Kelsey's Essentials - Season 1

Kelsey teaches the essentials for making fresh pasta in your own kitchen. Hand-cut Cannelloni with luscious Italian sausage, spinach and ricotta in a simple red sauce, and Fettuccine with savory yellow squash and parmesan-lemon cream sauce. With the essential tools, you can have fresh pasta any day of the week. Mangia!

Kelsey reveals the basics of roasting so you can let your oven do the work for you! She'll show you how with a tender Chicken roasted in lemon, garlic and thyme, and Roasted Beets served with a tangy vinaigrette and goat cheese. You can even roast fruit -- sizzling Plums and Apricots served over Rich Vanilla Ice Cream. Turn on the oven, prepare your roasts, then kick back until it's done!

Kelsey guides us through the essentials for an American slice of heaven -- pie! Starting with the perfect flaky Crust, adding a Banana Caramel Cream Filling and mixing it up with a variation on the classics with a rustic fresh Peach and Cream Pie in a moist, flaky buttery crust. Hot from the oven to your plate. Mmmmm ... pass the ice cream, please.

Kelsey shares some quick and simple bread recipes to satisfy all of your senses: crusty buttery Pull-Apart Rolls, sweet Pecan Cinnamon Rolls drizzled with a gooey glaze, fresh Lemon Blueberry Muffins, and a flaky Bacon, Cheddar and Chive Biscuit guaranteed to make your mouth water. Baking doesn't have to take all day, if you have the essential recipes. Is there any thing better than the smell of fresh baked bread?

Kelsey reveals the secrets to great-looking, great-tasting meals -- it's all in the knives! And there's no better way to hone those knife skills than creating a perfectly chopped Cobb Salad topped with Roquefort Dressing, a fragrant French Onion Soup and a Shortcake filled with sweet, delicate Strawberries. So sharpen those knife skills and take your cooking to a whole new level.

Kelsey introduces a whole new way of looking at eggs: for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. A flavorful Frittata made with red bliss potatoes, basil, tomatoes and cheese; Poached Eggs With Bacon in a savory, Frisee Salad; and a luscious Lemon Curd Tart topped with fresh berries. Eggs: the perfect protein ... nutritious and delicious. Eggs-actly!

Kelsey takes the intimidation out of home entertaining with a few essential tips and some easy-to-make recipes: A luscious Pork Roast made with a secret ingredient; a spicy Mexican-inspired Corn; and a decadent chocolate/peanut butter dessert -- all designed to minimize your stress and maximize your time with your guests. Party on!

A good sauce transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary one. Kelsey takes us through the three basic sauce groups: cream, meat and butter. First, brace yourself for the best Mac and Cheese you've ever tasted, made with a bacon and creamy Bechamel sauce. Next, a pan seared Pork Tenderloin drizzled with a Rosemary Balsamic and Orange Sauce. And finally, Asparagus Wrapped in Prosciutto bathed in a butter sauce. Pour it on and bon appetit!

There's a chill in the air! Time to stock up on fall pantry essentials. Kelsey prepares a Roasted Rosemary Turkey Breast with a Pomegranate Quinoa Pilaf, and a rustic Vegetable Soup incorporating the essential garlic, onion, canned tomatoes and broth. A bubbly Apple Crisp is a fall favorite dessert not to be missed. With the essentials at hand, you can bring life to your dishes now and freeze them for cozy winter meals ahead.

Kelsey shares her favorite recipes and essential methods of cooking. A vibrant Sesame Ginger Salmon en Papillote -- a foolproof way of cooking fish that is sure to satisfy. Craving a creamy risotto? Try this quick and simple substitute -- a tangy and creamy Lemon Basil Orzotto whipped up in just 10 minutes. And a sumptuous Honey Glazed Apple and Pear Tart, made with a time-saving frozen pastry dough. Quick, easy and delicious -- a triple delight!

Kelsey's favorite kitchen essential takes center stage -- the cast iron skillet. It's so versatile, it works magic in the oven or on top of the stove. Cumin Scallops seared to perfection for Tacos With Tomatillo Guacamole, crispy-bottom Skillet Corn Cakes With Bacon and Skillet Blueberry Cobbler -- all prepared in one essential pan. Kelsey's Cast Iron Skillet rules!

The essential one-pot meal -- the stew! Kelsey treats us to a simple technique that cooks up some winning creations: a savory Sausage, Bacon and Duck Confit ready in just 45 minutes; a Chicken Cacciatore flavored with onion, mushrooms, red peppers and garlic; and a steamy Fish Stew or Bouillabaisse featuring clams, mussels and shrimp. Amazing to eat and only one pot to clean up!

Kelsey's ultimate gift is one from the heart -- and the kitchen. Kelsey crafts some food gifts you can share with your friends and family, all guaranteed to look and taste delicious: Cherry Pie in a Jar, Vanilla Almonds, Vanilla Sugar and homemade Salted Caramel Sauce complete with a recipe for Caramelitas. Spread some good cheer with delights from your kitchen.