master-cooks | The Traditional Thanksgiving Side That Has No Place On Ina Garten's Table

Ina Garten, the beloved Barefoot Contessa, is known for her refined taste and effortless elegance in the kitchen. When it comes to Thanksgiving, she embraces tradition with a twist, selecting dishes that are both comforting and sophisticated. However, there is one traditional side dish that she firmly believes has no place on her Thanksgiving table: canned cranberry sauce. Ina prefers fresh, homemade alternatives that emphasize quality and flavor. For her, the gelatinous, overly sweetened version doesn’t measure up to the vibrant, tangy taste of a homemade cranberry relish or sauce. Ina’s approach is all about elevating ingredients to their finest expression, and with cranberry sauce, she opts for a mixture of fresh cranberries, citrus zest, and perhaps a hint of spice to create something truly special. Her philosophy is rooted in serving food that is not only delicious but also reflective of genuine care and attention to detail. By making her own cranberry sauce, Ina ensures that every element of her Thanksgiving feast is thoughtfully prepared, offering a touch of sophistication to the traditional spread. This choice exemplifies her commitment to quality and her ability to transform the familiar into something extraordinary.

Ina Garten's savory bread pudding

Garten has two favorite savory bread pudding flavors: herb and apple, and mushroom and leek. Both are crafted with ample amounts of eggs and cream in the custard base, with the herb and apple version using five eggs and two cups of cream, while the mushroom and leek requires four eggs and one-and-a-half cups of cream.

To enhance the savory profile, she incorporates additional ingredients. She suggests using chicken stock (homemade is preferable, if available) and is generous with flavor-boosting elements like cooking sherry, unsalted butter, olive oil, and grated Gruyère cheese. Seasonings such as rosemary, tarragon, celery, and black pepper add further depth to the dishes.

Despite the rich array of ingredients in each savory pudding, Garten emphasizes simplicity as Thanksgiving approaches. True to her make-ahead philosophy for major holidays, she prepares her stuffing in the days leading up to Thanksgiving and other festive gatherings. This strategy allows her (and her followers, if they choose) to spend more time enjoying the meal with guests and less time in the kitchen when it's time to eat.

The Traditional Thanksgiving Side That Has No Place On Ina Garten's Table

Ina Garten's savory bread pudding

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