Ep 86. The Chew's How-To Hotline

The Chew's How-To Hotline is the 86th episode of the sixth season of the popular cooking show, The Chew. In this special episode, the hosts put their problem-solving skills to the test as they tackle viewers' cooking conundrums with expert techniques and helpful tricks.

The episode kicks off with a bang as the hosts open the hotline to take calls from viewers in need of culinary assistance. From burnt cookies to mushy vegetables, no issue is too big or too small for the Chew crew.

First up, chef Michael Symon helps a caller who's struggling with burnt garlic. Michael shares his top tip for salvaging garlic that's gone too far: scrape off the burned bits and finish cooking the garlic in a separate pan to bring back its flavor. He even turns the mishap into a tasty appetizer by making crispy garlic chips to sprinkle on top of a classic bruschetta.

Next, chef Carla Hall is on hand to help a viewer who's having trouble peeling hard-boiled eggs. Using a simple trick involving a mason jar, Carla demonstrates how to easily remove the shell from a perfectly boiled egg. She also throws together a delicious egg salad sandwich to show off her newfound egg-peeling prowess.

But the hotline isn't all about fixing mistakes – it's also a chance for the hosts to share their favorite kitchen hacks. Chef Clinton Kelly shares his secret to perfectly diced onions: cut them in half vertically, then make horizontal cuts before slicing. And chef Mario Batali shows viewers how to make a classic Italian meatball without using breadcrumbs.

As the episode continues, the Chew hosts take on more viewer questions, offering up solutions for everything from soggy pizza crust to tough steak. Along the way, they share their own personal tricks and techniques for making cooking easier and more enjoyable.

But the highlight of the episode comes when the hosts take on a special challenge: creating a gourmet meal using only ingredients that callers have on hand in their pantries. With a little creativity, the Chew crew whips up a variety of tasty dishes, including a spicy pasta with canned tomatoes and peppers, and a mouthwatering chicken stew with canned beans and canned corn.

Throughout the episode, the hosts showcase their infectious personalities and chemistry, making for a fun and informative viewing experience. From Carla's infectious laughter to Michael's quick wit, viewers are sure to be entertained as well as enlightened by the Chew's How-To Hotline.

Overall, The Chew's How-To Hotline is a must-watch episode for anyone who loves to cook or is looking to up their culinary game. With expert tips, clever hacks, and delicious recipes, this special episode is sure to have viewers calling in with questions of their own.