When it comes to effortless, elegant holiday hosting, Ina Garten is a master. The Barefoot Contessa’s charm and culinary wisdom have made her a beloved figure for years, and her approach to cooking often highlights a balance of simplicity and luxury. Known for her signature phrase “store-bought is fine,” Ina embraces the idea that shortcuts in the kitchen can still yield exceptional results.
One of her go-to holiday dessert hacks is a testament to this philosophy. During a 2022 segment of Ina’s Holiday Table on The TODAY Show, Garten revealed that her favorite holiday dessert is the Trader Joe’s French Apple Tart. This convenient, yet decadent dessert requires little more than a quick warming in the oven, followed by a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce from the jar. The result? “Absolutely delicious,” as Ina put it.
Ina’s endorsement has sparked a wave of positive feedback from fans, especially on social media. One TikTok user succinctly summed up the sentiment: “Ina can do no wrong.” Garten’s choice to elevate a store-bought dessert to a festive masterpiece has resonated with home cooks everywhere, offering a welcome reminder that holiday hosting doesn’t always need to involve hours of preparation.
The French Apple Tart from Trader Joe’s is described as a “masterpiece” in its own right: a buttery shortbread crust filled with a blend of Granny Smith and Northern Spy apples, topped with a sweet apricot glaze and a hint of vanilla. At just $8, it’s a steal compared to other artisanal apple tarts that might cost much more.
The tart’s appeal lies not only in its taste but also in its striking similarity to a dessert Ina herself often makes. In her cookbook Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics, Garten features a recipe for a French Apple Tart that mirrors the Trader Joe’s version, with the same combination of tart apples, apricot jam, and buttery shortcrust.
Garten has long advocated for making holiday gatherings about more than just the food. She believes great hosting engages the senses: a warm throw on the couch, a fire crackling in the hearth, and music filling the background. For her, the right scent can elevate the experience, and sometimes, that irresistible “just-baked” aroma can be as simple as popping a store-bought tart in the oven.
As the holiday season continues, and with New Year’s Eve on the horizon, Garten’s tip to embrace the convenience of a quality store-bought dessert is a timely reminder: Sometimes, the best moments are the ones that require the least effort. So why not take a page from the Barefoot Contessa’s playbook and let the joy of the season shine through, without the stress of extra time in the kitchen?
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