Watch Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics

Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics is a long-running cooking show on Food Network, starring the celebrated chef and cookbook author Ina Garten. First premiering in 2002, the show has been a staple of Food Network's programming for nearly two decades, and has delighted home cooks and foodies alike with its simple yet sophisticated approach to cooking.

At the heart of Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics is Ina Garten herself, who serves as both the show's host and its primary culinary guide. With her warm and inviting personality, Garten welcomes viewers into her kitchen and walks them through each recipe step by step, always emphasizing the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients and taking the time to savor each bite.

Over the years, Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics has covered a broad range of culinary topics, from comfort food classics like macaroni and cheese and meatloaf to elegant dishes like lobster risotto and herb-crusted rack of lamb. Along the way, Garten has shared countless tips and tricks for home cooks, from how to make the perfect roast chicken to the best ways to chop herbs.

However, despite the show's broad range of recipes and techniques, there are a few signature elements that have come to define Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics. For one, Garten is a big proponent of cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, and regularly highlights the best produce and seafood available in each season. Additionally, she often shares recipes that are perfect for entertaining, whether it's a casual summer barbecue or a fancy dinner party.

Another key aspect of the show is its focus on simplicity

Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics is a series that ran for 26 seasons (203 episodes) between October 18, 2008 and on Food Network