Ep 17. Easy French

In this episode of Barefoot Contessa, host Ina Garten dives into classic French cuisine with her twist on some easy-to-make dishes. With her perfectly styled garden as a backdrop, Ina starts the show off with a quick trip to the farmers' market to find the freshest ingredients for her dishes before going back to her kitchen to start cooking.

For her first dish, Ina creates a savory French Onion Soup that is perfect for a chilly evening. She shares how to caramelize onions perfectly to bring out their sweetness and depth of flavor. With her signature twist, Ina tops the soup with cheesy croutons that add an extra dimension to the dish.

Next on the menu are fluffy Herbed Ricotta Bruschettas that make for great appetizers. Ina seasons the ricotta with fresh herbs from her garden and serves it on toasted bread. This dish is simple yet flavorful and sure to impress any guest.

For the main course, Ina prepares a classic Beef Bourguignon that is mouth-watering. She simmers beef in red wine with bacon, onion, and carrots for several hours, resulting in tender meat in a rich, flavorful sauce. Ina suggests serving this dish with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Ina's also shares a delicious recipe for Chicken with Forty Cloves of Garlic, a classic French dish that is easy to prepare in a Dutch oven or slow cooker. With minimal preparation, Ina shows that a great meal doesn’t have to take all day to whip up. The juicy chicken and garlic sauce create an aromatic and flavorful meal.

For a sweet treat, Ina makes a French Apple Tart with a buttery pastry, topped with cinnamon and apples. She shares her tips on how to slice the apples thinly and cleanly, and the end result is a dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

Throughout the episode, Ina shares cooking tips and techniques on how to make each dish with ease and elegance. With her signature humor and charm, she invites viewers into her kitchen and shares her love for French cuisine.

Overall, this episode of Barefoot Contessa is perfect for anyone wanting to try their hand at making classic French dishes. Ina's approachable recipes and easy-to-follow instructions make it easy for both beginner and experienced cooks to achieve delicious and memorable results.