Ep 1. All American

In Barefoot Contessa season 2 episode 1 titled "All American," Ina Garten pays tribute to her roots and celebrates America's diverse food culture by preparing a menu inspired by classic American dishes. The episode kicks off with Garten visiting a local farm where she sources fresh vegetables for her recipes. She then proceeds to the kitchen to prepare her food for the day.

The first dish on Garten's menu is her take on the classic American staple, the BLT sandwich. She opts for a slightly elevated version of the sandwich by using delicious heirloom tomatoes, crispy bacon, and a homemade herb mayo. Garten pairs the sandwich with a roasted vegetable salad, which features a medley of seasonal vegetables coated in a tangy vinaigrette.

Garten then moves on to prepare her family-style meatloaf, which is a hit in her household. She shares her tips for making the perfect meatloaf, including using ground beef with a higher fat percentage and letting the meatloaf rest before slicing. Garten keeps it simple with a side of mashed potatoes and green beans, which are blanched to maintain their color and crunch.

To satisfy her sweet tooth, Garten prepares a decadent cherry pie using fresh cherries. She shares her tips for making the perfect pie crust and demonstrates how to make a lattice-style top crust to create a beautiful finish. Garten finishes off the pie with a dollop of whipped cream, and it's ready to serve.

Throughout the episode, Garten shares her expertise and passion for cooking with her viewers. She emphasizes the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients and encourages home cooks to experiment with different recipes and techniques. Her knowledge and enthusiasm for cooking are evident in every step of her cooking process, from sourcing ingredients to serving up delicious dishes.

Overall, "All American" is a heartwarming and inspiring episode that celebrates America's diverse food culture and pays homage to classic American dishes. Garten's passion and expertise shine through in every dish she prepares, and her tips and tricks are sure to inspire viewers to get into the kitchen and try something new.