Plot Synopsis

Host Ina Garten shows viewers how to make food that is simple, stylish and fun. Ina has more than 30 years experience preparing food, starting with her first venture in 1978 when she bought the Barefoot Contessa -- a 400-square foot specialty-food store in the Hamptons. From those humble beginnings, she grew the store into a thriving business, wrote multiple cookbooks -- including The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook in 1999 and Barefoot Contessa Parties! in 2001 -- and then hosted this long-running Food Network TV series.

Season 12 of BAREFOOT CONTESSA premiered on Sunday, October 16, 2016 at 10:30am ET/PT on Food Network. In the season opener, "Cooking for Jeffrey: Jeffrey's Birthday Dinner," it's a taste of the dolce vita as Ina Garten throws an Italian-themed birthday dinner with a big surprise for Jeffrey. To get the party started, there's Bruschetta with Sauteed Chard and Aperol Spritzers, followed by Roasted Italian Meatballs and a cool Arugula, Radicchio and Parmesan Salad.

On Sunday, May 28, 2017 at 11am ET/PT, Food Network premiered a new season of BAREFOOT CONTESSA. In the season opener, "Cook Like a Pro: Chicken," it's all about chicken as Ina Garten shares her kitchen tips and professional strategies for Roasted Chicken with Radishes, from trussing the bird to carving it. Then, there's a delicious twist on a classic with Chicken and Spinach Waldorf Salad, featuring juicy roasted chicken breasts. Finally, the volume is turned right up on Truffled Chicken Liver Mousse.

A new season of BAREFOOT CONTESSA premiered on Sunday, April 21, 2019 at 11:30am ET/PT on Food Network. In the season opener, "Cook Like a Pro: Farm Stand," it's all about farm-to-table cooking for Ina Garten's spring feast, with a dinner, side dish, salad and dessert inspired by the farm stand. There's amazing Rosemary Rack of Lamb with Easy Tzatziki and Parmesan Roasted Zucchini, which are great for entertaining in the spring or any time of year. Then Ina's hitting the farm stand and making Fresh Corn Pancakes and an easy Tuscan Tomato and Bread Salad with a Red Wine Vinaigrette. For a sweet finish, she makes Fresh Berries and Sweet Ricotta with Raspberry and Blackberry Sauce.

Season 18 of BAREFOOT CONTESSA premiered on Saturday, May 16, 2020 at 12:30pm ET/PT on Food Network. In the season opener, "Cook Like a Pro: Best in Class," Ina Garten shares best-in-class dishes with the volume turned up. She revamps a breakfast favorite, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Figs, then combines two winners in Caesar-Roasted Swordfish. Plus, Ina makes an amazing party dessert, Vanilla Brioche Bread Pudding, and takes the cheese course to the next level with Stilton and Pears with Roasted Plum Chutney.
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Ina Garten returned for a 19th season, entitled BAREFOOT CONTESSA: MODERN COMFORT FOOD, on Sunday, October 31, 2021 at 12:30pm ET/PT on Food Network. In the season opener, "Weeknight Dinners," Ina is focusing on comforting weeknight dinners, starting with all-in-one Skillet-Roasted Chicken and Potatoes. Her Shells with Broccoli Rabe and Pancetta is an ideal speedy pasta supper, and Seared Salmon with Spicy Red Pepper Aioli is an easy and elegant weeknight dinner treat that features a shortcut in the aioli. Finally, Ina makes Ultimate Tuna Melts, sensational sandwiches with the volume turned up.