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- I make these 3 easy Ina Garten recipes for Thanksgiving every year (businessinsider.com)
Ina Garten’s Holiday MVPs: Three Recipes That Will Steal the Show at Your Thanksgiving Table
As the holiday season approaches, many home cooks are already planning their festive menus. For those looking for foolproof, delicious dishes that are sure to impress, look no further than the culinary queen herself, Ina Garten. A seasoned food writer recently shared her top three “Barefoot Contessa” recipes that consistently earn rave reviews and disappear quickly from any holiday spread.
1. The Overnight Mac and Cheese: A Decadent Dream
First up is Garten’s overnight mac and cheese, a dish she proudly declares in her cookbook “Go-To Dinners” as the “creamiest, crustiest, most delicious mac and cheese.” And according to reports, she’s not exaggerating. This indulgent side features a luxurious blend of Gruyère and sharp white cheddar cheese, making it a truly comforting experience.
Here’s what you’ll need for a four-person serving:
- 8 ounces cavatappi or elbow macaroni
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups Gruyère cheese, grated
- 1 ½ cups fine fresh white breadcrumbs
- 1 cup sharp white cheddar, grated
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
What makes this recipe particularly appealing for holiday hosts is its make-ahead convenience. It requires no roux and less than 30 minutes in the oven, making it an ideal candidate to bake just before Thanksgiving dinner. Described as “exceptionally creamy” and tasting “like a hug in your mouth,” this mac and cheese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
2. The Potato-Fennel Gratin: A Five-Ingredient Wonder
For those new to the holiday cooking scene, Garten’s potato-fennel gratin from her inaugural “The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook” is heralded as 100% foolproof. This simple yet sophisticated side combines the classic comfort of potato gratin with the subtle sweetness of fennel.
To create this gratin for four, you’ll need:
- 1 pound russet potatoes (approximately 2 large)
- 1 small fennel bulb
- Half of a yellow onion
- 1 ½ cups Gruyère cheese
- 1 ½ cups plus 1 tablespoon heavy cream
The gratin is praised for its perfectly cooked potatoes and a rich, cheesy cream sauce, with the sautéed fennel adding a delightful, mild sweetness. It’s a satisfying alternative to traditional mashed potatoes and consistently leaves no leftovers.
3. The Brown-Butter Skillet Corn Bread: A Sweet and Savory Star
Finally, Garten’s brown-butter skillet corn bread, featured in the republished “The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook,” is a standout. Garten herself proclaimed it the “best corn bread I’ve ever made!”
To serve 10 to 12 people, gather these ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup fine cornmeal (recommended for a moister result)
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ pound unsalted butter
- 2 extra-large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
This corn bread is celebrated for its delectable moistness and fluffy texture, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes. Its warm, golden hue also makes it a beautiful centerpiece on any holiday table. It’s so good, in fact, that it has become a twice-a-year tradition for many, gracing both Friendsgiving and Thanksgiving feasts.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a holiday cooking novice, these three Ina Garten recipes promise to elevate your festive spread and leave your guests asking for seconds.
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- I make these 3 easy Ina Garten recipes for Thanksgiving every year (businessinsider.com)