Ep 5. Pump Up the Joy

The Kitchen season 23 episode 5, "Pump Up the Joy," is all about adding fun and flavor to your favorite dishes! The episode kicks off with the hosts showing viewers how to turn ordinary chicken wings into extraordinary ones by using unexpected flavors like raspberry hot sauce and grape jelly. They also demonstrate how to make a creamy, cheesy spinach dip that's perfect for game day or any gathering.

In addition to party food, the hosts focus on healthy, plant-based meals. They showcase a delicious vegan lasagna that uses cashew cheese as a substitute for dairy. They also share their tips for packing flavor into plant-based meals, including using smoked paprika, umami-rich mushrooms, and spicy jalapeños.

The Kitchen crew is also joined by special guest Kevin Curry, founder of Fit Men Cook. Curry shares his recipe for a stuffed sweet potato that's both nutritious and satisfying. He also gives tips for meal prepping and organizing your kitchen to make healthy eating easier.

For dessert, the hosts share their recipe for a decadent chocolate cake that's topped with a surprising ingredient: black peppercorns! They also show viewers how to make a crowd-pleasing fruit pizza that's perfect for summer picnics.

Throughout the episode, the hosts offer plenty of cooking tips and tricks, including how to make perfect rice, how to keep herbs fresh, and how to use up leftover ingredients. They also take time to answer viewer questions and provide substitutions for common ingredients.

Overall, "Pump Up the Joy" is a fun and informative episode that's sure to inspire viewers to get creative in the kitchen. Whether you're looking for healthy meal ideas or party food recipes, there's something for everyone in this episode of The Kitchen.