Ep 1. Fix up Your Favorites

The Kitchen is back for its twelfth season with a brand-new episode titled "Fix Up Your Favorites." In this episode, the host is joined by some of the most celebrated chefs who are passionate about cooking scrumptious meals. The show imparts some valuable lessons on how to elevate favorite recipes to a whole new level.

First up, the hosts focus on getting back to the basics and revamping some old favorites. The chefs suggest simple yet effective ways of improving classic dishes like meatloaf, grilled cheese, mac and cheese, and spaghetti and meatballs. The hosts cook up a hearty meatloaf, but instead of the usual ketchup topping, they suggest a flavorful mushroom and onion gravy. Similarly, instead of using regular sliced cheese, they opt for shredded cheese, which adds an extra layer of texture to the grilled cheese. The chefs also suggest adding bacon to mac and cheese, making it a whole lot tastier.

Next, the hosts move on to more complex dishes and demonstrate how to add a twist to traditional recipes. They cook up a beautiful and delicious Spanish-style paella that includes shrimp, chicken, sausage, and peppers. The hosts also showcase a mouth-watering arrangement of tacos featuring flavorful meats, exotic vegetables, and delicious sauces. The hosts also delve into preparing a salad that features unique ingredients and flavors like peppery arugula and sweet and tangy pickled figs, making it an appetizing addition to any meal.

The episode also features some exciting beverage recipes that pair perfectly with these exquisite dishes. The hosts show viewers how to make a refreshing watermelon and basil cocktail that is perfect for summer days. They also demonstrate how to infuse fruit flavors into a classic margarita, making it more delicious and exciting.

But that's not all. The hosts also discuss various culinary hacks and shortcuts that can save time and effort in the kitchen. They suggest replacing the time-consuming process of making traditional bread rolls with the quicker and easier option of using puff pastry instead. The chefs also suggest various ways of using kitchen tools, such as a peeler, to achieve different textures and shapes in salads or desserts.

Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the importance of personalization in cooking and encourage viewers to experiment with ingredients and flavors to suit their tastes. They stress the fact that cooking should be a fun and enjoyable activity, and one should not get bogged down by the fear of making mistakes. Instead, they encourage viewers to take chances, try something new, and, most importantly, have fun in the kitchen.

Overall, The Kitchen season 12 episode 1 "Fix Up Your Favorites" is an entertaining and informative episode that showcases the hosts' culinary skills, expertise, and love of cooking. Viewers can learn something new from this episode and gain valuable insights into revamping their favorite dishes, making them tastier and even more delicious.