Ep 26. The Holiday Meal

In this episode of Barefoot Contessa, titled "The Holiday Meal," Ina Garten is getting ready to host a cozy meal for friends during the holiday season. As she prepares the menu, she focuses on creating dishes that are both delicious and comforting, perfect for the chilly winter weather.

Garten starts off by showing viewers how to make a simple but flavorful appetizer of roasted shrimp cocktail with homemade cocktail sauce. She explains that by roasting the shrimp instead of boiling or poaching them, they will have a more intense flavor and a firmer texture. The homemade cocktail sauce, made with ketchup, horseradish, and Worcestershire sauce, is the perfect accompaniment to the roasted shrimp.

Next, Garten moves on to the main course: a delicious beef tenderloin with basil parmesan mayonnaise. She explains that the key to a perfect beef tenderloin is to not overcook it, and she demonstrates how to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the meat is cooked to a perfect medium-rare. The basil parmesan mayonnaise, made with fresh basil, parmesan cheese, garlic, and mayonnaise, adds a delicious and tangy flavor to the meat.

For a side dish, Garten prepares herbed potato gratin, a classic French dish that is perfect for holiday meals. She layers thinly sliced potatoes with a mixture of cream, garlic, thyme, and Parmesan cheese, then bakes the dish until golden and bubbly. The result is a rich and satisfying side that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

To round out the meal, Garten prepares a simple but delicious dessert of spiced apple and pear crisp with vanilla ice cream. She combines sliced apples and pears with a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, then tops the fruit with a buttery oat crumble. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this crisp is the perfect way to end a cozy holiday meal.

Throughout the episode, Garten shares tips and tricks for making sure that each dish is cooked perfectly, and she emphasizes the importance of using high-quality ingredients to ensure the best possible flavor. She also talks about the importance of creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere when hosting guests, and shares ideas for setting the table and creating a warm and inviting ambiance.

Overall, "The Holiday Meal" is a wonderful episode of Barefoot Contessa that is perfect for anyone looking to create a delicious and comforting meal for their friends and family during the holiday season. With its focus on simple but flavorful dishes and Garten's signature relaxed and welcoming style, this episode is sure to inspire viewers to create a cozy and memorable holiday meal of their own.