Ep 4. Old Family Favorites

Kitchen Boss is a show all about the love of food and family. Hosted by Buddy Valastro, the famous cake boss, this show invites viewers into his kitchen where he shares his favorite family recipes and cooking tips.

In season 1, episode 4, titled "Old Family Favorites," Buddy brings viewers into his kitchen to share some of his most beloved family recipes. As Buddy prepares each dish, he shares anecdotes about growing up in an Italian-American family and memories of his parents' cooking.

The episode begins with Buddy making his mother's recipe for baked ziti. He starts by preparing the tomato sauce from scratch, adding garlic, onion, and crushed tomatoes to a pan and letting it simmer for hours to develop a rich, flavorful sauce. While the sauce simmers, he cooks the pasta and mixes it with ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese before layering it with the sauce and baking it in the oven.

Next up, Buddy makes his father's recipe for pork chops with vinegar peppers. He starts by searing the pork chops in a pan before smothering them with onions, green peppers, and hot cherry peppers in a tangy vinegar sauce. Buddy recommends serving this dish with a side of polenta, which he demonstrates how to make from scratch.

For dessert, Buddy whips up his family's recipe for pizzelles, which are traditional Italian waffle cookies. He starts by mixing together flour, sugar, eggs, and butter to create the batter before spooning it onto a pizzelle maker. Once the cookies are crisp and golden, he dusts them with powdered sugar and serves them alongside a cup of espresso.

Throughout the episode, Buddy emphasizes the importance of family and how food can bring loved ones together. He shares his personal stories and memories associated with each dish to highlight the significance of these family recipes in his life. As Buddy says, "When I'm cooking these dishes, I'm not just following a recipe, I'm carrying on my family's legacy."

In addition to showcasing a variety of traditional Italian-American dishes, this episode of Kitchen Boss also offers viewers helpful cooking tips and techniques. Buddy shares his secrets for making a perfect tomato sauce and how to properly sear pork chops to maximize their flavor.

Overall, "Old Family Favorites" is a heartwarming episode of Kitchen Boss that celebrates the love of family and cooking. Buddy's infectious passion for food and connection to his family's heritage make for entertaining and informative viewing.