Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics Season 4 Episode 8 Easy Desserts

In this episode of Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics, Ina Garten is focusing on creating easy desserts that are perfect for any occasion. She begins by making a classic Apple Tart that is both simple and delicious. Ina uses store-bought puff pastry to make the crust, and then fills it with thinly sliced apples that have been tossed with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. After baking, the tart is finished with a glaze made from apricot jam and water, which adds a beautiful shine to the finished product.

Next, Ina switches gears and creates a rich and creamy Chocolate Pudding that is perfect for satisfying any chocolate craving. She starts by combining sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, and salt in a saucepan, and then gradually whisking in milk and cream. Once the mixture has thickened, Ina adds chopped chocolate and butter, which melt into the pudding and make it extra silky and decadent. To serve, Ina tops the pudding with a dollop of whipped cream and shaved chocolate.

For a no-fuss dessert that is perfect for entertaining, Ina creates a Fruit Salad with Limoncello that can be made ahead of time. She combines fresh berries, melons, and grapes in a bowl, and then drizzles them with a mixture of limoncello, sugar, and fresh lemon juice. The combination of sweet and tart flavors is refreshing and light, making it a perfect way to end any meal.

Ina also shares a recipe for a savory and sweet Cheese Board that can be served as a dessert or as a snack. She arranges a variety of cheeses, including goat cheese, cheddar, and blue cheese, on a platter with crackers and a homemade fig and orange jam. The jam is made by combining dried figs, orange zest, sugar, and water in a saucepan and letting it simmer until thick and syrupy. The combination of the salty cheese and sweet jam is irresistible, making it a perfect ending to any meal.

Finally, Ina creates a delicious and easy dessert that is perfect for kids and adults alike - Chocolate Dipped Bananas. She melts chocolate in a double boiler, and then dips whole bananas in the chocolate and rolls them in crushed peanuts. After chilling in the fridge for a few minutes, the bananas are ready to serve and are sure to please any crowd.

Overall, this episode of Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics is full of easy and delicious dessert ideas that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a classic apple tart, a rich chocolate pudding, or a refreshing fruit salad, Ina Garten has got you covered. So sit back, relax, and indulge in the sweet treats that this episode has to offer.