Ep 6. All About Chocolate

In this episode of Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics, titled "All About Chocolate," Ina Garten celebrates one of her favorite ingredients, chocolate, and shares some of her favorite recipes featuring this decadent treat.

Ina begins by showing how to make a classic French chocolate truffles, a luxurious and indulgent candy that is surprisingly easy to make at home. She starts with a simple ganache made from chocolate and cream and demonstrates how to roll it into perfectly round balls before coating them in cocoa powder.

Next up is a recipe for a chocolate cake that is both rich and moist. Ina shares her secrets for creating the perfect cake batter, including adding coffee to bring out the chocolate flavor and using buttermilk for a silky texture. And to top it all off, Ina whips up a creamy chocolate frosting that is smooth and velvety.

For those looking for something a bit healthier, Ina also has a recipe for a chocolate banana smoothie. Made with ripe bananas, almond milk, and a few spoonfuls of cocoa powder, this smoothie is a guilt-free way to satisfy a chocolate craving.

But Ina doesn't stop at just desserts - she also has some savory recipes featuring chocolate. Her first savory dish is a mole sauce, a classic Mexican sauce made with a blend of spices, nuts, and chocolate. Ina demonstrates how to make a simplified version of this complex sauce that is perfect for drizzling over grilled chicken or beef.

For her final recipe, Ina creates a dish that is sure to impress any dinner guest - a beef and chocolate stew. Despite its unusual pairing of ingredients, chocolate adds a depth of flavor to this savory stew that is hard to resist. Ina begins by browning chunks of beef in a Dutch oven before adding an array of vegetables and a few spoonfuls of cocoa powder. She then simmers the stew for a few hours until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.

Throughout the show, Ina shares tips and tricks for cooking with chocolate, such as using high-quality chocolate for the best flavor and texture and incorporating it into unexpected dishes.

Whether you have a sweet tooth or prefer savory dishes, Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics' "All About Chocolate" episode has something for everyone. Join Ina Garten as she celebrates the magic of chocolate and shares her favorite recipes for this beloved ingredient.