Ep 1. Barefoot To Go

In Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics season 2 episode 1, titled "Barefoot To Go," Ina Garten takes viewers on a culinary journey as she explores recipes and techniques essential for home cooks to prepare delicious meals at home without overcomplicating things. The episode features several recipes that are easy to make and packed with flavor, including a classic Greek salad, smoked salmon tartines, and roasted shrimp with feta cheese.

To start the episode off, Ina shows viewers how to make a classic Greek salad by highlighting the importance of simple, fresh ingredients. She prepares the dish with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and authentic Greek feta cheese, all while offering useful tips and tricks to make the recipe as straightforward as possible.

Next up, Ina demonstrates how to make smoked salmon tartines using store-bought ingredients and a few simple tricks to make them taste homemade. She starts by assembling a toasted slice of bread with a swipe of cream cheese, smoked salmon, and a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives. The result is a decadent yet straightforward snack that will impress any guest.

Finally, the episode concludes with roasted shrimp with feta cheese, a crowd-pleasing dish that is perfect for entertaining. Ina shares tips for purchasing and preparing fresh shrimp, seasoning and roasting them until perfectly cooked, and finally, serving them on a bed of arugula and topped with tangy feta cheese. This recipe is ideal for guests who enjoy seafood and is a fantastic option for dinner parties.

Throughout the episode, Ina also shares useful tips for meal prep, shortcut techniques, and time-saving strategies to help viewers get dinner on the table in no time. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of using quality ingredients, including fresh herbs, artisanal cheeses, and high-quality olive oil, to elevate the flavors of simple dishes.

Overall, Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics season 2 episode 1 offers viewers helpful tips and tricks to become more confident in the kitchen and master essential recipes that will impress guests. With Ina's guidance and practical advice, viewers will feel more empowered to tackle any recipe on their own and enjoy flavorful meals at home.