While OWN tries out different flavors of TV to try to figure out what works best for the network and it’s viewers, they definitely got two shows right -” The Ambush Cook” and “Rollin’ with Zach.” While the lead into the show might be a little silly with expecting us to believe that Kristina really “ambushes” someone who is unsuspecting, the foundation of the show is great. Giving people some simple basic tricks in the kitchen will make even a kitchen lover happy and empowered. Kristina is fearless and that passion is contagious if you watch! For the last two episodes of this first six in the series, Kristina is bringing the love with sweetness and savory and saving us from eating out! So, while we wait to find out if “The Ambush Cook” will be coming back into our living rooms, here are the tips that popped out during the last two shows! Kristina, thank you for bringing your passion and for giving us lessons to last a lifetime! Next time, take us to Croatia and tell us about all of the exotic foods and flavors…then, teach us to make one of those recipes! We loved the shows…and can’t wait to see what the world brings to you next!
Tips to remember…
- You can roast any veggie. Just drizzle some EVOO and a little salt and go! Be fearless!
- Use cooking spray on your spoons when working with sticky stuff – honey, syrup…maybe butter, peanut butter?
- If the fork goes in easy, then the veggies are done roasting.
- If you are afraid of oil splattering, remove it from heat and turn off the heat before you turn it over. Then, turn it back on after. This would be YOU taking charge. It’s that easy!
- Decorate your plate…because the food taste even THAT much better when it’s presented beautifully.
- Make any recipe your own. Use ingredients you love. Just do it!
- Emersion blender…you just have to have one! It will make your life and clean up so much easier!
- Most of the time, you can MAKE something just as amazing as you can buy in a restaurant…or better!
- Mustard maraniade? Try it! Why not!
- When you are breading the protein, pound it thin so that the outside breading doesn’t burn before it cooks all the way through!
- Breading ANYTHING – Flour, Eggwash, Panko bread crumbs. 1, 2, 3. It’s that easy!
- Canola oil has a higher “smoke point” so…use that when cooking in a pan.
- Crispy Nutella Cookies – OMG!
- Parchment paper is a MUST when making cookies. Non-stick, easy clean up!
- Go into cooking with confidence. You can do it!
This weeks recipes include a great dishes that look restaurant amazing but come from a home kitchen! For the recipes go to Oprah.com…but if you can’t wait, here are the direct links! Enjoy!
Episode 5: The Social Butterfly – Asparagus Salmon Salad, Guiltless Chocolate Mousse , and a bonus with Quinoa Salad
Episode 6: The Restaurant Regular – Mustard Crusted Chicken, Crispy Nutella Cookies and a bonus with Pan-Fried Lentils
