Ep 144. Extra Value Friday: Last Minute Lunches

Extra Value Friday: Last Minute Lunches is the 144th episode of season 3 of the cooking and lifestyle show, The Chew. In this episode, the hosts Carla Hall, Clinton Kelly, Michael Symon, Daphne Oz, and Mario Batali come together to share some last-minute lunch ideas that are easy to make and budget-friendly.

The episode starts with Carla Hall showing the audience how to prepare an easy and delicious BLT salad that can be made in less than 15 minutes. The recipe requires only a few simple ingredients like lettuce, bacon, tomatoes, and bread, and can be customized to suit individual tastes. Carla also shares some tips and tricks on how to make the perfect salad dressing from scratch.

Next up is Clinton Kelly, who presents a quick and healthy sandwich recipe that is perfect for people on-the-go. His chicken avocado sandwich is made with grilled chicken, avocado, tomato, and lettuce, and is layered between two slices of whole wheat bread. Clinton also gives some ideas on how to make the sandwich even more exciting by adding some fresh herbs or spicy mayonnaise.

Michael Symon then takes over and demonstrates how to make his signature pork tacos with a twist. Instead of using the traditional pork shoulder, Michael opts for pork tenderloin and marries it with bold and spicy flavors like jalapeno, cumin, and cilantro. He also shares his secret recipe for making the best-ever guacamole that complements the tacos perfectly.

The fourth host, Daphne Oz, prepares a fresh and healthy salad that can be easily assembled using leftovers from the fridge. Her kitchen sink salad is a hearty mix of greens, grains, protein, and vegetables that can be customized to suit individual tastes. Daphne also gives some ideas on how to create the perfect vinaigrette by playing with different acids and oils.

Finally, Mario Batali closes the show with a classic Italian recipe that can be made in a jiffy. His spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams) is a comforting and flavorful dish that requires only a handful of ingredients like pasta, clams, garlic, parsley, and white wine. Mario shows the audience how to cook the clams perfectly and also shares some tips on how to make the pasta al dente.

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage in lively conversations about food trends, budget-friendly cooking ideas, and the importance of using fresh and seasonal ingredients. They also invite the audience to submit their last-minute lunch ideas and share their favorite recipes. The episode ends with a fun game where the hosts play a guessing game with some unusual food combinations, leaving the audience guessing till the end.

Overall, Extra Value Friday: Last Minute Lunches is a fun and informative episode that showcases the hosts' culinary skills and creativity. Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a full meal, the episode offers some useful tips and ideas to make your lunchtime more enjoyable and satisfying.