Ep 9. Cook Like a Pro: Farm Stand

In Barefoot Contessa season 26 episode 9, titled 'Cook Like a Pro: Farm Stand', Ina Garten (the Barefoot Contessa) showcases the freshest farm stand ingredients and teaches viewers how to whip up delicious and effortless dishes in no time.

In this episode, Ina visits a local farm stand to gather some fresh produce for her recipes. She picks up some heirloom tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, and corn among other things. She then returns to her home kitchen to prepare some delicious dishes using the farm-fresh ingredients.

Ina starts off by making a Zucchini and Goat Cheese Tart using puff pastry as the base. She layers sliced zucchini, crumbled goat cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil on top of the pastry before baking it to a golden brown crust. She describes the tart as a perfect appetizer for a summer party.

Next up, Ina prepares a Roasted Eggplant Parmesan that is both hearty and delicious. She starts by roasting eggplant slices in the oven for a smoky flavor and then layers them with tomato sauce, parmesan cheese, and basil leaves. The dish is baked in the oven to a golden brown crust before being served.

Ina then moves on to a Fresh Corn Salad, which is a perfect side dish for any summer meal. She cuts the kernels from the cob and tosses them with diced red onion, basil, and a zesty mustard vinaigrette.

Lastly, Ina makes a Heirloom Tomato Tart that takes advantage of the sweet and juicy flavor of ripe tomatoes. She uses puff pastry as the base again, then layers sliced tomatoes, garlic, thyme and feta cheese on top. The tart is baked until the pastry is golden brown and the tomatoes are perfectly roasted.

Throughout the episode, Ina provides her tips and tricks for cooking with fresh produce while saving time. She emphasizes the importance of stocking a pantry with essential ingredients like olive oil, lemons, and cheese to make every dish taste better.

Overall, 'Cook Like a Pro: Farm Stand' is a refreshing and inspiring episode that will leave you craving the freshest produce of the season. Ina's dishes are easy to replicate and perfect for any summer meal or gathering.