Ep 7. Holiday Dinner Party

In Everyday Italian season 2 episode 7, titled "Holiday Dinner Party," host Giada De Laurentiis prepares a festive meal for family and friends during the holiday season. As the episode opens, Giada shares her excitement for hosting a dinner party and discusses her menu plans. She explains that her dishes will be inspired by Italian cuisine, but with a modern twist.

Giada starts her preparations by making a flavored butter for her bread, combining softened unsalted butter with fresh rosemary, garlic, and lemon zest. She then moves on to the main course, which is a pork roast with a fig and balsamic glaze. The pork is seasoned with Italian herbs, seared in a pan, and then roasted in the oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Giada then prepares the glaze by combining dried figs, balsamic vinegar, and shallots in a saucepan and simmering until it thickens.

For the side dishes, Giada makes a roasted vegetables dish with fennel, carrots, and Brussels sprouts, which are seasoned with salt, pepper, and olive oil. She also prepares a creamy polenta, which is made by boiling cornmeal in chicken broth and adding grated Parmesan cheese and butter.

As the dinner party approaches, Giada begins to set the table with a crisp, white tablecloth, Italian-inspired plates, and gold flatware. She also arranges flowers and candles to create an elegant atmosphere.

When guests arrive, Giada greets them with her fig and burrata appetizer, which consists of fresh burrata cheese and figs drizzled with balsamic vinegar and honey. The guests are impressed with the flavors and presentation.

For the main course, Giada slices the pork roast and drizzles it with the fig and balsamic glaze. The guests express their delight at the juicy and flavorful meat. The roasted vegetables and creamy polenta also receive high praise.

To end the meal on a sweet note, Giada serves a panna cotta dessert with mixed berry compote. She explains that the dessert can be made ahead of time, making it the perfect option for a dinner party. The guests rave about the smooth and creamy texture of the panna cotta and the burst of flavor from the mixed berry compote.

Throughout the episode, Giada shares tips and techniques for preparing a successful dinner party, including how to plan ahead, how to choose the right dishes, and how to create a welcoming atmosphere for guests. Her emphasis on using fresh, high-quality ingredients and combining traditional Italian flavors with contemporary twists demonstrates her mastery of Italian cuisine.

Overall, Everyday Italian season 2 episode 7 is a delightful showcase of Giada De Laurentiis's culinary skills and her knack for entertaining. This episode is sure to inspire viewers to plan their own festive dinners, with Italian-inspired dishes that are sure to impress.