Barefoot Contessa Season 12 Episode 1 Fast and Fabulous

In the first episode of season 12 of Barefoot Contessa, titled "Fast and Fabulous," chef Ina Garten puts together a speedy meal that's both delicious and impressive. Known for her approachable yet sophisticated cooking style, Garten proves that even the busiest home cook can whip up something that looks and tastes gourmet.

The episode kicks off with Garten in her East Hampton kitchen, preparing a dish of Roasted Shrimp With Feta. She explains that she loves using shrimp because they cook quickly, making them perfect for busy weeknights. To save time, she buys them already peeled and deveined, and tosses them in a simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and red pepper flakes before roasting them in the oven. While the shrimp cook, she crumbles some feta cheese and mixes it with fresh herbs to create a tangy, salty topping.

Next up is a main course of Beef With Broccolini, a simple yet elegant dish that showcases Garten's knack for elevating classic ingredients. She starts with a flank steak, which she pounds thin to ensure it cooks quickly and evenly. She then sears it in a hot pan and sets it aside while she cooks the broccolini (a tender, flavorful vegetable resembling broccoli). She blanches it in boiling water for a few minutes, then tosses it with garlic, lemon, and Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Finally, she slices the steak thinly and serves it alongside the broccolini, creating a colorful and satisfying dish.

For dessert, Garten opts for an indulgent treat that's surprisingly easy to make: Chocolate Peanut Butter Globs. She begins by melting together chocolate chips and peanut butter in a saucepan, then stirs in some crispy rice cereal for crunch. Using a spoon, she drops mounds of the mixture onto a parchment-lined sheet pan and chills it in the fridge until hardened. The result is a batch of chewy, chocolatey bites that are perfect for satisfying a sweet craving.

Throughout the episode, Garten offers tips and techniques for making each dish come together quickly and smoothly. She emphasizes the importance of organization, encouraging viewers to read through the recipes and gather all the necessary ingredients before starting to cook. She also emphasizes the importance of using good-quality ingredients, noting that they can make a big difference in the final result.

Overall, "Fast and Fabulous" delivers on its promise of providing quick and impressive recipes that any home cook can tackle. Garten's expertise and warmth make for a compelling viewing experience, and viewers are sure to come away with some new ideas for their own kitchens.