Ep 20. Man's Best Food

The Kitchen is a cooking show that airs on the Food Network. In season 16, episode 20, titled "Man's Best Food", the hosts of The Kitchen celebrate one of the most beloved members of many households- the family pet! Dogs are man's best friend, and on this episode, the hosts dedicate the entire hour to pet-friendly meals and treats that will have tails wagging.

Co-host Katie Lee kicks things off with a classic recipe that dogs love- Homemade Dog Treats. She shows viewers how easy it is to make these treats with simple ingredients that can be found in most kitchens, including peanut butter, whole wheat flour, and eggs. She even adds in some bacon grease for extra flavor that dogs go crazy for. Once the treats are baked, Katie shares some tips for storing them in an air-tight container for maximum freshness.

Next up, co-host Jeff Mauro gets in on the fun by cooking up a meal that both pets and their owners can enjoy- Grilled Chicken and Sweet Potato Dog Food. Jeff shows viewers how to make a balanced and nutritious meal that contains all the necessary macronutrients for a healthy dog diet. He grills chicken breasts and sweet potatoes, then adds in some chicken stock and rice to create a delicious meal that dogs will love. Jeff even samples the meal himself to prove that it's tasty for humans as well!

Co-host Sunny Anderson then takes viewers through a recipe for a pet-friendly dessert- Carrot and Apple Pupcakes. Sunny explains that these cupcakes are perfect for celebrating a dog's birthday or for when they simply deserve a special treat. She combines shredded carrots, diced apples, pumpkin puree, and other ingredients to create a batter that is both nutritious and delicious. Once the cupcakes are baked, Sunny decorates them with a sweet potato frosting that dogs will go crazy for.

The show moves on to focus on a very important topic- pet safety. Co-host Geoffrey Zakarian goes through a checklist of safety tips that pet owners should keep in mind when cooking in the kitchen. He stresses the importance of watching out for harmful ingredients, like chocolate and onions, that can be toxic to dogs. He also emphasizes the importance of keeping countertops clean and free from any dangerous items, like knives or hot surfaces, that pets could accidentally knock over.

Finally, co-host Alex Guarnaschelli joins in to share a recipe for a meal that will get even the pickiest dogs excited- Roasted Duck and Rice. Alex explains that duck is a great protein source for dogs that is often overlooked. She roasts duck legs with herbs and spices, then serves them over a bed of rice that has been cooked in chicken stock. The dish is both flavorful and healthy, perfect for pets who need a low-fat diet.

Throughout the episode, the hosts share personal stories and memories of their own furry friends, reinforcing the bond between pets and their owners. The episode is fun and informative, and viewers will come away with a new appreciation for the special place that pets hold in households across the country.