Ep 7. Off Duty

In the seventh season of the Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics, episode 7 named Off Duty, Ina Garten takes a break from her busy schedule to enjoy some laid-back cooking for a relaxing weekend. In this episode, Garten shares a collection of her go-to recipes that she likes to make when she's off-duty with her husband, Jeffrey.

The show opens with Ina Garten walking through her local farmer's market, picking up fresh ingredients for her recipes. She decides to make a delicious brunch for her and Jeffrey, starting with a delightful Shallot Roasted Tomatoes recipe. The dish features slow-roasted cherry tomatoes that are infused with the sweet flavor of roasted shallots and are perfect for any breakfast or brunch.

Next up, Ina Garten prepares her Coconut French Toast, which is inspired by her love of coconut. The dish comprises thick slices of challah bread soaked in a mixture of eggs, cream, and coconut milk, and toasted to perfection for an extra dose of crunch. She serves it with her homemade Bourbon Honey Butter, which adds a rich and decadent flavor to the dish.

For lunch, Ina Garten creates her Spinach and Zucchini Soup, which is packed with healthy greens and zesty flavors. The soup is blended with cooked onion and garlic, then simmered with spinach, zucchini, and chicken stock. Ina also makes her own homemade croutons to serve as a delicious garnish.

Later in the episode, Ina Garten prepares for a relaxed evening at home with Jeffrey. She makes a hearty Beef and Tamales Casserole recipe for dinner, which is the perfect comfort food and is ideal for snuggling up to catch up on their favorite shows. This recipe is made using a combination of ground beef, corn, onions, and spices, topped with layers of corn tortillas and melted cheese.

Finally, Ina Garten makes a dessert that is quick and easy to prepare while still being elegant and delicious. She creates her Chocolate Pecan Scones, which are a perennial favorite amongst her fans. With a crisp exterior and a moist center, these scones are loaded with chopped pecans and dark chocolate chunks. They are perfect for a lazy evening snack with a hot cup of cocoa or tea.

Throughout the episode, Ina Garten shares her tips and tricks for perfecting each recipe, from prepping the ingredients to serving the dishes with style. The episode concludes with a warm and cozy dinner at home with Ina and Jeffrey, relaxing and enjoying each other's company after a busy week.

Overall, Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics season 7 episode 7 is a perfect showcase of Ina Garten's relaxed and effortless cooking style. Through her charming personality and easy-to-follow recipes, Garten inspires viewers to take a break from their busy lives and enjoy the simple pleasures of cooking and sharing delicious food with loved ones.