Ep 8. Book Party

In the Barefoot Contessa season 3 episode 8, the viewers are invited to a book party hosted by the fabulous Ina Garten. In this episode, Ina prepares a menu suitable for a book party that is both delicious and sophisticated. She focuses on the presentation of the dishes to make them visually appealing.

The episode begins with Ina discussing the menu for the book party, which includes Roasted Shrimp Cocktail and Blue Cheese Dip, Lemon and Garlic Roasted Chicken, Creamy Parmesan Polenta, and Wild Mushroom Salad. The party takes place outside in Ina's beautiful garden, where the guests are seated at a long table adorned with beautiful flower arrangements.

Ina demonstrates how to prepare each dish step by step, starting with the Roasted Shrimp Cocktail. She explains that the secret to making this dish special is in the compote she makes, consisting of tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno pepper, vinegar, and sugar. Ina then prepares a Blue Cheese Dip that perfectly complements the shrimp cocktail.

Next, Ina moves on to preparing Lemon and Garlic Roasted Chicken. She marinates the chicken in lemon and garlic overnight to tenderize and add flavor to the meat. She then roasts the chicken in the oven with lemon wedges and lots of fresh herbs. The result is a succulent and flavorful dish that is sure to impress.

Ina then moves on to making the Creamy Parmesan Polenta. She explains that the secret to making perfect polenta is to gradually add the cornmeal to the boiling water while stirring constantly to avoid any lumps. She then adds lots of butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese to the polenta, making it rich and creamy.

For the Wild Mushroom Salad, Ina uses a variety of mushrooms, including shiitake, cremini, and oyster. She sautés the mushrooms in butter and garlic until they are cooked through and then tosses them with a lemon vinaigrette. The salad is fresh, flavorful, and a perfect complement to the heavier dishes on the menu.

Throughout the episode, Ina shares tips and tricks for entertaining, such as how to set a beautiful table, how to create a relaxed atmosphere, and how to prepare dishes ahead of time. She also shares her love of reading and explains how she enjoys hosting book parties for her friends.

The episode ends with Ina and her guests enjoying the delicious menu that she has prepared. The guests praise her dishes and the beautiful setting, and Ina makes sure that everyone feels welcome and comfortable.

Overall, Barefoot Contessa season 3 episode 8, Book Party, is a delightful episode that showcases Ina Garten's talents as both a cook and an entertainer. With its emphasis on beautiful presentation and delicious flavor, this episode is sure to inspire viewers to host their own book parties and create special memories with friends and family.