Ep 1. Boss for Dinner

In Barefoot Contessa season 7 episode 1, titled "Boss for Dinner," Ina Garten prepares a luxurious dinner for her friend, Barbara Liberman, who also happens to be her boss. Ina is nervous about the occasion because Barbara is an expert in French cuisine and has a discerning palate, meaning that Ina must create a meal that lives up to her expectations.

The show begins with Ina heading to her local fish market to pick up some fresh ingredients for her main course: striped bass. After selecting the best fish, Ina prepares a simple yet elegant recipe that involves stuffing the fish with herbs and lemons and then roasting it in the oven. She also prepares a side of roasted asparagus with a lemon vinaigrette to accompany the fish.

Next, Ina heads to her local cheese shop to pick up some artisanal cheeses to serve as an appetizer. She selects three different types of cheese – a soft goat cheese, a hard sheep cheese, and a blue cheese – and serves them with homemade crackers and fig spread.

For the salad course, Ina prepares a mixed greens salad with a homemade vinaigrette made with Dijon mustard, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. To add extra flavor and texture, she also adds chopped walnuts and crumbled blue cheese to the salad.

Finally, for dessert, Ina prepares her famous pecan squares. These decadent treats are made with a buttery shortbread crust and a filling of toasted pecans, brown sugar, and butter. They are the perfect sweet and crunchy end to a delicious meal.

Throughout the show, Ina offers tips and tricks for cooking each dish, explaining why she selected certain ingredients or techniques. She also shares stories about her friendship with Barbara and how she wants to impress her boss with this special dinner.

Overall, Barefoot Contessa season 7 episode 1 is a delightful and informative cooking show that showcases Ina Garten's skills and creativity in the kitchen. The episode is perfect for anyone looking to impress their boss or any other discerning foodie in their life.