Ep 5. Best of Barefoot: Cheese

In Barefoot Contessa season 21 episode 5, titled "Best of Barefoot: Cheese," host Ina Garten takes a stroll down memory lane as she revisits some of her favorite cheese-focused recipes from past episodes. From classic grilled cheese sandwiches to elegant cheese boards, Garten showcases the versatility and deliciousness of cheese in her signature approachable style.

The episode starts off with Garten preparing her famous homemade ricotta cheese, which she uses in a variety of dishes throughout the episode. She also shares tips for selecting and storing different types of cheese, including brie, feta, and parmesan.

One highlight of the episode is Garten's recipe for roasted figs and prosciutto with goat cheese, which combines the sweetness of ripe figs with the salty richness of prosciutto and tangy goat cheese. It's a simple yet sophisticated appetizer that is sure to impress guests.

Garten also shares a recipe for cheddar dill scones, which make for a delicious breakfast or brunch item. The scones are packed with sharp cheddar cheese and fresh herbs like dill and chives, making for a savory and satisfying treat.

For lunch, Garten prepares a classic grilled cheese sandwich with a twist—she adds sliced tomato and a sprinkling of parmesan cheese to take it up a notch. Garten's secret for the perfect grilled cheese is to use a combination of both butter and mayonnaise on the bread, which creates a crispy and flavorful crust.

In the second half of the episode, Garten focuses on more elegant cheese-centric dishes, such as a roasted vegetable tart with goat cheese and a mouth-watering cheese board featuring a variety of aged cheeses, nuts, fruit, and crackers. Garten emphasizes the importance of selecting a variety of textures and flavors when assembling a cheese board, as well as incorporating seasonal ingredients like pomegranate seeds or persimmons.

Finally, the episode ends with a showstopping dessert—a warm apple crisp topped with a crumbly mixture of oats, brown sugar, and grated cheddar cheese. The unexpected addition of cheese adds richness and depth to the dessert, and Garten reminds us that cheese can be incorporated into sweet dishes just as successfully as savory ones.

Overall, "Best of Barefoot: Cheese" is a must-watch for cheese lovers and fans of Ina Garten's classic yet approachable cooking style. From simple grilled cheese sandwiches to elegant cheese boards, Garten proves that cheese can be the star ingredient in a wide variety of dishes.