Ep 8. American Classics

In the 8th episode of the 25th season of Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten, the beloved host, celebrates the all-American classics. This episode is all about paying homage to the traditional and delicious American dishes that we all grew up with. Ina takes her viewers on a culinary journey to demonstrate how she elevates her cooking game to please her palette using the best and freshest ingredients to create familiar flavors to perfection.

Ina begins the show by preparing a classic recipe that is a staple in every American household - the ultimate mac and cheese. She shows how to make the macaroni and cheese creamier and more delicious than ever before by adding extra-sharp cheddar and Gruyère while keeping everything in balance with the ultimate secret ingredient – Dijon mustard. She finishes it up with a delicious crust made from homemade breadcrumbs to create the perfect crusty topping.

Next up, Ina dives into preparing her favorite ham and cheese in puff pastry recipe. She shows how to make the best version of this classic recipe by sourcing a high-quality ham and cheese from Germany and Switzerland, respectively. Ina wraps them in buttery and flaky puff pastry, and what's better than a perfectly baked pastry with a delicious filling of ham and cheese?

Ina continues with another iconic American classic - fried chicken. However, she puts her own spin on it by preparing a buttermilk fried chicken recipe. She brines the chicken to ensure it is extra juicy and tender while the buttermilk marinade sits overnight for a crispy crust. She cooks the chicken to golden perfection and serves it with a homemade remoulade sauce.

Ina's love for American classics continues with a New England lobster boil, and she demonstrates how to prepare it in her way. She takes the traditional way and adds her own little tweaks to the recipe, like using fingerling potatoes instead of the normal potatoes, and adding additional seasonings to the broth to make it more flavorful.

Lastly, Ina prepares a dessert that definitely needs no introduction, the classic American blueberry pie. She demonstrates how to make the perfect pie dough from scratch, and how to prepare a winning homemade blueberry filling. Ina tops it all up with one of her favorite ice creams.

Throughout the episode, Ina emphasizes her love for the classics, as she prepares sensational yet straightforward dishes that are not only delicious but also evoke reliving moments from the past. By cooking with her own personal touch and using her techniques, she recreates these iconic American dishes that are appreciated by all.

In conclusion, this episode of the Barefoot Contessa series is a tribute to the beloved American classics that are quite dear to many. Her ideas and tips show how to take these traditional recipes to the next level, and elevate them into something even more extraordinary. Ina Garten never fails to deliver simple yet elegant recipes that are attainable to everyone and is always welcome for a delicious kitchen inspiration.