Ep 5. Stress-Free Dinner Party

In season 2, episode 5 of Barefoot Contessa, titled "Stress-Free Dinner Party," host Ina Garten teaches viewers how to throw a dinner party without any stress or fuss. She starts by preparing a simple but elegant menu that includes Roast Chicken with Bread and Arugula Salad, Cherry Tomatoes and Basil, and a French Apple Tart.

Garten believes that the key to a successful dinner party is planning ahead, so she outlines her strategy for tackling tasks ahead of time, including shopping, prepping ingredients, and setting the table. She also emphasizes the importance of delegating tasks to guests and preparing easy-to-make dishes that can be served family-style.

Throughout the episode, Garten chats with friends and family while she works, sharing tips and techniques that can make hosting a stress-free affair. She shares her secrets for roasting the perfect chicken, including seasoning it with a mix of salt, pepper, lemon zest, thyme, and garlic, and roasting it with bread and arugula for a flavorful and easy side dish.

Next, Garten prepares a colorful Cherry Tomato and Basil Salad, which she makes by tossing ripe cherry tomatoes with fresh basil, olive oil, vinegar, and a pinch of salt. The salad is both bright and refreshing, and can be made just before serving for maximum freshness.

Finally, Garten finishes the meal with a decadent French Apple Tart, featuring a buttery crust and a sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling. The tart can be made ahead of time and reheated just before serving, making it the perfect dessert for a stress-free dinner party.

Throughout the episode, Garten offers up her trademark mix of culinary expertise and down-to-earth humor, making hosting a dinner party seem fun and approachable. By the end of the show, viewers will be ready to throw their own stress-free dinner party, confident in their ability to impress their guests with delicious, homemade food that's easy to prepare and serve.