Ep 3. Going, Going, Gone

In Barefoot Contessa season 8 episode 3, titled "Going, Going, Gone," host Ina Garten focuses on time-saving techniques to make entertaining easier. She offers tips on preparing a canape platter with smoked salmon, herb cream cheese, and cucumber, as well as a pear and cranberry cake that can be made ahead of time and served warm with vanilla ice cream.

Garten also showcases her recipe for shrimp and orzo salad, which she makes by roasting shrimp with garlic and serving it with orzo pasta, roasted vegetables, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. In addition, she shares her technique for creating an impressive and simple cheese board, featuring a mix of hard and soft cheeses, crackers, dried fruit, and nuts.

Throughout the episode, Garten emphasizes the importance of planning ahead and using quality ingredients to elevate simple dishes. She encourages viewers to embrace their own creativity and add their own personal twists to her recipes. Ultimately, the message of "Going, Going, Gone" is that entertaining need not be stressful or overly complicated, but rather a joyful opportunity to share good food and company with loved ones.