Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee Season 1 Episode 2 Dinner Party

In the second episode of the first season of Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee, titled Dinner Party, Sandra Lee shows viewers how to host an elegant dinner party without spending hours in the kitchen. Lee starts by preparing a simple but delicious appetizer of Boursin-stuffed cherry tomatoes. She then moves on to the main course, which consists of herb-rubbed lamb chops with a red wine reduction sauce, served alongside creamy mashed potatoes and sautéed green beans.

To make the lamb chops, Lee shows viewers how to create a herb rub using fresh rosemary, thyme, garlic, and olive oil. She then sears the chops in a pan until they are golden brown on both sides before finishing them in the oven. Lee then walks viewers through the process of making a red wine reduction sauce, which she serves alongside the lamb chops.

In addition to the main course, Lee also shows viewers how to make a classic side dish with a twist: creamy mashed potatoes with roasted garlic. To make the garlic mash, Lee roasts a whole head of garlic in the oven until it is soft and sweet. She then combines the roasted garlic with butter, cream, and mashed potatoes to create a rich and flavorful side dish.

Finally, Lee prepares sautéed green beans with shallots and lemon zest, which add a bright and tangy flavor to the meal. To make the green beans, Lee blanches them in boiling water before sautéing them with chopped shallots and lemon zest in a pan.

Throughout the episode, Lee emphasizes the importance of presentation when hosting a dinner party. She shows viewers how to plate each dish in an elegant and thoughtful way and offers tips for decorating the table with simple, yet sophisticated, centerpieces.

Overall, Dinner Party is a great episode for anyone who loves to entertain but doesn't want to spend all day in the kitchen. With Lee's guidance, viewers can learn how to prepare an impressive meal that will impress their guests without breaking a sweat.