Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d'Arabian Season 4 Episode 1 Frugal French

Melissa d'Arabian, winner of "Food Network Star" season 5, is back with the fourth season of her show Ten Dollar Dinners. In the first episode of the season, "Frugal French," Melissa takes us on a culinary journey to France on a budget.

The episode begins with Melissa visiting a local market to pick up some ingredients for her first dish – French onion soup. She shows the audience how to make this classic dish with only a few simple ingredients, such as onions, beef broth, and bread. Melissa adds her own touch to the soup by including some grated Gruyere cheese, which gives it a nice, nutty flavor.

Next up, Melissa shows us how to make a simple but delicious quiche Lorraine. She starts by making the crust from scratch using flour, butter, and water. Melissa then shows us how to make the filling using eggs, cream, bacon, and Gruyere cheese. She gives us some helpful tips along the way, such as adding a little bit of nutmeg to the filling to give it some extra flavor.

For the main course, Melissa prepares a hearty beef bourguignon. She uses a cheaper cut of meat – chuck roast – but makes it tender and flavorful by slow-cooking it in a rich sauce made with red wine, beef broth, and bacon. Melissa serves the beef bourguignon with some mashed potatoes, which she jazzes up with some roasted garlic and chives.

To finish off the meal, Melissa prepares a simple but elegant dessert – apple tarte tatin. She starts by caramelizing some sugar in a cast-iron skillet, then adds sliced apples and a buttery pastry crust. After baking the tarte tatin in the oven, Melissa flips it over onto a plate to reveal a caramelized apple topping. She finishes off the dessert with a dollop of whipped cream.

Throughout the episode, Melissa emphasizes the importance of using simple, affordable ingredients and techniques to create delicious French dishes at home. She also gives us some helpful money-saving tips, such as buying ingredients in bulk and using leftovers to make new meals.

Overall, "Frugal French" is a great episode for anyone who loves French cuisine but wants to learn how to make it on a budget. Melissa's recipes are easy to follow and her tips are practical and helpful. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a novice in the kitchen, you're sure to enjoy this episode of Ten Dollar Dinners!