Ep 15. Cook Like a Pro: Just Desserts

In Barefoot Contessa season 27 episode 15, titled "Cook Like a Pro: Just Desserts," Ina Garten, also known as the Barefoot Contessa, shares her favorite dessert recipes and tips for making them like a pro. The episode starts with Ina preparing a classic lemon tart. She starts by making the pastry crust from scratch, then moves on to making the lemon curd filling. She reveals a secret for ensuring a smooth and creamy texture in the lemon curd, which involves using a fine-mesh strainer to strain out any solid bits. She then finishes the tart with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a sprinkling of lemon zest.

Next up, Ina makes her go-to summer dessert, a strawberry tart. She emphasizes the importance of choosing ripe and flavorful strawberries for the filling and demonstrates how to make a simple almond-flavored crust. She then tops the tart with a layer of homemade strawberry jam and a pile of fresh berries. Ina notes that this tart is perfect for entertaining and can be made a day ahead of time.

Ina also shows viewers how to make a stunning chocolate cake with ganache frosting. She starts by making a rich chocolate cake batter and pouring it into prepared cake pans. Ina then whips up a chocolate ganache frosting using just two ingredients: heavy cream and high-quality chocolate. She expertly layers the cake with the decadent frosting and finishes it off with a sprinkle of sea salt.

For those who love fruit-based desserts, Ina offers a recipe for a plum cake that is sure to impress. She demonstrates how to make a simple cake batter and layer it with sliced plums before baking. Once the cake is cooled, Ina shows viewers how to create a gorgeous and glossy plum glaze to pour over the top.

Lastly, Ina shares a scrumptious recipe for individual fruit crisps, which are perfect for serving at a dinner party. She starts by making a crunchy topping with oats, nuts, and butter, and then moves on to preparing the fruit filling. Ina uses a combination of apricots and blueberries, but notes that any combination of fruits can work. She bakes the crisps until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is soft and bubbly.

Throughout the episode, Ina offers tips and tricks for making desserts that look and taste like they were made by a professional baker. From using high-quality ingredients to perfectly timing the baking process, Ina shares her secrets to success. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, you're sure to find inspiration and confidence in this episode of Barefoot Contessa.