Barefoot Contessa Season 18 Episode 8 Game Plan

In Barefoot Contessa season 18 episode 8 titled "Game Plan," Ina Garten is back with her classic recipes and tips for entertaining. This episode is all about planning a successful and stress-free party menu, no matter the occasion.

The episode begins with Ina explaining that a well-planned menu is the key to any successful gathering, whether it's a simple dinner party or a big holiday bash. She shares her own organizational and time-saving tricks that help her stay on track and keep everything running smoothly.

The first dish on the menu is a colorful salad of roasted butternut squash, arugula, and parmesan cheese. Ina shows viewers how to roast the squash to perfection and create a simple yet flavorful dressing that pairs perfectly with the arugula. She also shares a tip for prepping the salad ahead of time, making it a great choice for busy hosts.

Next up is a show-stopping centerpiece dish: beef tenderloin with a mustard and herb crust. Ina explains how to choose the right cut of meat and trim it to the perfect size. She then shows viewers how to make a flavorful coating of mustard, herbs, and breadcrumbs that gives the beef a deliciously crisp exterior. Ina also shares her insider tips for cooking the beef to a perfect medium-rare, ensuring that it's juicy and tender every time.

For a side dish, Ina prepares her classic roasted Brussels sprouts. She demonstrates how to trim and halve the sprouts, then roast them to crispy perfection with just a touch of olive oil. She also adds a flavorful twist with the addition of chopped pancetta and walnuts.

To round out the menu, Ina prepares a deliciously indulgent dessert: chocolate ganache cake with coffee buttercream frosting. She walks viewers through the steps of creating a perfectly balanced espresso buttercream frosting that pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate ganache. She also shares a tip for freezing the cake ahead of time, making it easy to pull out and serve when the party starts.

Throughout the episode, Ina emphasizes the importance of keeping things simple and stress-free when entertaining. She shares her own ideas for making sure that everything runs smoothly, from prepping ahead of time to setting the table in advance. She also offers tips for keeping hors d'oeuvres simple, like her favorite store-bought olives and crackers, so that hosts can focus on the main event.

Overall, "Game Plan" is a must-watch episode for anyone looking to up their hostess game. With Ina's expert tips and classic recipes, even novice entertainers will feel confident throwing a successful party without breaking a sweat.