Ep 5. Perfect French Dinner Party

In Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics season 3 episode 5, Ina Garten sets out to host the perfect French dinner party. She starts by visiting her favorite florist to pick out beautiful flowers for the table and gets inspired by the lovely colors and scents. Ina then heads to a specialty food shop to gather all the ingredients she needs for her menu.

For the appetizer, Ina prepares a refreshing shrimp salad with a homemade dressing that's light and tangy. The salad is served in individual glasses to create an elegant presentation. Next, Ina prepares a classic French dish, coq au vin, which is a hearty chicken stew. She uses red wine to create a rich, deep flavor and slow-cooks the chicken until it's tender. Ina serves the coq au vin with roasted root vegetables and a crispy baguette.

For dessert, Ina makes an impressive apple tart with a flaky puff pastry crust. She slices the apples thinly and arranges them in a beautiful spiral pattern on top of the tart. Ina finishes the dish with a drizzle of warm apricot jam and a dollop of freshly whipped cream.

Throughout the episode, Ina shares tips and techniques for creating a stress-free dinner party. She recommends preparing as much as possible ahead of time, so you can spend more time socializing with your guests. Ina also emphasizes the importance of setting a beautiful table and creating an inviting atmosphere.

Overall, Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics season 3 episode 5 is a great resource for anyone looking to host a sophisticated French dinner party. Ina's recipes are delicious and approachable, and her tips for entertaining are practical and helpful. The episode is sure to inspire viewers to host their own elegant gatherings.