Ep 5. Dinner Party Delivery

In season 3 episode 5 of Everyday Italian, titled "Dinner Party Delivery," host Giada De Laurentiis shares her best tips and tricks for hosting a dinner party without the stress and fuss. Giada starts by taking viewers to a local Italian market to pick up some fresh ingredients for her menu, which includes an antipasto platter, grilled polenta, and roasted chicken with lemon salsa.

Throughout the episode, Giada emphasizes the importance of planning ahead and taking advantage of shortcuts, such as using store-bought hummus and marinated olives for the antipasto platter. She also shares a handy trick for grilling polenta, which involves cutting it into rounds and brushing it with a mixture of olive oil and garlic before placing it on the grill.

As Giada prepares the chicken, she demonstrates how to butterfly it to ensure even cooking and how to make a simple lemon salsa that pairs perfectly with the juicy meat. She also shares her tips for keeping the chicken moist while it rests, which involves covering it with aluminum foil and letting it sit for a few minutes before slicing.

To round out the meal, Giada makes a simple arugula salad with shaved Parmesan and a lemon vinaigrette. She also shares her favorite quick and easy dessert recipe, which involves drizzling store-bought pound cake with amaretto and topping it with whipped cream and fresh berries.

Throughout the episode, Giada emphasizes the importance of presentation and making sure that each dish looks as good as it tastes. She demonstrates how to arrange the antipasto platter on a large wooden board, how to garnish the polenta with fresh herbs, and how to arrange the chicken on a platter with the lemon salsa spooned over the top.

As the meal comes together, Giada also shares her tips for making sure that guests feel relaxed and comfortable. She suggests setting the table ahead of time, lighting candles to create a cozy atmosphere, and even filling a vase with fresh flowers to add a pop of color to the table.

Overall, "Dinner Party Delivery" is a helpful and inspiring episode for anyone looking to host a stress-free and delicious dinner party with Italian flair. With Giada's expert tips and easy-to-follow recipes, viewers are sure to impress their guests and enjoy a memorable evening filled with good food and good company.