Ep 15. Fresh New Food Ideas

The Kitchen is a cooking talk show where the hosts share their favorite recipes, cooking tips and tricks, and set the stage for viewers at home to recreate their favorite dishes. In season 1, episode 15 entitled "Fresh New Food Ideas," the team of hosts are joined by special guest chef Geoffrey Zakarian.

The episode kicks off with the team discussing their go-to recipes for fresh, healthy meals. They share their favorite salad ideas and how to add delicious toppings while not compromising on the health factor. Sunny Anderson then takes center stage to demonstrate her unique recipe for stuffed avocado, which incorporates fresh shrimp, cilantro, and lime for an explosion of flavors in every bite.

Next, the team tackles the task of revamping classic recipes with new, fresh twists. Douglass Williams, a special guest, showcases a recipe for grilled chicken with jalapeno, lime, and honey marinade, which he pairs with refreshing carrot and corn salad. Since cooking with fresh ingredients is the main theme of the episode, the hosts discuss the importance of picking out high-quality produce as well as sharing insights on how to store such ingredients to keep them fresh for longer.

Geoffrey Zakarian then shares his secrets on how to elevate everyday ingredients and make quick, easy gourmet meals at home. He demonstrates his variations of homemade hummus and tzatziki sauce, two staple dipping sauces with a twist. The chef expertly shows how a simple addition of beet or avocado, for example, can give a brand new flavor and add to the visual appeal of the dish.

For those who are always on-the-go, Katie Lee shares her make-ahead meal ideas. Her recipe for zucchini noodles with goat cheese and cherry tomatoes is especially helpful for those who wish to have a flavorful meal prepped the night before. Her innovative use of zucchini as the noodles makes it a nutritious and low-carb option that’s both satisfying and healthy.

To wrap up the episode, the hosts showcase their dessert ideas that pack a punch in flavor and freshness. Jeff Mauro, another special guest chef, takes viewers on a journey of Italian refreshment by creating an Italian ice cream sundae. He uses the classic combination of ice cream and fruit syrup but adds a twist of Italian ice to bring a unique texture to the dish. The team also shares a recipe for raspberry and chocolate granita, a refreshing and light dessert that’s perfect for hot summer days.

Overall, The Kitchen season 1, episode 15, is a fun and delicious episode that highlights the importance of using fresh ingredients in cooking. The hosts share their unique take on classic recipes as well as fool-proof tips on how to keep produce fresh and flavorful. The celebrity chefs add their expertise, and the viewers are left with a bounty of fresh new food ideas to explore for their next meal.