Ep 7. Cook Like a Pro: Chocolate

In the season 13 episode 7 of Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics, titled "Cook Like a Pro: Chocolate", Ina Garten is all set to satisfy your sweet cravings with her indulgent chocolate recipes. The talented chef begins by explaining the difference between natural cocoa powder and Dutch-processed cocoa powder and how they can be used in different dessert recipes. She then moves on to her first recipe, the Outrageous Brownies, where she uses both types of cocoa powder along with the chunks of semisweet chocolate to give you a gooey and rich chocolate delight.

Next up on the menu are Chocolate Pudding and Chocolate Ganache; Ina shows you how to make both the classic recipes easily in your home kitchen. While the pudding is a simple and classic egg-based recipe, the ganache uses only two ingredients - chocolate and heavy cream - and can be used as a cake glaze or a filling for truffles.

Ina then moves on to a recipe that combines chocolate with fruit to create a masterpiece - Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries. She not only shows you how to melt and temper the chocolate but also shares tips to keep the chocolate from seizing. The end result is a dessert that looks like it came from a fancy chocolate shop but can easily be made at home.

The last recipe of the episode is the Chocolate Swirl Meringues, where Ina shows you how to make airy and crispy meringues with a beautiful chocolate swirl. She also shares the secret to getting the perfect meringue texture and how to store them to keep them fresh for more than a week.

Throughout the episode, Ina shares her pro tips on baking and cooking with chocolate, such as how to measure cocoa powder properly, how to check if the eggs are fresh, and how to get the perfect consistency for ganache. She also shares her love for the versatility of chocolate and shows you how you can create delicious desserts with just a few basic ingredients.

Whether you're a chocolate lover or just looking to impress your guests with a show-stopping dessert, Ina Garten's "Cook Like a Pro: Chocolate" episode is a must-watch. With her easy-to-follow recipes and helpful tips, you'll be whipping up delicious chocolate treats in no time.