Ep 29. Feel Good Food

In Barefoot Contessa season 11, episode 29, named Feel Good Food, Ina Garten serves up some of her favorite comfort foods to make any day better. As always, Ina chooses the highest quality ingredients to make her dishes shine, and her expertise in the kitchen is on full display as she cooks up a storm.

In the first segment, Ina demonstrates how to make her addictive Lobster BLTs. She sautés fresh lobster meat in a bit of butter and sets it aside while she toasts slices of artisanal bread. Layering the lobster, bacon, lettuce, and tomato with a tangy lemon herb mayo, Ina creates a sandwich that is sure to impress.

Next up, Ina shares her recipe for Roasted Chicken and Bread Salad, a dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. She starts with a whole organic chicken that she rubs with a flavorful herb butter before roasting it to perfection. After letting the chicken rest, she mixes up a simple bread salad with chunks of crusty sourdough bread, cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. A quick dressing of red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and olive oil adds a tangy touch that perfectly balances the richness of the chicken.

For the third recipe, Ina makes her Ultimate Beef Stew, a hearty dish that is sure to warm your soul. She starts by browning cubes of beef chuck in a Dutch oven with a bit of bacon fat, then adds in onions, carrots, and garlic for flavor. A bottle of good red wine, tomato paste, and beef stock create a luscious sauce that simmers for hours on the stove. To finish off the stew, Ina adds chunky carrots and potatoes, which cook in the sauce until they are tender and juicy.

Ina's final dish is her decadent Chocolate Pudding, which she lovingly refers to as "grown-up food for kids." She starts by heating milk and cream together before adding in high-quality semisweet chocolate and a bit of instant espresso powder for depth of flavor. A bit of cornstarch thickens the mixture into a rich and creamy pudding that is perfect for serving in individual ramekins.

Throughout the episode, Ina offers tips and tricks for making each recipe shine, including sourcing the finest ingredients and the best kitchen tools to use. Her relaxed and approachable style makes you feel like you're cooking right alongside her, and her infectious enthusiasm for good food and good company is truly contagious.

Feel Good Food is a perfect episode for anyone looking for a little comfort and warmth in their lives. Ina's recipes are simple and delicious, yet elegant enough to impress even the most discerning palate. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, these dishes are guaranteed to make you feel good inside and out.