Cooking Channel December 2016 Highlights Our Coverage Sponsored by Fresh Origins
Fresh Origins is America’s leading producer of Microgreens and Edible Flowers. Combining the benefits of an ideal climate with a deep passion for quality and innovation, Fresh Origins products are sought after by the finest restaurants and top chefs. The farm is located in the picturesque rolling hills of San Diego County, where the near perfect weather allows for production and harvest all year. Fresh Origins produces almost 400 Microgreens, Petitegreens, Edible Flowers, Shoots, Tiny Veggies™ and related items. Many are not available anywhere else, with new introductions nearly every month. Fresh Origins products are on top of the finest cuisine in the world! Fresh Origins supplies distributors of specialty produce who serve fine dining restaurants and resorts nationwide. There are also a few online sources of their products available to private chefs and home cooks. Read our first Culinary Queen interview with Kelly Sasuga:
For more information about Fresh Origins, visit their website at
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Discover the Best Budget Bites on a New Season of Cheap Eats and Pull Up a Chair for the Series Premiere of Patti LaBelle's Place
Plus: Get Into the Holiday Spirit with Christmas at Tiffani's and Holiday Episodes of Sugar Showdown
CookingChannelTV.com is the Ultimate Destination for Holiday Party Planning and 31 Days of Christmas Cookies
Cooking Channel is entertaining throughout the holiday season this December with new series, returning favorites and specials all month long. First up, don't miss as Ali Khan embarks on another season of Cheap Eats Thursday, December 1st at 10pmET/7pmPT when he will be tasked with finding the best food deals out there with just 12 hours and $35 for a delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack! Then, R&B legend Patti LaBelle is giving viewers a seat at her table while she entertains friends like Carla Hall, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, Gayle King, Joe Zee and more on the new series Patti LaBelle's Place on Saturday, December 3rd at 11amET/8amPT.The fun continues with Tiffani Thiessen as she hosts friends Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Jason Priestley and more for a holiday party full of classic Christmas dishes, delicious desserts and, of course, cocktails on the holiday special Christmas at Tiffani's on Sunday, December 4th at 8pmET/5pmPT. Then, don't miss new episodes of Sugar Showdownwhen contestants will compete in holiday themed competitions for the $10,000 grand prize beginning on Tuesday, December 6th at 10pmET/7pmPT. Also in December, catch premiere episodes of Food: Fact or Fiction?, MasterChef Canada, Unique Sweets, Unwrapped 2.0 and UpRooted. CookingChannelTV.com has everything from holiday recipes to party hosting tips that are perfect for any celebration. Join the Cooking Channel conversation on Twitter and Facebook.
PREMIERE EPISODES
Cheap Eats - Premiering Thursday, December 1st at 10pmET/7pmPT - SEASON PREMIERE!
Premiering Thursday, December 1st at 10pmET/7pmPT- "Pit Stop"
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has Ali Khan (right) flipping over some cheesy pancakes, and battling a sub that might blow the classic Philly cheesesteak out of the water. He discovers the secrets to Pittsburgh's best pretzels and finishes the day at one of the city's hottest new spots, a taco joint growing crowds -- and tentacles!
Premiering Thursday, December 8th at 10pmET/7pmPT - "Bayside Bites"
In Baltimore, Maryland, Ali Khan comes face-to-face with bacon-infused pancakes fit for "the king," then channels his inner Neanderthal for his first taste of Maryland pit beef. It's a fancy snack of Basque-style fried cheese balls before he slurps down on some out-of-this-world Korean-style street noodles.
Premiering Thursday, December 15th at 10pmET/7pmPT - "Fillin' Up in the South"
Ali Khan hits the ground running in Richmond, Virginia, at a bakery that puts a spicy twist on a traditional Southern biscuit. Then he heads to a diner for a curry-inspired, country omelet before brewing up a chocolate cake with coffee. But a visit to Richmond isn't complete without a soul food dinner of fried catfish.
Premiering Thursday, December 22nd at 10pmET/7pmPT - "Big Sky, Big Game, Big Flavor!"
Ali Khan's expedition for the best deals in Bozeman, Montana, begins with farm-to-table fresh benedict and summer sausage before hunting down a made-from-scratch elk burger. Then he discovers a celebrity-approved huckleberry bar. But his journey isn't complete until he sinks his teeth into a bison pepperoni pizza.
Premiering Thursday, December 29th at 10pmET/7pmPT - "Mountain Feast"
Ali Khan hits the Jackson Hole, Wyoming, trail running for a delicious croque madame with mornay sauce in the morning and crosses the Snake River for a crunchy fried chicken banh mi sandwich. Then, he discovers a berry cheesecake doughnut before stirring up a hearty bowl of spicy pork rice.
Online, Ali shares the most important things to look for in a quality cheap eat. Join the conversation with #CheapEats.
Christmas at Tiffani's - Premiering Sunday, December 4th at 8pmET/5pmPT - HOLIDAY SPECIAL!
Tiffani Thiessen and her husband, Brady Smith, host a holiday party for their nearest and dearest friends, Mark-Paul Gosselaar and his wife, Catriona, Tim and Elisa DeKay, and Jason and Naomi Priestly. This festive feast features a whole Smoked Turkey with Crispy Skin, Fennel and Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing, Cheesy Potatoes au Gratin, homemade boozy Blood Orange Cranberry Sauce and fresh-baked Gruyere and Thyme Rolls. For dessert, Tiffani serves up Brady's favorite, Bourbon Pecan Pie with Homemade Vanilla Whipped Cream. Of course, it's not the holidays without some sparkle! For her festive bash, Tiffani fashions a bubbly bar where her guests create their own sparkling cocktails.
Online, watch Tiffani's web-only holiday decorating tricks. Join the conversation with #DinneratTiffanis.
Food: Fact or Fiction?
Premiering Monday, December 5th at 10pmET/7pmPT - "Rags to Riches"
Host Michael McKean takes a look at how some favorite foods went from paupers to princes. He looks at lobster's prison past, whether crème brûlée was always the cream of the crop, and if champagne's fizz almost burst its bubble.
Premiering Monday, December 12th at 10pmET/7pmPT - "Power Couples"
Host Michael McKean takes a look at how some favorite food combinations got hitched. Michael traces the origins of peanut butter and jelly to the trenches of World War II, sees how spaghetti and meatballs went from Italy to America and finds out if chicken and waffles met after a late-night jazz set.
Premiering Monday, December 19th at 10pmET/7pmPT - "Some Like It Hot"
Host Michael McKean cranks up the heat on food myths, discovering who invented chili, if hot wings bond people closer together and if "spicy" is just in our heads. Grab the oven mitts and plenty of ice-water to find out if there's truth in these five-alarm facts.
Premiering Monday, December 26th at 10pmET/7pmPT - "State Fare"
Host Michael McKean takes a road trip around the US to uncover the stories behind our favorite state plates, including what baked Alaska has to do with Alaska, who put the Big Apple in New York cheesecake and if the California roll is from California, Japan ... or Canada!
Online, challenge food knowledge in CookingChannelTV.com's new interactive video trivia game. Plus, find out the truth behind popular food urban legends like the five second rule, gum taking seven years to digest and more. Join the conversation with #FoodFactorFiction.
MasterChef Canada
Premiering Tuesday, December 6th at 9pmET/6pmPT - "Demon at the Pass"
The top 6 take over an upscale Asian restaurant owned by judge Alvin Leung and MasterChef Canada season one winner Eric Chong.
Judges: Claudio Aprile, Michael Bonacini, Alvin Leung
Premiering Tuesday, December 13th at 9pmET/6pmPT - "Cooking with Cocktails"
After a Mystery Box Challenge involving judge and Chef Michael Bonacini's world-class techniques, the home cooks must create sweet and savory dishes inspired by classic cocktails.
Judges: Claudio Aprile, Michael Bonacini, Alvin Leung
Premiering Tuesday, December 20th at 9pmET/6pmPT - "Meals and Wheels"
The top 4 are reunited with their families and hit the road to shop for a meal that will earn them a spot in the top 3.
Judges: Claudio Aprile, Michael Bonacini, Alvin Leung
Premiering Tuesday, December 27th at 9pmET/6pmPT - "Only the Best"
The competition's three best home cooks battle it out for a place in the finale, cooking for 13 of Canada's most influential chefs using 13 ingredients, one from each of the country's 10 provinces and three territories.
Judges: Claudio Aprile, Michael Bonacini, Alvin Leung
Online, watch web-only videos of the judges cooking tips and behind-the-scenes drama on CookingChannelTV.com. Join the conversation with #MasterChefCanada.
Patti LaBelle's Place - Premiering Saturday, December 3rd at 11am & 11:30amET /8amPT & 8:30amPT- SERIES PREMIERE!
When legendary R&B diva Patti LaBelle isn't performing, she finds true happiness in the kitchen, entertaining and cooking for her friends and family! Join us for a season full of special guests including legendary artists Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, Estelle, Jay Manuel and more. When these heavy-hitters get the call to join Patti in the kitchen, they drop everything to answer.
Premiering Saturday, December 3rd at 11amET/8amPT - "50 Cent and Naturi Naughton"
Patti LaBelle invites Grammy winner Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson over for some fresh and delicious comfort food. Dancing up a storm in the kitchen, they prepare a menu of Slow-Cooked Brisket, Smashed Potatoes and Patti's Southern-Style Fried Corn. Later, actress Naturi Naughton stops by for Patti's famous Succulent Scallops in Garlic Butter Sauce, and Miss Patti gives Naturi a cooking lesson that is "Over the Rainbow."
Premiering Saturday, December 3rd at 11:30amET/8:30amPT - "Estelle and Joe Zee"
Patti LaBelle invites her friend, fashion guru Joe Zee, over for a simple Shrimp Scampi served over Angel Hair Pasta. She tops off the meal with Apple-Peach Compote and Vanilla Ice Cream. Then, British Grammy Award-winning singer Estelle comes by and Patti makes her feel right at home with her very own version of Fish and Chips with Tartar Sauce.
Premiering Saturday, December 10th at 11amET/8amPT - "Kirk Franklin and Erica Campbell"
Patti LaBelle introduces long-time friend and gospel superstar, Kirk Franklin, and his wife, Tammy, to her Famous Fried Chicken. Nothing says "yum" like golden-brown, delicious fried chicken served with Sautéed Potatoes and Onions, along with Garlicky Broccoli Rabe. Later, Erica Campbell, from the legendary gospel duo Mary Mary, stops by and she and Patti make a simple and delicious double-layer Peach Cobbler.
Premiering Saturday, December 10th at 11:30amET/8:30amPT - "Gayle King and Jay Manuel"
Patti LaBelle is hanging out in the kitchen with celebrity make-up artist Jay Manuel. Never a dull moment when these two are in the kitchen, their meal starts with a Mixed Green Salad, drizzled with Patti's secret Homemade Salad Dressing, before she shows Jay how to prepare her Spicy Garlic Sautéed Chicken Breasts and Fresh Spinach. Later, Patti's good girlfriend Gayle King drops by for a down-home meal of mouthwatering Beef Short Ribs and Miss Patti's Mean Greens.
Premiering Saturday, December 17th at 11amET/8amPT - "Ta'Rhonda Jones and Lance Gross"
Patti LaBelle has star power in her kitchen today. First, Ta'Rhonda Jones drops by to learn Patti's delicious Pork Chops with Sautéed Cabbage. Then, Patti refreshes her palate with actress Kaitlin Doubleday over a vegan lunch of Sautéed Portobello Mushrooms with Garlic and Butter. Finally, Patti is joined by actor Lance Gross, to help her prepare Pan-Seared Salmon served with Sautéed Green Beans "A La Bella".
Premiering Saturday, December 17th at 11:30amET/8:30amPT - "Carla Hall and J.R. Smith"
It's family time at Patti LaBelle's place, when Patti invites her good friend Carla Hall over for a down-home Southern lunch, inspired by her father's Cornmeal Fried Catfish. Patti and Carla reminisce and cook up a storm, and then NBA champion J.R. Smith brings his mother, Ida, for a very special Italian meal of Linguine with Meatballs at Miss Patti's.
Online, get Patti's best recipes and join the conversation with #PattiLaBellesPlace.
Sugar Showdown
Premiering Tuesday, December 6th at 10pmET/7pmPT - "Holiday Winter Wonderland Pies" - HOLIDAY EPISODE!
Holiday bakers compete in a speedy elimination round with hot chocolate as the mystery ingredient. The last two standing compete for $10,000 and a spot in the Holiday Championship finale, in a winter wonderland-themed pie showdown.
Host: Josh Elkin Judges: Raiza Costa, Jeff Mahin, Lorraine Pascale
Premiering Tuesday, December 13th at 10pmET/7pmPT - "Holiday Toyshop Cupcakes" - HOLIDAY EPISODE!
There's one more spot in the Holiday Championship finale, and in order to get there, bakers first must get through the elimination round using candy canes in their cupcakes. The final two compete in a toy shop-themed cupcake showdown for $10,000.
Host: Josh Elkin Judges: Jeff Mahin, Lorraine Pascale, Laura Vitale
Premiering Tuesday, December 20th at 10pmET/7pmPT - "Holiday Night Before Christmas Cakes" - HOLIDAY EPISODE!
The best holiday bakers of donuts, pies and cupcakes compete in the Holiday Championship finale, first using eggnog in the elimination round. The last two standing compete for a total of $20,000 and the title of Holiday Champion in a night before Christmas-themed cake showdown.
Host: Josh Elkin Judges: Jeff Mahin, Lorraine Pascale, Laura Vitale
Premiering Tuesday, December 27th at 10pmET/7pmPT - "Pet Shop Cupcakes"
Bakers compete in a pet shop-themed cupcake showdown. One baker will impress the judges and bring home the $10,000 grand prize.
Host: Josh Elkin Judges: Raiza Costa, Jeff Mahin, Lorraine Pascale
Online, check out the top 5 coolest cakes, doughnuts, pies and cupcakes. Join the conversation with #SugarShowdown.
Unique Sweets
Premiering Sunday, December 4th at 10pmET/7pmPT - "Sugar High"
It's time for the ultimate sugar high. In Miami, Florida, Brain Freeze Nitrogen Ice Cream Lab is concocting delicious creations, and offering a mad scientist challenge to eat 30 scoops of ice cream in 30 minutes. At Spot Dessert Bar in New York City, imaginations run wild with their Asian-inspired plated desserts, including a riff on the classic chocolate lava cake featuring an explosion of creamy green tea. And in Southern California, After's Ice Cream delivers two desserts in one with their donut ice cream sandwiches!
Featuring: Alie & Georgia, Skyler Bouchard, Lynn Chen, Lazarus Lynch, Brandi Milloy, Chuck Nice, Jamika Pessoa, Jackie Sorkin, Fabio Viviani, Zac Young
Premiering Sunday, December 11th at 10pmET/7pmPT - "Shocking Sweets"
It's New York's most shocking sweets! In Astoria, Queens, an underground donut spot called Donut Diva is frying up outrageous cake donut creations and baking coffee cake unlike anything you have ever seen. At Eggloo in Manhattan, build an edible work of ice cream art piled high, nestled into a warm, puffy, egg waffle cone. DO, Cookie Dough Confections in Manhattan is breaking all the rules and dishing out raw cookie dough in a cup in all of your favorite cookie flavors.
Featuring: Skyler Bouchard, Lazarus Lynch, Alie Ward, Zac Young
Premiering Sunday, December 18th at 10pmET/7pmPT - "Tasty Texas Treats"
Unique Sweets heads to the Lone Star State to find the tastiest treats in Texas! Hypnotic Donuts in Dallas is serving up deep-fried deliciousness in the form of huge fritters with decked-out flavors. At Kate Weiser Chocolate in Dallas, chocolate dreams come true, from their crazy candy bars to their smoky toffee with bacon. Plus, Melt Ice Creams in Fort Worth offers more than traditional scoops and cones: They have fantastical sundaes with flavors like goat cheese, honey black pepper, and roasted strawberries, plus an ice cream taco with all the fixings.
Featuring: Jocelyn Delk Adams, Lazarus Lynch, Jackie Sorkin, Zac Young
Online, watch web-only videos of the best doughnuts, pies, cupcakes and breakfasts across the country. Plus, find the best desserts near you on our interactive location map. Join the conversation with #UniqueSweets.
Unwrapped 2.0
Premiering Sunday, December 4th at 9pmET/6pmPT - "Pop Stars"
Host Alfonso Ribeiro explores some treats with serious pop. He'll pop the top of a Snapple Kiwi Strawberry beverage, pop a bubble with the classic Big League Chew shredded bubblegum, and get the inside scoop at Pez, one of pop culture's favorite little candies. Finally, see how Popchips get their crunch on without a deep fryer in sight.
Premiering Sunday, December 11th at 9pmET/6pmPT - "Little Bits"
Host Alfonso Ribeiro explores little treats with big flavor like the colorful Carousel gumballs at Ford Gum, Ghirardelli Chocolate's decadent semi-sweet Baking Chips and the tasty Duchess Gem Donuts from Carolina Foods. He'll also visit Sugar Bowl Bakery whose Petite Palmiers are made with hundreds of layers of delicate pastry dough.
Premiering Sunday, December 18th at 9pmET/6pmPT - "Farm Fresh"
Alfonso Ribeiro is showcasing foods with farm-fresh ingredients starting with Benton's Bacon and the Georgian pecans that go into Carolina Foods' Duchess Pecan Pies. Next, he checks out the North Carolina potatoes in the Trinity Frozen Foods Southern Sweet Potato Fries and Mott's Snack and Go Strawberry Applesauce Pouch.
Online, flip through CookingChannelTV.com's gallery of fascinating food factory facts on CookingChannelTV.com. Join the conversation with #Unwrapped.
UpRooted
Premiering Saturday, December 3rd at 9amET/6amPT - "A French Christmas" - HOLIDAY EPISODE!
It's Christmastime in France and host Sarah Sharratt is adapting to what the French eat this time of year: seafood. A seafood-themed dinner starting with some local caviar and finished off with a meringue tower will make this holiday dinner extra special. While the menu is about embracing the new, Sarah tries to maintain some Christmas traditions from her childhood growing up in America. The Christmas menu includes Caviar with Creme Fraiche Blini, Seafood Platter, Swiss Meringue Tower with Pomegranate and Passion Fruit and Mulled White Wine.
Premiering Saturday, December 10th at 9amET/6amPT - "Little Bites of Basque"
Host Sarah Sharratt visits the artisanal food producers of French Basque country, helping herd the pigs and sheep that roam the rolling Pyrenees mountains. Inspired by her trip, Sarah throws a tapas party for her friends using some of the delicious Basque ham and other fresh food sourced from the region. Her menu consists of Piperade, Ham and Cheese Bites, Patatas Bravas, Gilda Lollipops and Piment Chocolate Pudding.
Premiering Saturday, December 24th at 9amET/6amPT - "Black Truffle"
It's the local truffle season, and host Sarah Sharratt is excited to get her hands on one of these prized fungi to see what the fuss is all about. She prepares a truffle-packed dinner featuring Truffled Brie, Champagne Risotto with Truffles, Beef Tenderloin with Perigord Truffle Sauce and Chocolate Truffles.
Premiering Saturday, December 31st at 9amET/6amPT - "The Oyster Harvest"
Host Sarah Sharratt dives into the French love of oysters, visiting the windswept Atlantic coast. Sarah gets a hands-on lesson in oyster harvesting and places a bid at the famous fish auction in Arcachon. A stop in at St. Emilion to pick up some white wine is the last stop before Sarah heads home to prepare a sea-inspired meal of Fish Ceviche Lettuce Wraps, Raw Oysters, Grilled Oysters and Limoncello Granita.
Online, watch web-only videos of Sarah's tricks for navigating a farmers market and French dining secrets on CookingChannelTV.com. Join the conversation with #UpRooted.
