Ep 13. Cook Like a Pro: Liquor Store Secrets

In season 27, episode 13 of Barefoot Contessa, titled "Cook Like a Pro: Liquor Store Secrets," Ina Garten teaches viewers about the essential liquors and liqueurs to have in your bar and shows you how to cook with them. The episode begins with Ina visiting a local liquor store where she talks to the store owner and learns about some lesser-known liqueurs that can be used in cooking. She then returns to her kitchen and shares some of her favorite cocktail recipes, such as the classic Cosmopolitan and a Bourbon Manhattan made with homemade cherry syrup.

The episode then showcases a number of dishes that incorporate different types of liquor. Ina starts with a delicious spaghetti recipe that is made with vodka sauce. She shows viewers how to make the sauce from scratch using garlic, crushed tomatoes, cream, and, of course, vodka. The result is a creamy and flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with spaghetti.

Next up, Ina shares a recipe for Parmesan and Thyme Crackers that are perfect for munching on while enjoying your favorite cocktail. She uses a combination of flour, grated Parmesan, fresh thyme, and butter to make the crackers, and then brushes them with an egg wash and sprinkles them with sea salt before baking them until crispy.

The episode also includes a recipe for a delicious Lemon and Vodka Sorbet that is perfect for serving as a palate cleanser between courses. Ina starts by making a simple syrup using sugar, water, and lemon zest, and then adds lemon juice and vodka before freezing the mixture in an ice cream maker. The result is a refreshing and tangy sorbet that is perfect for a hot summer day.

Another recipe featured in the episode is a Beef Bourguignon made with red wine. Ina starts by browning bacon and then adds beef chuck that has been seasoned with salt and pepper. She then adds a mixture of carrots, onions, garlic, and mushrooms before pouring in a bottle of red wine and beef broth. The dish is slow-cooked until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together to create a rich and hearty stew.

The episode ends with two dessert recipes, both of which incorporate liquor. The first is a Chocolate Martini that Ina serves with a decadent Chocolate Caramel Tart. The martini is made with vodka, Godiva liqueur, and chocolate syrup, and is garnished with a chocolate-dipped cherry. The tart is made with a chocolate shortbread crust and a creamy caramel filling that is topped with a rich layer of chocolate ganache.

The second dessert recipe is a Limoncello Ricotta Cheesecake that is both light and refreshing. Ina starts by making a crust using graham crackers, butter, and sugar, and then mixes together ricotta cheese, cream cheese, Limoncello liqueur, and lemon zest before baking the cheesecake until it is golden brown. The result is a creamy and tangy dessert that is perfect for any occasion.

Overall, "Cook Like a Pro: Liquor Store Secrets" is a great episode for anyone looking to up their cocktail game or learn more about cooking with liquor. Ina Garten does an excellent job of incorporating various types of liquor into her recipes and shows viewers how to use them to add depth and complexity to their dishes. Whether you're a novice cook or an experienced chef, there's something in this episode for everyone.