Ep 7. Summer Produce Relay

In this episode of The Kitchen, titled "Summer Produce Relay," the chefs are gearing up for the height of the summer season by celebrating all of the fresh, seasonal produce available. The hosts of the show, Sunny Anderson, Jeff Mauro, Katie Lee, and Geoffrey Zakarian, are thrilled to showcase their favorite summer dishes and offer tips for incorporating seasonal ingredients into your own meals.

The episode kicks off with a game of "Produce Relay," a fun and competitive challenge that tests each of the chef's skills at quickly prepping and cooking a variety of summer produce items. From slicing peaches to shucking corn, the chefs race against the clock to complete each task in time for their teammate to take over. The game is a lighthearted way to kick off the episode, while also showcasing different techniques for preparing summer produce.

Once the relay is over, the chefs get down to business and start cooking up some delicious summer dishes. First up is Jeff, who demonstrates how to make a classic grilled Caesar salad with homemade croutons and a tangy dressing. He emphasizes the importance of grilling the lettuce to give it a smoky, charred flavor, and shows how to make the perfect, crunchy croutons at home.

Next up is Katie, who shares her secret recipe for a refreshing watermelon cooler, perfect for a hot summer day. She shows how to blend fresh watermelon with lime juice, agave syrup, and a splash of sparkling water for a light and refreshing drink that's as beautiful as it is tasty.

Geoffrey joins in with his recipe for a hearty summer gazpacho, made with ripe tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and a variety of other fresh vegetables. He emphasizes the importance of using top-quality produce and shares his tips for achieving the perfect smooth and creamy texture.

Finally, Sunny rounds out the show with her recipe for a bright and flavorful zucchini and corn salad, mixed with red onions, fresh herbs, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. She shows how to perfectly char the corn and zucchini on the grill to give them a smoky flavor and crispy texture.

Throughout the episode, the hosts also offer tips for shopping for the best summer produce, storing it properly, and using it in a variety of dishes. They share their favorite recipes for using up leftover veggies, and offer ideas for incorporating seasonal fruits and vegetables into your breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Overall, this episode of The Kitchen celebrates the joy and abundance of the summer season, with plenty of delicious recipes and useful tips for incorporating seasonal produce into your cooking. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this fun and informative episode.