Kelsey's Essentials Episodes
Junk Food Essentials
Wish you could make your favorite junk food at home? Kelsey shows with a little inspiration and a few essential ingredients, anything is possible! To start, a Boardwalk Dog wrapped in homemade cornbread buns, topped with a tangy tomatillo relish. Next on the menu, a banana split Funnel Cake topped with a strawberry surprise. And last, two of Kelsey's favorites combined into one unbelievable drink — Cotton Candy Lemonade!
New NY Favorite
Nothing says "New York City" like a warm bagel slathered with a thick layer of cream cheese. But one Brooklyn Bagel Maker, Scot Rossilo of the Bagel Store, isn't satisfied with the average bagel. He's taking them to the next level by creating bagels and cream cheese with any flavor your heart desires. Back in her kitchen, Kelsey puts a spin on this New York favorite with a berry bagel puff. Next, she serves up a caramelized onion and cheese bagel-swirl topped with a cream cheese and chive drizzle.
My Trip to Italy
Kelsey's recent trip to Italy inspires a bit of authentic Italy right here at home. She is headed to Sabatino Tartufi, one of the premier importers of Italian Truffles to the United States, to learn how to use these little culinary jewels in all types of cooking. Inspired, Kelsey heads back to her kitchen to start on three signature Italian dishes: Lasagna with Pesto Bechamel, Antipasti Bruschetta drizzled with black truffle oil, and a Panna Cotta with Almond infused cherry compote.
Lean and Mean
Who knows better about eating healthy all year round than an NFL player? That is why Kelsey is getting Lean and Mean with Jets' superstar center Nick Mangold. Nick prepares one of his favorite comfort meals with a healthy twist and provides tricks and tips that could have you cooking healthy 365 days a year. Back in her kitchen, Kelsey tackles her own slimming recipes versions — a Bison Chili, Roasted Beet and Orange Salad with Creamy Goat Cheese Dressing, and a Mean Green Smoothie.
On the Go Grilling
Whether you're going to a game, a camping trip, or, in Kelsey's case, the roof of a building ... you need a handful of essential techniques and tips to make your On the Go Grilling flawless. Kelsey enlists the help of New York master chef Floyd Cardoz on all things grilling. Great ready to take notes on the "on the go" grilling grab bag and suggestions for the best meat, vegetables and fruit for grilling. Back in her kitchen, Kelsey preps for her own "on the go" rooftop feast. On her menu: Marinated veggie kebabs with halloumi cheese, sweet and sour picnic drumsticks, and a grilled strawberry shortcake with lemon cream.
Honey
Bee Keeping is all the rage now, and you won't just find bees in the country anymore. Bees are popping up in unexpected places. Kelsey visits Chase Emmons and his urban roof-top bee farm in New York. Kelsey gets up close and personal and learns what it takes to bring honey to our tables. Then, she heads home use the bounty of the bees to make Roasted Chicken wings with Honey Hoisin glaze, a Papaya Slaw With Spicy Honey Vinaigrette, and a sweet Honey Corn with crumbled honeycomb.
Game Day Gourmet
Why make the same game day food year in and year out, when you can create something new? Kelsey visits Marc Matyas of the New York City's Nolita House for a little game day gourmet inspiration. Marc has been experimenting with game day classics. Try spinach artichoke dip wrapped in a spring roll then deep fried — or bite size balls of mac n' cheese. Fueled by Marc's unique ideas and techniques, Kelsey creates her own game day dishes the gourmet way with Spicy Crab Cake Poppers, Buffalo Chicken Lollies with blue cheese dip, and broiled Sweet Pepper Poppers with goat cheese.
BBQ
Whether smoked, sauced or rubbed, Kelsey never met a barbecue she didn't love. Usually she satisfies her barbecue craving with a trip to her favorite local spot ... until today! Elizabeth Karmel of Hill Country Barbecue in New York is stopping by to share her essentials for barbecuing at home! Armed with Texas-sized tips and tricks, Kelsey uses a stovetop smoker to create a Spicy Sweet Potato Salad, some Garlicky Smoked Shrimp, and Tangy Coleslaw With Smoked Corn and Lime Dressing.
Tacos
If you love tacos like Kelsey, you will die for the tacos at Rockaway Taco. Andrew Day Field's pristine ingredients and unique approach to building the perfect taco has New Yorkers trekking two hours to this seaside mecca on Rockaway Beach. Kelsey learns how to make an authentic Mexican taco, then heads back to her kitchen to start her own version of taco heaven. She makes three of her favorites: Grilled Shrimp Tacos With Mango Salsa, yummy Breakfast Tacos With Sausage and Egg, and a Chile Braised Lamb Taco.
Unexpected Desserts
There's nothing like a surprising and unexpected dessert to bring out the kid in you. Kelsey visits Tonnie of Tonnie's Minis in Harlem, to unearth the secret to his cupcake surprise — a custom cupcake bar; where any combination of cake and frosting goes. Nothing is off limits! Inspired, Kelsey heads back home to get started on a couple of unexpected desserts of her own: A fabulous Ice Cream Birthday Cake, a dry ice Root Beer Float, and Carrot Cookies With Orange Buttercream Frosting.
Mexican
Kelsey is on a mission to locate the best enchiladas NORTH of the border from the Martinez Family. They have been serving up award-winning Mexican favorites out of a food truck for over 19 years. Armed with a handful of essential techniques, Kelsey heads back her kitchen to make Enchiladas Colorado, an out of this world homemade Salsa, plus a refreshing Mexican drink — a Horchata.
Pork Four Ways
Kelsey shows you a genius technique using one ingredient and rolling it over into four fantastic meals. She starts with a simple Roasted Pork Loin slathered with Peach BBQ Sauce and mashed potatoes. She then takes that same pork loin and transforms it into a flavorful Asian-style Stir Fry. Next, she uses the pork to flavor a delicious Poblano Soup. And last, Kelsey makes some tasty Cuban Sandwiches with the same pork loin.
