Ep 17. A Leg Up on Turkey Day

In this episode of The Kitchen's 18th season, the hosts gear up for Turkey Day with a variety of clever ideas to help you put a spin on your traditional Thanksgiving feast. With plenty of Turkey Day dishes to prepare, host Jeff Mauro kicks off the episode with a delicious take on a classic Thanksgiving staple - green bean casserole. With updates on the savory recipe, Jeff adds some crispy fried shallots on top for a mouth-watering textural contrast.

As the episode progresses, host Katie Lee shares her own take on a Thanksgiving classic - the turkey. She promises to teach viewers how to cook a turkey in less time by focusing on one key ingredient - citrus fruits. She explains that by squeezing some lemon and rubbing the fruit's zest onto the turkey's wings and legs, you can give your turkey a brighter flavor and a beautiful golden brown color that's sure to impress your guests.

Later on, host Sunny Anderson rounds out the meal with a host of delicious sides, including colorful roasted vegetables and a fresh and tangy cranberry sauce. She also shares her secrets on how to ensure your stuffing is perfectly crispy on top and soft and fluffy inside. With some chicken broth and herb butter, Sunny creates the ultimate Thanksgiving side dish.

To help you master your Thanksgiving Day dessert, host Geoffrey Zakarian takes center stage with a recipe for pumpkin whoopie pies. These delicious treats are pillowy and soft, with just the right amount of sweetness to perfectly complement your main course. For an added twist, Geoffrey also adds some cinnamon cream cheese filling that's sure to be a crowd favorite.

Throughout the episode, the hosts share their own personal Thanksgiving traditions and memories, making the show feel like a cozy, intimate gathering of friends and family. With plenty of helpful tips on how to update your Thanksgiving dishes and make them stand out, this episode of The Kitchen is the perfect primer for anyone looking to freshen up their Turkey Day spread. So grab a seat at the table and get ready for some culinary inspiration and good old-fashioned holiday cheer!