What to Watch: Easy Entertaining, Recipe Inspirations and Chopped Judges Competing on All-Stars


If you're planning on entertaining soon or are looking for new recipe inspiration, Food Network has you covered with a lot of ideas this weekend. Not only that, but if you're a fan of Chopped, you'll want to tune into Chopped All-Stars where the tables have turned on four judges (watch a preview above), who are competing for the title of champion and $50,000 for charity.
On Saturday morning, Paula and entertaining guru James Farmer show you some easy and delicious entertaining recipes. Then Ree is cooking up a Mexican-inspired menu for a gathering of her investment club. Later, Giada is taking inspiration from the Venices of Italy and California to come up with her light and refreshing menu.
The cooking continues on Sunday morning as Guy is inspired to come up with recipes based on Chinese takeout items. Later in the morning, Jeff and his son, Lorenzo, learn how graham crackers and marshmallows are made, which leads Jeff to come up with an entire menu of sweet sandwiches.
In the evening it's competition time beginning with Cupcake Wars, where the bakers are competing for a chance to serve at the People's Choice Awards. Then on Chopped All-Stars, four judges compete against one another and are judged by their own peers. On Restaurant: Impossible, Robert helps a couple loosen control over their restaurant so they can let the next generation take the reins.
Entertaining guru and Paula Deen's good friend, James Farmer, swings by to whip up some quick party favorites that are easy to make. On the menu are Onion-Sesame Flank Steak Lettuce Wraps, Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms, Shrimp and Cheese Phyllo Triangles and James' Rosemary Pork Tenderloin.
Ree's investment club is gathering for the first time in 10 years. Her friend is hosting the party, so she's been tasked with bringing the food. Ree's decided on a Mexican-inspired menu with Blackberry Margaritas, Chicken Tortilla Soup, Cheesy Jalapeno Cornbread and Tres Leche Cake.
Giada is making recipes influenced by the cuisine of Venice, Italy, using the fresh flavors of Venice, California. It's a fusion of cultures that reflects her favorite foods. Recipes include Lemony Shrimp and Risotto, 3-Cheese and Artichoke Calzones and Citrus Gelato.
Guy Fieri celebrates his love of Chinese food by making some takeout favorites including Mu Shu Chicken and Chinese Crepes With Scallions. To wash it all down there's a Briar Patch Mojito, Guy's special drink made with muddled lime, mint, thyme and fresh berries and spiked with citrus-infused rum.
On this episode, it's all about the sweeter side of sandwiches. Jeff and his son, Lorenzo, stop by the Angel Food Bakery to whip up homemade graham crackers and marshmallows. Later Jeff makes Adult S'mores, Kiddie S'mores, a Grilled Angel Food Cake Club and an Old Timey Chocolate Soda to wash it all down.
For this special episode, the viewers will be choosing the ingredients. The four bakers are competing for the opportunity to serve at a celebrity-packed VIP party for the People's Choice Awards. The awards president, Fred Nelson, is guest judge.
The tables are turned on four Chopped judges as they compete for a chance at a spot in the finale and $50,000 for charity. In the first round, the judges-turned-competitors must work with diver scallops. Then in the entree round, canned pizza sauce throws them for a loop. The last two chefs bravely tackle the dessert basket, which includes a breakfast item.
Chef Robert Irvine heads to Murrells Inlet, S.C., to help George and Teresa save their 16-year-old family-run Old World Italian Restaurant. Despite increasing health and financial problems, George and Teresa can't seem to hand over control to their culinarily trained son, George, Jr. Robert will need to use his tough love approach to try and rid the couple of their 16 years' worth of old habits in two days.