Ep 18. Holiday Helpers

In season 18, episode 18 of The Kitchen, the hosts are focused on spreading holiday cheer by giving plenty of tips and tricks to help viewers through the holiday season. Dubbed as "Holiday Helpers," this episode is packed with fun and creative solutions to common holiday kitchen conundrums.

The hosts start off by showcasing some easy and impressive appetizers that viewers can whip up in no time. Jeff Mauro shares his recipe for a festive and flavorful cheese board, complete with cranberry compote and spiced nuts. Katie Lee gives her spin on classic deviled eggs by using crab meat and Old Bay seasoning. And Sunny Anderson shows viewers how to create a festive crudite platter that's as visually impressive as it is delicious.

Next up, the hosts tackle the main event: the holiday roast. Geoffrey Zakarian shows viewers how to cook up a juicy and flavorful prime rib roast, complete with a flavorful herb crust. Alex Guarnaschelli shares her recipe for a luxurious and decadent beef Wellington, wrapped in puff pastry and filled with mushrooms and foie gras. And Katie Lee offers up her spin on a classic ham, glazing it with maple syrup and mustard and serving it up with a tangy pineapple salsa.

Of course, no holiday meal is complete without sides, and The Kitchen has plenty of ideas to help viewers round out their menus. Jeff Mauro shares his recipe for creamy mashed potatoes, while Geoffrey Zakarian offers up a creative twist on classic roasted Brussels sprouts, featuring bacon and apples. Sunny Anderson shows how to make a satisfying and healthy roasted vegetable medley, while Katie Lee offers up a bright and flavorful take on roasted beets with citrus and pistachios.

And what holiday meal would be complete without dessert? The hosts have got viewers covered with plenty of sweet treats for the season. Alex Guarnaschelli shares her recipe for a show-stopping gingerbread cake, while Katie Lee goes for a classic, with a twist, by making cinnamon-sugar coated doughnut holes filled with eggnog cream. Sunny Anderson whips up a cozy and comforting bread pudding, while Jeff Mauro makes a playful and festive hot chocolate casserole.

Throughout the episode, the hosts sprinkle in tips and tricks for helping viewers take some of the stress out of holiday cooking. They share ideas on how to prep ahead, how to make use of leftovers, and how to disguise store-bought items to make them look like homemade creations. They also share some favorite holiday traditions and memories, adding a personal touch to the episode.

Overall, "Holiday Helpers" is a fun, festive, and informative episode that's sure to help viewers feel confident and inspired in the kitchen this season. Whether viewers are hosting big holiday gatherings or just whipping up cozy meals at home, The Kitchen has got them covered with plenty of holiday cheer and delicious inspiration.