30 Minute Meals Season 18 Episode 12 All That Jazz

In this episode of 30 Minute Meals, host Rachael Ray takes us on a culinary journey inspired by the sounds of jazz music. From New Orleans-style gumbo to a twist on a classic Caesar salad, Rachael infuses each dish with flavor and melody.

The episode starts with a classic Cajun dish, chicken and sausage gumbo. Rachael explains how to make a roux and build layers of flavor with celery, bell pepper, onion, andouille sausage, and chicken thighs. She adds her own twist with a splash of Worcestershire sauce and a sprinkle of file powder. The dish comes together quickly and is perfect for those cold and rainy evenings when you just want something warm and filling.

Next up is a spin on a Caesar salad with jazzed-up croutons. Rachael swaps out the typical romaine lettuce for tender baby kale and replaces the traditional Parmesan cheese with shaved Pecorino Romano. The croutons are made with crusty bread, jazzed up with a sprinkle of smoked paprika and dried thyme, and baked to perfection. The salad is finished off with a tangy, homemade Caesar dressing that comes together in seconds.

For the main course, Rachael shows us how to make a sheet pan supper that is both delicious and easy to clean up. She tosses sweet Italian sausage with roasted bell peppers and onions, adding a few handfuls of baby red potatoes to the mix. The whole thing bakes in the oven for 20 minutes, giving you ample time to sit back and enjoy a glass of wine while the jazz plays in the background.

Finally, it's time for dessert, and Rachael has a showstopper – chocolate-hazelnut beignets. She starts with a simple yeast dough, adding in a healthy dose of Nutella and chopped hazelnuts. The dough rests for a bit before being rolled out and cut into small squares. The beignets fry up quickly and are finished off with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Throughout the episode, Rachael shares tips and tricks for getting everything done in 30 minutes or less. She shows us how to multitask and stay organized, all while keeping the rhythm of the jazz music in the background. Each dish is unique and flavorful, yet easy to make with everyday ingredients.

Overall, All That Jazz is a fun and flavorful episode of 30 Minute Meals that is perfect for those who love to cook and love to cook to the beat of some good music. Rachael's down-to-earth approach and infectious personality make it easy to follow along, and you'll be singing and dancing in your kitchen before you know it.