Ina makes an ultra-decadent mac and cheese that's sure to satisfy any cheese lover's cravings. She starts by cooking elbow macaroni until it's al dente, and then makes a creamy, cheesy sauce with a blend of cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheese. Ina also adds in some crispy breadcrumbs on top for a satisfying crunch.

Throughout the episode, Ina sprinkles in tons of tips and tricks for making cooking at home even easier, from how to properly chop vegetables to the importance of letting meat rest before cutting into it. She encourages viewers to make these recipes their own by adding their own personal touches and experimenting with different ingredients.

Overall, Jeffrey's Faves is a mouthwatering episode of Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics that showcases some of Ina Garten's most beloved recipes. From breakfast sandwiches to mac and cheese, there's something for everyone in this delicious lineup. Whether you're cooking for your family or whipping up a special meal for someone special, these dishes are sure to impress.