Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics Season 4 Episode 6 Easy French

In this episode of Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics, Ina Garten explores the flavors of French cuisine with ease. She begins by showing the viewer how to make easy French appetizers with a touch of sophistication. One of the hors d'oeuvres is a French onion tart that is made with carmelizing onions, a touch of Gruyere cheese, and a homemade pastry. While waiting for the tart to bake, Ina prepares a beautiful vegetable platter of French green beans, cherry tomatoes, and asparagus. She also shows the viewer how to make a classic French vinaigrette that can be made and stored for up to a week.

Ina's main course is Poulet Sauterne, or chicken with sauterne sauce. She emphasizes that this dish is easy to make and is sure to impress dinner guests. The chicken is seasoned with salt and pepper and roasted in the oven. Meanwhile, Ina prepares the sauce with sauterne wine, butter, and chicken stock. She then switches back to the appetizers and prepares French bread that is perfect for dipping. To finish everything off, Ina makes a classic French dessert, Tarte Tatin. This dessert involves caramelizing apples and baking them in a pastry shell.

Throughout the show, Ina stresses the importance of taking shortcuts so cooking doesn't have to be stressful. For example, she uses store-bought pastry dough for a few of the dishes, and she suggests that the viewer can use frozen green beans instead of fresh. However, despite taking a few shortcuts, the dishes all look sophisticated and impressive. Ina also emphasizes the importance of presentation. For example, she arranges the boiled green beans and asparagus on the platter in a visually appealing manner.

It's clear from Ina's demeanor throughout the episode that she loves French food and has a deep appreciation for its flavors. She carefully shows the viewer how to make each dish, and stresses the importance of attention to detail. For example, when making the vinaigrette, she emphasizes the importance of whisking the ingredients together until emulsified. This attention to detail is what separates a good dish from a great one.

Overall, Easy French is a great episode for both beginner and seasoned cooks alike. Ina's friendly demeanor and clear instructions make the viewer feel confident in their ability to re-create the dishes at home. The emphasis on taking shortcuts and focusing on presentation is a great reminder that cooking can be fun and stress-free.