Entertaining

It's our annual entertaining show and we've got tips from the experts for when you have little time and energy but want to entertain with style, simplicity and fun. Caterer Ina Garten, proprietor of the Barefoot Contessa specialty food store in the ultra chic Hamptons, creates take-out and party food for the likes of Steven Spielberg and Martha Stewart. And she has plenty of down-to-earth advice for catering your own parties with maximum style and minimum cooking. Her recipe for Virginia baked ham makes an easy, delicious and spectacular presentation.

Minimalist cook Mark Bittman drops by with more streamlining tricks and the easiest appetizer everrosemary-lemon bean puree. Jane and Michael Stern say why bother cooking at all. They're eating out and on the cheap at Hodad's on the beach in California. Equipment guru Dorie Greenspan has been checking outroasting pans, and we'll learn about sake bar etiquette from a pro.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

• November 11, 2000