Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics Season 9 Episode 7 Cooking with Tyler Florence

In this episode of Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics, Ina Garten invites Tyler Florence, a celebrated chef and cookbook author, to cook alongside her in her kitchen. The episode is divided into three segments, in which Ina and Tyler prepare three different recipes, each demonstrating some fundamental aspect of cooking.

The first segment is all about making perfect oven-roasted shrimp. Ina and Tyler start by discussing the importance of buying fresh, high-quality shrimp and then proceed to show viewers how to clean and devein the shrimp, which is a crucial step in achieving optimal flavor. They then season the shrimp with a mixture of oil, garlic, lemon juice, and thyme and roast it in the oven until it's perfectly cooked. Ina and Tyler also share some great tips for serving the shrimp, such as serving it with a garlic aioli or using it in a salad.

The second segment of the episode focuses on making a delicious and savory mushroom lasagna. Ina and Tyler, both big fans of mushrooms, begin by sautéing a mixture of portobello and cremini mushrooms, along with onions and garlic, until they're golden brown and tender. They then prepare a homemade béchamel sauce, which Ina refers to as the "secret weapon" of the lasagna. Finally, they assemble the lasagna, layering the mushroom mixture, the béchamel sauce, and no-boil lasagna noodles until the dish is ready for the oven. Ina and Tyler share tips for making sure the lasagna turns out perfectly, such as letting it rest for a few minutes after it's been taken out of the oven before cutting into it.

In the final segment of the episode, Ina and Tyler make a classic roasted chicken. While many people may think of chicken as a bland and uninteresting protein, Ina and Tyler show viewers how to elevate a simple roasted chicken into something truly special. They begin by rubbing a mixture of herbs and spices, including paprika, garlic, and thyme, all over the chicken. They then roast the chicken in the oven and serve it with a colorful and flavorful panzanella salad, made with tomatoes, cucumber, and croutons.

Throughout the episode, Ina and Tyler share their expertise and offer up invaluable tips for cooking these dishes perfectly. They also discuss their own respective cooking styles and offer some insight into how they approach cooking and entertaining at home. The chemistry between the two chefs is palpable, as they joke and chat while making these delicious dishes.

Overall, this episode of Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics showcases the importance of mastering fundamental techniques in cooking and demonstrates how simple dishes can be transformed, with the right technique and ingredients, into something truly special. With Ina and Tyler's guidance, viewers can take their own cooking skills to the next level and impress their family and friends with delicious and beautifully presented dishes.