Christmas is the perfect time for no-strings-attached gift giving, but hosts Ree Drummond and Eddie Jackson have five incredible cookie makers adding a lot of strings as they take on a new trend in DIY Christmas decor -- string art! The joyous journey continues as the carnival comes to town, and the remaining bakers construct Christmas cookie carousels that'd make
the perfect spinning centerpiece. To capture the essence of a carnival, they'll incorporate traditional circus foods into their cookies, like kettle corn, peanuts, caramel apples and churros. One talented cookie maker will take home $10,000 and the title of Christmas Cookie Champion!
Keith has wanted to be a chef since he was a boy and runs a catering business out of his garage in suburban Indianapolis. Married with two children, he has dedicated his life to supporting his wife, Raquel's, career and now she wants to help Keith make his dream of opening his own restaurant a reality. Together the two are risking it all and investing their nest egg into a brick and mortar operation and are relying on restaurant broker Keith Simpson to help them find the perfect location for Keith's American bistro concept.
Bringing all the spirit of Puerto Rico to New York, chef Frank Maldonando has an unparalleled love for food and music and his Beef Empanadas are no exception! Packed with rich flavor and the perfect spice, his Empanadas are a staple at his New York city restaurant Sazon. Frank has the audience dancing to his drumming and hungry for his food but when Bobby Flay shows up, will he be able to keep up with the beat or will he get beat in this flavorful competition? Only way to find out - an Empanada Throwdown!
Guy has been to a ton of pizza joints and finding the perfect slice isn't easy. He's pulled together some killer spots that are spinnin' out some righteous pies, like the biggest pie ever shot on DDD at Fat Sully's, a killer Kimchi pizza at Pizzeria Lola, the Bacon and Clam Pizza at Joe's Squared and the funky Duck Pizza at Pastabilities. And you know he's digging what Luigi's tossin' up at Pizzeria Luigi, where Guy's turning up the heat with his on-the-fly Diablo pizza. No doubt you'll be begging for a slice.
Ina Garten is joined by her dear friend, the incredible movie actress Emily Blunt, for a fantastic day of cooking. Ina bakes classic English Cream Scones with jam and clotted cream to welcome her guest with a taste of home. Then, Emily shows Ina a real family favorite, her signature Turkey Bolognese, delicious alongside Ina's easy Caesar Salad with Parmesan Croutons for a perfect alfresco dinner.
It's all about school days and Sundays on the ranch -- and more slices of frontier family life. Ree is making incredible Malted Milk Chocolate Chip Cookies for a field trip to a local museum and wildlife reserve with her home-schooled kids. Then it's the day of rest and that means church, shopping and comfort classics: Perfect Pot Roast, Blackberry Cobbler and a family nap.
Trisha Yearwood's sister, Beth, has officially moved to Nashville, so they're making the perfect welcome home meal using peaches that are straight out of Beth's new peach orchard! Trisha and Beth work together on Creamer Potatoes with Garlic Butter and Toasted Pecans, Shredded Pork with Black Pepper Peach Glaze and Charred Leeks with a Peach Vinaigrette, and they celebrate their first meal officially as neighbors.
Chef Cliff Crooks offers guidance to three chefs who need to pick up the pace to excel. Fabio has been managing a restaurant for two decades, but he needs Cliff's help learning how to cook on the line again so the restaurant can stay afloat and thriving. Alyssa just bought a food truck and has big dreams of operating her own business, but her lack of experience working with others is holding her back. DuWayne recently changed careers when a death in the family sent him back home. He needs Chef Cliff to help set him up for success in the culinary field so that he can provide stability for his family.
A new restaurant with young owners keeps Robert on his toes in this mission. Salt Works II in Wilmington, N.C., prides itself on serving down home cooking, but when Robert steps into the kitchen he finds that they only cook canned food. He immediately jumps into action modernizing the interior and changing the menu while urging the staff to work as a team. In hopes of attracting a new client base to go with the younger feel of the restaurant, Robert hits the streets to bring in the nearby college students. With time running out, he needs to confirm that the staff can execute the new menu so this restaurant can stay afloat.