From the category archives:
Barefoot Contessa
Today and Last Night on the Food Network!
Clever am I. Clever I am. Okay, well maybe just this once.
For the first time I can recall I actually “called” the final four on a realtiy show - right from the start. On the Food Network’s delectable show, The Next Food Network Star, I picked what I thought would be the final four on the first episode. As the season went along, I grew even more sure of my picks. The thing was, until last night, I couldn’t figure out who the top three would be after that.
Lovely Lisa and Adam been my favorites since day 1. They have a cool kind of chemistry. I could see them going head to head in some sort of a Food TV series. I wouldn’t miss an episode. Love them.
I like that Adam’s kind of in his own little world. As someone who, long ago, bought similar real estate, I know where he’s coming from. When the judges commented that he didn’t even look at the reporter during the Throwdown challenge, I thought it was all over but the crying. I told my cat, “He’s cooking!” But as she pointed out, to be a Food Network Star, you have to cook and socialize.
She’s always right.
I also sweated when Paula called out Lisa’s Mac and Cheese. If there’s something we southerners know, it’s Mac and Cheese - so if Paula didn’t like it, my girl Lisa must’ve made some crummy stuff. Sigh. Lisa rebounded nicely, though, and I’m sure the next time she meets Macaroni and Cheese in the kitchen, she’ll whip it into shape.
She’s just so fresh, unique, and fun to watch She also has a wealth of knowledge about food and cooking. I honestly could never get tired of watching her. The only thing is, right down to the Dora the Explorer haircut and mischievous eyebrows, she reminds me of a little girl I used to babysit years ago. Unlike Lisa, though, I quickly got tired of watching her! M-E-A-N. Adorable, beautiful little girl - looked like an angel. But… M-E-A-N. One time her grandmother (who I loved) brought her over and she had her in the cutest little yellow raincoat. She had on little orange duck boots and was carrying a little brown teddy bear. I thought, “She’s one of the cutest things I’ve ever seen. Awwww.” Then when the grandmother left, down went the bear, off came the raincoat and out came the mean. The awwww gave way to auggghhh. M-E-A-N.
I think Bobby Flay is perfect for this type of show. He’s better with the contestants and in front of the camera than most reality show hosts on network television. Also, how great is Susie Fogelson?! She should spend a lot more time in front of cameras than behind them or off to the side. She’s brilliant and has a fantastic personality and camera presence. The same can be said for Bob Tuschman. The three of them are what make this series so addictive.
Anyway, this has been an especially great season. It helps when you have a couple of favorites. Like Season 2 with Guy - My pick went all the way and look at him now. Mr. Big Shot on Food TV with two shows. He’s proven to be as big a spark as we all knew he would be. When you combine a great personality with a big ol’ dose of individuality and good old fashioned know how, you usually come up a winner.
Speaking of winners, there are other chefs I never tire of watching. A few of them are serving up great shows, themselves, today. Check your local listings for the times, of course… just don’t miss the episodes below.
Emeril Live (remember, he’s doing his thing, via reruns, in the afternoon now): On an episode titled Southern Comfort, Emeril will be making - Pan-Fried Catfish Fingers with Lemony Tartar Sauce and Hushpuppies, Sweet Potato Pie, Country Fried Steak with White Gravy, and Sylvia’s Red Velvet Cake. I’m dying a little, here.
Tyler’s Ultimate - On “Ultimate Meatloaf,” Tyler’s making Meatloaf with Tomato Relish, Velvety Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans with Caramelized Onions and Almonds. How extra incredible does Meatloaf with Tomato Relish sound?
Good Eats - Alton has two shows that can’t be missed tonight. Overachiever, much? The first one is all about meatballs and features Swedish Meatballs. The second one is all about dips (Guacamole, Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip, and an Onion Dip from Scratch). I only listed three of the dips he’ll make because the fourth one’s, brace yourself, Chicken Liver Mousse. I didn’t want to list it amongst the other three because, frankly, they didn’t do anything to deserve that.
Never. That’s when I’ll eat something with liver in the title. The fourth of Never. That’s when I’ll make something that would involve me looking at, smelling, or getting anywhere near liver.
We’ve got to end this on a good note, and since liver doesn’t know any good notes, I’d better tell you about one of the other “Can’t Miss” episodes today/tonight. I saved this one for last because of the whole “Joi’s obsessed with Buttermilk” thing. On today’s Barefoot Contessa (the episode’s titled “Lunch for the Boys”) , she’ll make Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes. As if that wouldn’t justify a stand alone episode, she’s also making a Brownie Tart, Brussels Sprouts Lardons, and Individual Meatloaves. Make no mistake about it, though the star of the show’s the Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes.
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More From the Barefoot Contessa’s Pantry
Product Description: Nobody remembers what they had for dinner, but everyone remembers what they had for dessert. Here are some favorite Barefoot Contessa desserts - made really easy! This Barefoot Contessa brownie mix is rich, dark and chewy…these brownies are incredible! And this box mix makes them easy to bake. Great to have on hand to make a fabulous dessert for guests or when you are craving a sweet treat. Set Includes: Outrageous Brownie Mix: “I tested this recipe so many times I am positive it is the best brownie recipe you will find.” - Ina Garten (20.8-oz.) Peanut Butter Swirl Brownie Mix: Chocolatey brownies with peanut butter swirled into them…nothing can beat that! Easy to make, these brownies will rival any baker’s recipe! (27.2-oz.)
Product Description: This intensely flavored, rich pound cake is wonderful served with Lemon Curd or Raspberry Sauce. Served with a cup of freshly brewed tea it makes the perfect afternoon snack. Set includes two 22.4-oz. Lemon Pound Cake boxes. (Look how deliciously beautiful they look!)
Product Description: A traditional crisp cookie dabbed with our finest preserve. Serve with a piping hot cup of tea or a glass of milk. Kids love helping to make these delicious cookies. Included in the box is an 8.9-oz. jar of Barefoot Contessa Raspberry Preserves.
Product Description: The best of two classics, peanut butter and jelly in a dessert bar that is easy to make and simply delicious. Rich peanut butter and sweet jam are swirled together to create the perfect after school snack. Along with top-selling cookbook author and Food Network star Ina Garten, The Barefoot Contessa, Stonewall Kitchen has developed this line of specialty foods. With this collection of Ina’s favorites, you can make her delicious recipes in minutes. How easy is that?
Product Description: Forget everything about those rubbery marshmallows from the grocery store. These are melt-in-your-mouth delicious, light and fluffy. Easy to make, you’ll love them in cocoa or as a quick vanilla flavored snack. Along with top-selling cookbook author and Food Network star Ina Garten, The Barefoot Contessa, Stonewall Kitchen has developed this line of specialty foods. With this collection of Ina’s favorites, you can make her delicious recipes in minutes. How easy is that?
Product Description: With these products on hand, great meals are minutes away. One of Ina’s most requested recipes is her Favorite BBQ Sauce. The Mango Chutney is perfect served with grilled fish or chicken. Try the Balsamic Onions on a fresh green salad or use them to top a grilled sirloin for incredible taste. The festive band around the gift is laser die-cut poinsettas with a coordinating gift card. Gift Set Includes: Mango Chutney Ina’s Favorite BBQ Sauce Balsamic Onions. (!!!!!!!!!)
When you click through for any of the above products, you’ll be able to find even MORE. I don’t know about you, but I’ve got shopping on my mind….
…..shopping and those Lemon Pound Cakes.
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Barefoot Contessa Mega Post
First off, be sure to check out the recipe for Crunchy Noodle Salad on today’s Barefoot Contessa. It’s pictured above and my mouth is already watering. You can find the recipe by clicking the link I just dropped. I’m actually going to the store shortly to grab the ingredients I don’t have on hand. Other recipes from this episode are: Blueberry Sauce, Asian Salmon, and Lemon Yogurt Cake (Are you kidding me? YUM!)
This sounds absolutely awesome.
Barefoot Contessa is one of those shows that seems to sometimes fall through the crack in Food Network’s lineup. Other celeb chefs seem to be so “out there” and sometimes delightfully over-the-top that Ina Garten (a.k.a. the Barefoot Contessa) seems really tame by comparison.
As a matter of fact, I only recently started following her shows! But after just one episode I was totally hooked. Not only is it like visiting with a favorite relative, her recipes are amazing. They have a very unique quality to them and reflect Ina’s classiness and grace. I can’t quite explain it, it’s something you’d have to see for yourself.
Something else that strikes me is how relaxing it is to watch Barefoot Contessa. Her episodes have the same effect that Nigella Lawson’s do - you find yourself so kicked back and relaxed you’re extra sorry to see them end!
If you haven’t familiarized yourself with the Barefoot Contessa yet, today would be a great time to do so - this sounds like it’ll be a great episode.
Ina Garten’s Cookbooks are also very special. I’ve been a fan of them for a long time - even if I was a little late to her television shows. Pictured above is one of the best: Barefoot Contessa at Home Everyday Recipes Youll Make over and over Again
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From the Publisher:
For Ina, its friends and family-gathered around the dinner table or cooking with her in the kitchen-that really make her house feel like home. Here Ina offers the tried-and-true recipes that she makes over and over again because theyre easy, they work, and theyre universally loved. For a leisurely Sunday breakfast, she has Easy Cheese Danishes or Breakfast Fruit Crunch to serve with the perfect Spicy Bloody Mary. For lunch, she has classics with a twist, such as Tomato, Mozzarella, and Pesto Paninis and Old-Fashioned Potato Salad, which are simply delicious. Then there are Inas homey dinners-from her own version of loin of pork stuffed with sauted fennel to the exotic flavors of Elis Asian Salmon. And since Ina knows no one ever forgets what you serve for dessert, she includes recipes for outrageously luscious sweets like Peach and Blueberry Crumble, Pumpkin Mousse Parfait, and Chocolate Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Icing. Ina also lets readers in on her time-tested secrets for cooking and entertaining.
Get the inside scoop on everything from what Ina considers when shes designing a kitchen to menu-planning basics and how to make a dinner party fun (heres a hint it doesnt involve making complicated food). Along with beautiful photographs of Inas dishes, her home, and the East Hampton she loves, this book is filled with signature recipes that strike the perfect balance between elegance and casual comfort. With her most indispensable collection yet, Ina Garten proves beyond a shadow of doubt that there truly is no place like home.
Other Barefoot Contessa Cookbooks:
Barefoot Contessa Family Style Easy Ideas and Recipes That Make Everyone Feel Like Family
Barefoot Contessa Parties!: Ideas and Recipes for Easy Parties That Are Really Fun
Ina Garten has also taken her “Barefoot Contessa” brand of delicousness to other products, such as the ones below. Like Rachael Ray, Emeril, and Paula Deen, everything with the Barefoot Contessa logo on it is as good as it possibly gets.
Barefoot Contessa 3-pc. Chocolate Chunk Blondie Pan Gift
Description: Blondies are better with big bits of chocolate mixed in! This gift includes the best Chocolate Chunk Blondie Mix, a pan that is perfect for baking bars and a silicone spatula. Tied with Ina’s signature ribbon, it is a gift every “sweet tooth” will love.
Product Description: Rich and smooth, chocolaty and so sinfully delicious. Nothing is better on a blustery cold day than a steaming cup of hot chocolate with homemade marshmallows. This mix is incredible, made from only the finest chocolate. Along with top-selling cookbook author and Food Network star Ina Garten, The Barefoot Contessa, Stonewall Kitchen has developed this line of specialty foods. With this collection of Ina’s favorites, you can make her delicious recipes in minutes. How easy is that?
Barefoot Contessa Set of 2 Contessa Blend Regular Ground Coffee
Product Description: From Ina Garten: “I created this blend of the best Columbian coffee with a hint of cinnamon. It was by far our biggest seller at my store. I hope you love it!” Along with top-selling cookbook author and Food Network star Ina Garten, The Barefoot Contessa, Stonewall Kitchen has developed this line of specialty foods. With this collection of Ina’s favorites, you can make her delicious recipes in minutes. How easy is that?
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