Ep 1. Haunted House

In the first episode of season 5 of the popular cooking show "Giada at Home," celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis brings viewers along on her autumnal adventures with her husband Todd and daughter Jade. In this episode, titled "Haunted House," Giada and her family visit a farm in rural California to pick pumpkins and get in the Halloween spirit. However, things take a spooky turn when they check into a nearby bed and breakfast, which is rumored to be haunted.

Undeterred by the ghosts said to haunt the B&B, Giada sets to work in the kitchen, using the fresh produce she picked earlier in the day to whip up some seasonal recipes. First up is a hearty soup featuring acorn squash, sweet potatoes, and white beans, flavored with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. As she cooks, Giada shares her tips for preparing fall vegetables and discusses her love for this time of year.

Next, Giada makes a fun and festive dish that's perfect for Halloween parties: ghost-shaped pizzas! Using pre-made pizza dough and homemade tomato sauce, she shows viewers how to shape the pizzas into spooky ghosts and decorate them with fresh mozzarella and black olive slices. It's a simple but creative recipe that's sure to impress guests or kids.

But the highlight of the episode is undoubtedly Giada's pumpkin tiramisu. Using fresh pumpkin puree and warm spices like ginger and cloves, she transforms the classic Italian dessert into a seasonal treat that's perfect for fall entertaining. Layering ladyfingers, pumpkin mascarpone filling, and whipped cream, Giada creates a decadent dessert that's sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Throughout the episode, Giada also shows off some of her favorite fall decorations, including a DIY pumpkin candle holder made from a carved-out gourd and some ivy. She discusses her passion for entertaining and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for guests, whether they're human or ghostly!

As the episode comes to a close, Giada and her family enjoy a spooky night in their haunted bed and breakfast, complete with creaky stairs and eerie noises. But they're not too scared to tuck into Giada's delicious pumpkin tiramisu for dessert, proving that even ghosts can't resist good food. With her trademark warmth and enthusiasm, Giada shows viewers how to celebrate fall and Halloween with delicious dishes, creative decorations, and plenty of fun.