Barefoot Contessa Season 14 Episode 3 Cooking With Wine

In season 14 episode 3 of Barefoot Contessa titled "Cooking with Wine," host Ina Garten explores the versatility of cooking with wine. Ina begins the episode by discussing the importance of choosing the right wine for each dish, noting that the wine's acidity and flavor can greatly impact the final product.

One of the first dishes Ina prepares is a classic coq au vin, a French chicken stew made with bacon, mushrooms, and red wine. Ina explains that the acidity of the wine helps to tenderize the chicken and adds a rich depth of flavor to the dish. She also shares a tip for removing the skin from pearl onions quickly and easily.

Next, Ina demonstrates how to make a delicious shrimp scampi with white wine and lemon. She notes that the key to perfecting this dish is to cook the shrimp quickly and to avoid overcooking them, as this can make the shrimp rubbery and tough. Ina also shares her recipe for homemade garlic bread, which she dips into the flavorful sauce.

Ina then moves on to a hearty beef bourguignon, another classic French dish made with red wine, beef, carrots, and onions. She explains that the wine helps to tenderize the beef and adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish. Ina also shares her tips for cooking with a Dutch oven, noting that this type of cookware is perfect for slow-cooked dishes like beef bourguignon.

For a lighter dish, Ina prepares a simple roasted salmon with a white wine dill sauce. She explains that the white wine and dill complement the rich flavor of the salmon beautifully, and the dish can be served as a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a fancy weekend meal.

Ina concludes the episode by making a decadent chocolate cake with a red wine glaze. She explains that the red wine adds a subtle tanginess to the sweet chocolate cake and gives it a beautiful rich color. Ina notes that this cake is perfect for a special occasion or simply as a luxurious treat.

Throughout the episode, Ina emphasizes the importance of choosing quality ingredients and using the wine as a key component in each dish rather than simply as a flavoring. She also encourages viewers to experiment with different types of wine and to have fun with their cooking.

Fans of Barefoot Contessa and home cooks alike will enjoy this episode's focus on cooking with wine and Ina's expert tips and delicious recipes. Whether cooking for a crowd or simply looking to spice up a weeknight meal, this episode offers something for everyone.