Ep 2. Feast of Fall Flavor

The Kitchen season 15 episode 2, titled "Feast of Fall Flavor," is all about highlighting the delicious seasonal ingredients that autumn has to offer. The hosts of the show, including Sunny Anderson, Jeff Mauro, and Geoffrey Zakarian, whip up a variety of dishes that feature fall flavors like apples, pumpkin, and squash.

One of the standout recipes from the episode is Sunny Anderson's roasted pork loin with apple cider gravy. She starts by seasoning the pork loin with garlic, rosemary, thyme, and salt and pepper before roasting it in the oven. Meanwhile, she makes a delicious apple cider gravy that's perfect for drizzling over the pork. To make the gravy, she sautés apples and onions in butter, then deglazes the pan with apple cider and chicken broth. After simmering the mixture for a bit, she thickens it with a mixture of flour and water to create a rich and flavorful gravy.

Another tasty dish from the episode is Jeff Mauro's roasted butternut squash soup with maple bacon crumbles. He starts by roasting butternut squash, carrots, and onions in the oven until they're tender and caramelized. Then he purees the vegetables in a blender with chicken broth and cream to create a smooth and creamy soup. To take the soup to the next level, he tops it with crispy maple bacon crumbles that add a salty sweetness to the dish.

Geoffrey Zakarian also gets in on the fall flavors with his recipe for blue cheese-stuffed mini pumpkins. He starts by hollowing out small pumpkins and roasting them until they're tender. Then he fills them with a mixture of blue cheese, cream cheese, garlic, and thyme, and pops them back in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. These little pumpkin bites are the perfect appetizer for a fall dinner party or holiday gathering.

The hosts also share some tips for cooking with fall ingredients, like the best way to store and roast root vegetables, how to make a flavorful cider reduction for drizzling on pork or chicken, and the secret to making perfect mashed potatoes.

Throughout the episode, the hosts also share their favorite fall recipes and traditions. Sunny Anderson talks about the importance of soul food during the fall and winter months, while Jeff Mauro shares his love of apple picking and making homemade applesauce. Geoffrey Zakarian reminisces about his childhood in New England and the fall flavors that he grew up with.

Overall, The Kitchen season 15 episode 2 is a celebration of all things fall. From savory main courses to sweet desserts, the hosts showcase the best flavors of the season and inspire viewers to get creative in the kitchen.