Ep 3. Thanksgiving Favorites

Giada At Home season 4 episode 3 titled "Thanksgiving Favorites" is all about celebrating Thanksgiving with some of Giada's favorite recipes. Giada De Laurentiis, the host of the show, is known for her Italian-inspired dishes, and this episode highlights how she puts her own spin on traditional Thanksgiving fare.

The episode opens with Giada showing viewers how to make a twist on a classic cocktail - a cranberry-orange bellini. She mixes together fresh orange juice, cranberry juice, and a little bit of sugar and pours the mixture into glasses. She tops each glass off with some sparkling wine, giving the drink a festive feel that's perfect for Thanksgiving.

Next up, Giada heads to the market to pick up some fresh ingredients for her recipes. She opts for organic turkey breast, which she'll use to make her herb-roasted turkey breast with Pan gravy. She also selects a variety of root vegetables like carrots and parsnips, which she'll roast alongside the turkey.

Back at home, Giada starts to prep the turkey breast by making an herb butter. She combines butter, sage, rosemary, and thyme in a food processor and blends until the mixture is smooth. Once the butter is ready, she quickly sears the turkey breast and slathers it with the herb butter before roasting it in the oven.

While the turkey is roasting, Giada moves on to her sides. She makes a creamy butternut squash soup that's perfect for starting off the meal. To make the soup, she sautés garlic and onion in a pot, then adds in diced butternut squash and chicken broth. Once the squash is tender, she purées the mixture and adds in some heavy cream for richness.

For her roasted root vegetables, Giada incorporates some Middle Eastern flavors by tossing them with harissa paste before roasting. The harissa paste adds a spicy kick to the vegetables and pairs perfectly with the tender turkey.

No Thanksgiving meal is complete without stuffing, and Giada's version incorporates Italian sausage and chestnuts for a unique twist. She mixes the cooked sausage with stale bread, chestnuts, and a variety of herbs and spices. Then, she bakes the stuffing in the oven until it's crispy on top and piping hot in the middle.

Finally, Giada demonstrates how to put together a beautiful fall-inspired table setting. She uses orange and yellow tablecloths, along with gold accents like candlesticks and napkin rings, to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Overall, Giada At Home's "Thanksgiving Favorites" episode is packed with delicious recipes and helpful tips for hosting a memorable Thanksgiving meal. Whether viewers are looking to put a new spin on classic dishes or try out some completely new recipes, there's something for everyone in this episode.