Ep 2. Weekend Lunch

Barefoot Contessa is a cooking show hosted by Ina Garten, the renowned chef and cookbook author. Season 10 episode 2, titled "Weekend Lunch," is all about putting together a simple yet satisfying meal for a casual gathering with friends or family.

The episode begins with Ina heading to a local bakery to pick up some fresh bread for her lunch spread. She emphasizes the importance of using good quality ingredients, such as artisanal bread and high-end cured meats, to elevate even the simplest of meals.

Back in her kitchen, Ina starts by preparing a classic cheese and charcuterie board. She arranges a variety of cheeses and cured meats on a large wooden board, along with crackers, bread, and some fresh fruit. Ina recommends going for a mix of soft and hard cheeses, and a selection of meats like salami, prosciutto, and ham. She also suggests pairing the cheese and meats with different flavors, such as honey, fig jam, or mustard.

Next up, Ina makes a refreshing salad with endive, arugula, and radicchio. She slices the endives and radicchio thinly, tosses them with arugula, and adds some crumbled blue cheese for a creamy and tangy flavor. Ina whips up a simple vinaigrette with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, dijon mustard, and honey, and tosses it with the greens. She finishes the salad with some toasted walnuts for crunch.

For the main course, Ina makes her version of a classic Italian sandwich, the pan bagnat. She starts by hollowing out a loaf of crusty bread and brushing the inside with some vinaigrette. She then layers the bread with tuna salad, hard-boiled eggs, sliced tomatoes, olives, and some greens. Ina presses the sandwich down firmly and wraps it tightly in plastic wrap, then pops it in the fridge for the flavors to meld together.

To round out the meal, Ina makes a batch of refreshing peach and raspberry iced tea. She chops up some fresh peaches and muddles them with fresh raspberries in a pitcher, then adds some black tea, lemon juice, and honey. She lets the tea steep for a bit, then strains it and serves it over ice.

As Ina puts the finishing touches on her lunch spread, she emphasizes the importance of entertaining with ease and simplicity. She encourages her viewers to focus on spending time with their guests and not getting too caught up in elaborate preparations and table settings.

Overall, Barefoot Contessa season 10 episode 2 is a great resource for anyone looking to put together a casual and delicious lunch spread for a weekend gathering. Ina's emphasis on quality ingredients and simple preparations makes for a meal that's easy to recreate at home, but still feels special and indulgent.