Ep 1. Thanksgiving

In this episode of Barefoot Contessa, titled "Thanksgiving," Ina Garten prepares sumptuous dishes for the holiday season. The show starts with Ina sharing her foolproof method for roasting turkey, one of the main attractions of a Thanksgiving meal. She shares her secret of prepping and brining the turkey a day before, and how to cook it to the perfect, juicy texture.

Ina also acknowledges that sides are just as important as the turkey, so she prepares some of her classic recipes with a twist. She starts with a creamy butternut squash soup, which she tops off with roasted cubes of the squash and croutons. The fresh sage in this soup complements the sweetness of the butternut squash and the saltiness of pancetta croutons.

Next, Ina prepares the much-loved staple of Thanksgiving, mashed potatoes. She upgrades it by adding some roasted garlic, which lends an earthy flavor to the potatoes. Ina says she's made these potatoes for years, and we can see why - the velvety texture and garlicky flavor are irresistible.

Green beans are a common side dish as well, but Ina makes them more interesting by roasting them with pancetta and shallots. The beans are crispy and flavorful, and the pancetta adds a salty crunch to this otherwise simple dish. This is an excellent alternative to the classic green bean casserole.

For a heartier side, Ina prepares a homemade cornbread stuffing. The cornbread base gives an extra dimension to the stuffing, and the addition of sausage, dried cranberries, and herbs make it even more delicious. Ina advises making the corn bread a few days ahead, as it's easier to work with when it's stale.

Last but not least, Ina's pumpkin mousse parfait puts a unique spin on Thanksgiving desserts. She layers pumpkin mousse, whipped cream, and ginger snaps in a glass, creating a light and airy dessert that doesn't weigh you down after a heavy meal.

Throughout the episode, Ina highlights various ingredients and tools that make her recipes stand out. She emphasizes using fresh herbs and seasonings, quality poultry, and kitchen gadgets like a sharp chef's knife and a heavy-duty mixer. She also stresses the importance of setting the table in advance, so you don't have to fuss with it on the day of the meal.

As always, Ina's laid-back style and genuine love for cooking makes the episode enjoyable to watch, even if you're not planning a Thanksgiving meal. Her recipes are approachable yet impressive, and her tips are helpful and practical for home cooks of any level.