Ep 1. Holiday Kick-Off Brunch

Giada's Holiday Handbook season 4 episode 1, titled "Holiday Kick-Off Brunch," is a festive and flavorful way to welcome in the holiday season. Giada De Laurentiis is back and ready to share her culinary expertise with viewers as she demonstrates how to create a tempting spread for a holiday brunch.

The episode begins with Giada preparing an eye-catching, colorful appetizer that’s sure to impress guests: a mixed berry fruit salad with honey-yogurt dressing. The dish is easy to prepare, and it features a vibrant array of red, blue, and purple fruits combined with a tangy dressing that balances the sweetness of the raspberries and blueberries.

Next, Giada moves on to the main course, a smoked salmon frittata with arugula salad. The frittata is made with smoked salmon, capers, and green onions, giving it a rich, salty flavor. The salad is a refreshing counterpart to the frittata, featuring peppery arugula and a lemon vinaigrette dressing.

To balance out the savory options, Giada also shares her recipe for a festive sparkling pomegranate punch, which gets its fizz from Prosecco and its tang from pomegranate juice.

The show concludes with a dessert that's holiday-worthy enough to be served at any time of day: pumpkin-ricotta pancakes with maple syrup and candied pecans. These pancakes are light and fluffy, featuring ricotta and pumpkin puree. They're topped off with a maple syrup sauce and a sprinkle of candied pecans. It's a sweet ending to a delicious meal.

Throughout the episode, Giada shares tips and tricks for hosting a successful holiday brunch, such as how to properly portion food, how to set a festive table, and how to incorporate the season's flavors into dishes. Overall, "Holiday Kick-Off Brunch" is a delightful way to kick off the holiday season by enjoying a delicious meal with loved ones.