Ep 1. Cookbook Party

In "Cookbook Party," the first episode of season 8 of Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten invites her friends over for a festive gathering celebrating the publication of her new cookbook, "Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics." As her guests start to arrive, Ina is busy in the kitchen preparing a delicious spread of elegant and easy-to-make dishes.

First up is a savory Roasted Shrimp Cocktail with homemade cocktail sauce, which Ina believes is the perfect start to any party. Next, she moves on to her Parmesan Smashed Potatoes, a comforting and flavorful side dish that's always a crowd-pleaser. Ina also whips up a refreshing Herb and Green Onion Cream Cheese Dip, served with cucumber slices for a healthy and satisfying snack.

For the main course, Ina prepares a stunning Butternut Squash and Ricotta Bruschetta, featuring roasted squash, creamy ricotta, and sweet balsamic glaze atop toasted bread. She also makes a delectable French Chicken Pot Pies, filled with tender chicken, mushrooms, and vegetables in a rich and creamy sauce. As always, Ina's attention to detail and use of fresh, high-quality ingredients make each dish stand out.

To finish things off, Ina serves up a classic Peach and Blueberry Crumble, made with juicy summer fruits and a buttery topping. The recipe is simple enough for anyone to make at home, yet impressive enough for a special occasion. As Ina's guests savor the delicious meal, they chat about the cookbook and share their favorite recipes from it.

Throughout the episode, Ina shares helpful tips and tricks for cooking and entertaining, such as how to roast shrimp perfectly every time and how to make a restaurant-worthy balsamic glaze at home. She also emphasizes the importance of using quality ingredients, explaining how they can elevate even the simplest dishes.

Overall, "Cookbook Party" is a delightful episode that showcases Ina Garten's talent for creating flavorful and elegant dishes that are also approachable and easy to make. It's the perfect introduction to the new season of Barefoot Contessa, and will leave viewers inspired to try their hand at some of Ina's delicious recipes.