Ep 7. Kids in the Candy Store

In this episode of Barefoot Contessa, titled "Kids in the Candy Store," Ina Garten is preparing special treats for a group of kids who are visiting her Hamptons home. With a focus on classic childhood favorites, Ina is making everything from scratch and using high-quality ingredients to ensure that the treats are both fun and delicious.

The episode opens with Ina heading to her local candy store to pick up some supplies. She's looking for classic candy flavors like licorice and peppermint, as well as some more exotic options like lavender and rose. She's also picking up some colorful gumdrops and other sweets to use as decorations on her treats.

Back in her kitchen, Ina starts by making homemade marshmallows. She explains to the viewers that making marshmallows from scratch is actually quite simple, and that the end result is far superior to store-bought marshmallows. She uses a mixture of gelatin, sugar, and corn syrup to create the marshmallow base, then adds vanilla extract and food coloring for flavor and color. She pours the mixture into a pan and lets it set overnight before cutting it into squares and dusting it with a mixture of powdered sugar and cornstarch.

Next, Ina moves on to making her own candy bars. She starts by creating a base layer of chocolate and crisp rice cereal, then adds a layer of caramel and chopped peanuts. She finishes the bars with an additional layer of chocolate and lets them set in the refrigerator for a few hours before cutting them into individual pieces.

For a healthier option, Ina creates a batch of granola bars that are loaded with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. She explains that these bars are a great source of energy and make the perfect snack for kids on the go.

Ina also makes a batch of home-baked cookies, including her famous chocolate chip cookies and some oatmeal raisin cookies. She explains that these treats are classics for a reason, and that kids (and adults) will always enjoy them.

To round out the menu, Ina creates some sweet and savory popcorn. She starts by popping a batch of non-GMO corn kernels, then drizzles on butter and sugar for a sweet option. For a savory option, she adds a combination of herbs and spices and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

Finally, Ina puts together a decorative candy display using a variety of glass jars filled with different types of candy. She explains that kids love being able to pick and choose their own treats, and that this display is a fun and easy way to let them do that.

As always, Ina focuses on using quality ingredients and cooking from scratch to create treats that are both delicious and satisfying. She encourages viewers to get creative in the kitchen and experiment with different flavors and textures to come up with their own signature treats. Overall, this episode is a fun and lighthearted celebration of all things sweet and delicious.