Ep 2. Southwest Smorgasbord

Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee season 5 episode 2, titled Southwest Smorgasbord, brings viewers on a culinary journey through the flavors of the American Southwest. Host Sandra Lee showcases her signature semi-homemade approach to cooking, combining store-bought ingredients with fresh produce to create flavorful and impressive dishes.

The episode begins with Sandra demonstrating how to make a simple, yet delicious Southwest-inspired cocktail using tequila, grapefruit juice, and soda water. She then moves on to the main course, preparing a mouth-watering smoked chicken taco salad. Sandra combines store-bought smoked chicken with fresh avocado, corn, and bell peppers, before topping it all off with a homemade lime and honey dressing.

Next up is a flavorful and hearty mac and cheese dish, which Sandra spices up with green chilies and jalapenos. She demonstrates how to cook the pasta to perfection and create a creamy, cheesy sauce before mixing in the spicy elements for a delicious twist on a classic comfort food.

For those looking for a lighter option, Sandra offers up a refreshing mango salsa that is perfect for a summertime snack. She combines fresh mango with red onion, cilantro, and lime juice, creating a vibrant and flavorful dish that can be served alone or paired with tortilla chips or grilled fish.

Towards the end of the episode, Sandra showcases her unique take on a Southwest-style pizza, using store-bought pizza dough and topping it with black beans, chicken, and Pico de Gallo. She finishes the dish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and lime juice, creating a pizza that is as delicious as it is unique.

Finally, Sandra rounds out the episode with a decadent dessert, combining store-bought mini churros with homemade caramel sauce and fresh berries for a dessert that is sure to impress.

Throughout the episode, Sandra offers helpful tips and tricks for cooking semi-homemade meals, highlighting the importance of fresh produce and incorporating unique flavors to create dishes that are both delicious and easy to prepare. With her approachable and fun personality, Sandra makes cooking accessible to viewers of all levels, inspiring them to get into the kitchen and experiment with new flavors and techniques.