Six hungry men look to Donna to teach them how to create dishes that will satisfy their hearty appetites. Donna shows how classic favorites Meat Loaf, Beef Rib Chili and Irish Stew also make great leftovers, if there are any left after these boys get at them. Gordon challenges the students to pour the perfect Black and Tan.
Gordon & Frederic Van Coppernolle bust in on a family in Rutherford, N.J., along with accordian player Eric Schorr. Frederic prepares a poulet a la regina of chicken tenderloin with squash, eggplant and chick peas.
Spit Roasted Leg of Lamb with Preserved Lemon, Saffron, and Olive Vinaigrette; Kolokethokeftaide (Summer Squash Fritters); Grilled Sausage, Fennel and Baby Artichoke Spring Pasta; Sauteed Clams with Chickpea Cream.
Danny Boome teaches a mother of two in Hopewell Junction, N.Y. to make a cheesy shepherd's pie, homemade biscuits, and a warm apple crumble the whole family is going to love.
Chef George Stella shows how a little planning ahead goes a long way in maintaining a low carb lifestyle. He makes a few different dishes in just a short time that can be wrapped and kept until the mood suits. He bakes chicken breast wrapped in bacon and topped with tomato and fresh thyme; a colorful plate of grilled portobello mushrooms and summer vegetables; a family sized serving of tequila marinated grilled London broil with a tomato fromage as an accompaniment; and finally, blackened salmon cooked with spinach and soy black beans – great anytime.
Top 5 Tips
1. When cooking a low-fat protein such as chicken, wrap it with bacon. The fat from the bacon adds flavor and much needed moisture, while keeping the dish low carb.
2. Tomatoes are fairly low in carbs, but they do contain some natural sugars. You can eat them but remember: only in moderation.
3. Many vegetables are an important part of a low carb diet but some are better for you than others. Keep in mind that red bell peppers contain more Vitamin C than green ones. Also, most vitamins and minerals are found in veggie skins, so skip a step and leave the peeler in the drawer.
4. Store-bought marinades contain a lot of sugar; even some dry spice mixtures do too. Make a large batch of your own so you can top your proteins and veggies with it anytime you want.
5. Soy black beans are an excellent alternative to regular black beans, since they taste very similar but have far less carbs.
For Heather, heaven is a one pot dish placed in the middle of the table that brings everybody together with warm, spicy, intense flavors. Danny forges an easy solution for a fast and friendly dinner party by going Moroccan!