Ep 11. Elegant Evening

In season 13 episode 11 of Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee, titled Elegant Evening, the focus is on creating a luxurious and sophisticated dinner menu without spending hours in the kitchen. Host Sandra Lee presents a series of simple and easy-to-follow recipes that utilize store-bought items in a creative way to create impressive dishes.

The episode begins with Lee sharing her tips for setting an elegant table that will impress guests. She demonstrates how to create a beautiful floral centerpiece using store-bought flowers and shares ideas for incorporating lighting and other decorative elements to create a festive ambiance.

Next, Lee moves on to the menu, which features a variety of dishes that are both easy to make and visually impressive. She starts with a simple yet elegant appetizer of smoked salmon crostini, which features store-bought smoked salmon and baguette slices topped with a homemade herb cream cheese.

For the main course, Lee prepares filet mignon with a red wine reduction and roasted asparagus. She demonstrates how to cook the steaks to perfection, and shows how easy it is to make a flavorful pan sauce using store-bought beef broth and red wine. The roasted asparagus is a simple side dish that adds a pop of color to the plate.

Finally, Lee concludes the meal with a decadent dessert of chocolate raspberry tart. She shows how to assemble the tart using store-bought pie crust and chocolate ganache, and tops it with fresh raspberries and whipped cream for a finishing touch.

Throughout the episode, Lee emphasizes the importance of presentation and shows how easy it can be to create a beautiful and impressive meal without spending hours in the kitchen. She also shares her tips for working with store-bought items and demonstrates how to elevate these ingredients with simple but effective cooking techniques.

Overall, Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee season 13 episode 11 offers viewers a glimpse into the world of effortless entertaining and proves that a luxurious and sophisticated dinner party is within reach for anyone.