Ep 7. Bed and Breakfast

The Barefoot Contessa is a popular cooking show that focuses on easy-to-make dishes that are both delicious and elegant. In season 8 episode 7, Ina Garten shares her secrets for the ultimate bed and breakfast experience.

The episode starts with Ina welcoming us into her own bed and breakfast in East Hampton, NY. Ina loves the idea of creating a homey atmosphere in her own bed and breakfast and shares tips on how to make guests feel welcome and comfortable. She says the key to creating a welcoming environment is to keep everything simple and easy, while still maintaining a certain level of elegance and sophistication.

To start off the morning right, Ina prepares some of her favorite breakfast dishes, such as homemade granola, fresh fruit salad, and freshly squeezed orange juice. She believes that these simple dishes are not only delicious but also easy to make, and they help set the tone for a cozy and relaxing morning.

Next, Ina shows us how to create a welcoming guest room by adding personalized touches that make guests feel at home. She notes the importance of creating a comfortable bed, armchairs for lounging, and ample space for guests' belongings. She also shares tips on how to stage the room to make it feel welcoming, such as adding fresh flowers, fluffy towels, and cozy throw pillows.

From there, Ina takes us into the kitchen to prepare a truly decadent breakfast – a smoked salmon platter. She starts by making her own homemade gravlax, which she recommends making a few days in advance to ensure its full flavor. She then adds fresh bagels, cream cheese, capers, and thinly sliced red onion to the platter to create a breakfast that will impress any guest.

To finish off the meal, Ina whips up a batch of her famous sour cream coffee cake. She likes to make the cake the day before to allow the flavors to meld together and ensure a perfect texture. She then wraps it in plastic wrap and serves it the next morning as a delicious and decadent breakfast pastry.

Throughout the episode, Ina shares her tips for creating a welcoming and relaxing bed and breakfast atmosphere. She emphasizes the importance of keeping things simple and easy, while still maintaining an elegant and sophisticated feel. She also highlights the importance of personal touches and making guests feel at home.

Overall, this episode is perfect for anyone who wants to create a cozy and welcoming bed and breakfast experience. With Ina's guidance, viewers will learn how to create a simple but delicious breakfast spread, elevate their guest room decor, and make their guests feel truly at home. Whether you're hosting a few friends or running your own bed and breakfast, this episode is full of valuable tips and tricks that will help you create the ultimate bed and breakfast experience.