Barefoot Contessa Season 11 Episode 36 Kitchen Clambake
- May 9, 2009
In season 11 episode 36 of Barefoot Contessa, titled "Kitchen Clambake," host Ina Garten invites her friends for a traditional clambake feast in her Hamptons home. But instead of taking the party outside, Ina brings the clambake into her kitchen to show viewers how to make this classic coastal meal with ease.
Ina begins the episode by sharing her go-to kitchen tools for preparing a clambake, including a large pot with a strainer insert and a sturdy pair of tongs. Ina recommends using fresh, local seafood for the best results, and she heads to her favorite fish market to pick up all the necessary ingredients.
Back in the kitchen, Ina gets started on the clambake by simmering white wine, clam juice, and garlic in the pot, creating a flavorful broth. She adds in chunks of potatoes, onions, and chorizo sausage and lets them cook until they're tender. Next, she adds in the star of the dish: the clams, mussels, and lobsters. Ina demonstrates easy techniques for arranging the seafood in the pot and evenly distributing the heat for even cooking.
While the clambake simmers, Ina prepares a simple salad with cherry tomatoes and a lemon vinaigrette, along with crusty bread for dipping into the broth. She also shows viewers how to make a classic cocktail with vodka and freshly-squeezed blood orange juice.
Once everything is ready, Ina sets the table for her guests and serves up her kitchen clambake feast. The seafood is perfectly cooked, tender and flavorful, and the broth is rich and satisfying. Ina and her friends enjoy the meal with plenty of wine and lively conversation, ending the episode on a high note.
Overall, "Kitchen Clambake" is a fun and informative episode of Barefoot Contessa that shows viewers how to take a classic coastal recipe and make it in the comfort of their own kitchen. Ina's tips and techniques make the process approachable and foolproof, and the end result is a delicious, satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.