Aaron Sanchez's TACO TRIP Among Cooking Channel's December Highlights
By: Caryn Robbins Oct. 31, 2014
Cooking Channel gets in the holiday spirit with special Holiday Feast with Kelis on Sunday, December 7th at 8:00pmET/5:00pmET, when Kelis Rogers visits her favorite local markets and cooks up a fabulous holiday menu with her family and friends.
Premiering Wednesday, December 3rd at 10:00pmET/7:00pmPT - "The Great Holiday Baking War" - HOLIDAY EPISODE!
Premiering Wednesday, December 10th at 10:00pmET/7:00pmPT - "Fish Taco Wars San Francisco" - SEASON FINALE!
Host Cris Nannarone travels to San Francisco, California to find the best fish taco in the city by the bay. Will it be the Mahi Mahi from Tacko, the Baja Taco from The Codmother or the Fish Taco from El Metate? Find out who will win the battle of Fish Taco Wars San Francisco. Online, check out the country's best pizza, burgers, tacos and more at CookingChannelTV.com and tweet at #BestInChow. Carnival Eats
Premiering Thursday, December 4th at 10:00pmET/7:00pmPT - "Calgary Stampede"
Host Noah Cappe has arrived at the Calgary Stampede ready to eat! He starts his visit off with the Stampede's hot new hit, SCORPION Pizza, a slice of pizza loaded with edible insects. He samples fair classics like deep-fried butter, a hot beef sundae, deep-fried macaroni and cheese and saltwater taffy. Noah partakes of Calgary's cowboy culture in the traditional Stampede Breakfast, and finds some Fusion food in the form of the Chicken Tinga Masala Tostada.
Premiering Thursday, December 4th at 9:00pmET/6:00pmPT - "Wild West"
A Cordon Bleu grad from Denver, Colorado, a black belt in karate from Ottawa, Ontario and a French executive chef from Vancouver, British Columbia compete in a speedy elimination round with coffee as the mystery ingredient. The last two standing compete for $10,000 in a Wild West-themed DONUT SHOWDOWN hosted by Daryn Jones.
Judges: Zane Caplansky, Eden Grinshpan, David Rocco
Premiering Thursday, December 11th at 9:00pmET/6:00pmPT - "Pajama Party"
A master European baker from New Orleans, a vegan baker from Chicago and a bespoke donut-maker from NASHVILLE compete in a speedy elimination round with balsamic vinegar as the mystery ingredient. The last two standing compete for $10,000 in a pajama party-themed DONUT SHOWDOWN hosted by Daryn Jones.
Judges: Zane Caplansky, Eden Grinshpan, David Rocco
Premiering Thursday, December 18th at 9:00pmET/6:00pmPT - "Dynamic Duos"
An Italian food expert from Farmingdale, New Jersey, an outside-the-box executive chef from Atlanta, Georgia and a Cordon Bleu chef from San Francisco, California compete in a speedy elimination round with canned ham as the mystery ingredient. The last two standing compete for $10,000 in DONUT SHOWDOWN hosted by Daryn Jones.
Judges: Zane Caplansky, Maggie McKeown, David Rocco Online, watch web-exclusive video of the judges dishing on the best donut they ever ate, and find out what makes a great donut on CookingChannelTV.com. Join the sprinkled and powdered sugar-covered conversation at #DonutShowdown. Holiday Feast with Kelis
Premiering Sunday, December 7th at 8:00pmET/5:00pmET - HOLIDAY SPECIAL!
Music superstar and chef, Kelis Rogers, kicks off the holiday season with a festive dinner party packed with family recipes, fresh meats, vegetables and exotic spices from her favorite Los Angeles markets. In the kitchen, Kelis joins forces with her mom, sister and friend, Robbi, to prepare a spectacular meal featuring a Puerto Rican roasted pork called Pernil, Skillet Cornbread with Candied Ginger, Carrot and Yam Soufflé, Chorizo Stuffing with Dates and Kelis' Zesty Whole Grain Mac n' Cheese. Last but not least, she prepares her favorite Coconut Custard Pie for dessert. An International Christmas
Premiering Wednesday, December 10th at 8:30pmET/5:30pmET - HOLIDAY SPECIAL!
To honor international Christmas cultures, the Voltaggio Brothers have put together an eclectic menu that unites traditional Christmas dishes from all over the globe. They start things off with Greece's cherished Avgolemono Soup and celebrate their own Italian heritage with Squid Bolognese. While these international traditions create an exciting new take for any home cook, the Voltaggios are also offering American traditions with a decadent Eggnog Crème Brûlée that marries the classic French dessert with everyone's favorite holiday drink. It is a trip around the globe to celebrate Christmas in a way never imagined before. MasterChef Canada
Premiering Tuesday, December 2nd at 9:00pmET/6:00pmPT - "Not-Your-Average Joe"
It is the most challenging Mystery Box of the season when the four finalists face the TOUGH LOVE of American MasterChef judge Joe Bastianich. Home cooks must create a dish using Joe's favorite ingredients, and that dish must impress him enough to gain control of the Elimination Challenge; a critical advantage as this challenge will determine which two home cooks will go through to the MASTERCHEF CANADA finale.
Judges: Claudio Aprile, Michael Bonacini, Alvin Leung
Premiering Tuesday, December 9nd at 9:00pmET/6:00pmPT - "And Then There Were 2"- SEASON FINALE!
The final two home cooks go head-to-head in a three-course culinary battle. With their families and former opponents there to cheer them on, they battle it out for $100,000, and the right to call themselves Canada's first ever MasterChef. Pizza Masters - Premiering Tuesday, December 16th at 9:00pmET/6:00pmET
Sal Basille and Francis Garcia are first cousins, best friends, and together they own some of the most successful pizza shops in New York City. The cousins are always on the search for the best food in town... and not just pizza. Join in the fun as they set off on a culinary adventure to find the greatest spots in North America. From mom and pop joints to legendary establishments, these Pizza Masters know good pizza and good food when they find it, and are always up for having a good time along the way.
Premiering Tuesday, December 16th at 9:00pmET/6:00pmET - "Franny Goes to Hollywood- Los Angeles, CA" - SERIES PREMIERE!
Francis Garcia may be a pizza man, but he has always been an actor at heart. So, he heads to Los Angeles to see if he has what it takes to make it in Tinsel Town. Of course, he takes his cousin, best friend, and "agent" Sal Basille along, and no trip with these two would be complete without finding the best food stops the city has to offer. First up, Fran and Sal hit up Guisado's in East Los Angeles for tacos filled with homemade braises wrapped in fresh corn tortillas. Next, they visit their friend, film exec, and now bakery owner, Lisa, at Cake Monkey to thank her for arranging the audition for Fran, and to taste her sinfully sweet treats. Finally, to celebrate a successful trip, the boys head to the famous food trucks of Abbot Kinney to grab a slice at the Urban Oven; just two New York pizza guys looking for fame, fortune, and, of course, great food in Los Angeles.
Premiering Tuesday, December 23rd at 9:00pmET/6:00pmET - "Close Encounters of the Hungry Kind - New Mexico"
Why are Fran and Sal, two Staten Island pizza guys, in the heart of New Mexico visiting a place with more UFO sightings than anywhere else in the world? Sal has been obsessed with UFOs and all things extra-terrestrial since he was a kid, and he desperately wants to make "contact." Fran, on the other hand, would rather be making contact with hundred dollar bills on the nearby Vegas strip, but on this trip they can both agree that there are some good eats in New Mexico. First, the boys grab breakfast at Charlie's Spic & Span Bakery & Café where they learn the secret of New Mexican cooking. Next, they set up camp in the desert and look for UFOs while they make a grilled pizza and their version of pork and beans under the stars. Finally, they reach Roswell, New Mexico and discover Chef Toddzilla and his out of this world Zilla Burger and Cheescake Bombs.
Premiering Tuesday, December 30th at 9:00pmET/6:00pmET - "City of Cousinly Love - Philadelphia, PA"
Fran and Sal are in Philadelphia looking for spots to open a new Artichoke Pizza. To ensure their success, they hit up successful, multi-generational family restaurants who know how to succeed for the long haul in the City of Brotherly Love. First up, they visit the famous Italian Market and meet with brothers Jimmy and Eddie Rubino who own Ralph's Restaurant, the oldest family-owned Italian restaurant in the country. Then, they visit the Varallo Bros. Bakery, which has been dishing out homemade cannoli in the same spot for over 30 years. No day in Philly would be complete without a pizza or two, so the guys head to Tacconelli's Pizzeria, where the same family has been making pies for over 80 years, and the pizza is so good the dough must be reserved days in advance. Online, find Francis Garcia and Sal Basille's web-exclusive tips to perfect New York-style pizza in a home kitchen, ideas for toppings to elevate pizza and more and more on CookingChannelTV.com. Join the pepperoni-topped conversation at #PizzaMasters. Restaurant Redemption
Premiering Tuesday, December 2nd at 10:00pmET/7:00pmET - "Red Panda Asian Bistro "
In this one hour special,Ching-He Huang brings her culinary magic to a restaurant in Queens, New York that is on the verge of extinction. Business partners Roger Quan, Sam Cheng and Paulina Gonzalez opened Red Panda Asian Bistro a year ago, and have tried everything to attract customers to their restaurant. They extended their menu to include Chinese, Thai, Korean and Japanese options, but they feel the additions have left customers overwhelmed with too many choices and substandard fare. After failing to wow with their food, they have hosted weekend entertainment, including magic shows, and karaoke to draw in the crowds. This business needs more than a few magic tricks to save it. Can Ching pull the rabbit from the hat and turn this empty restaurant into a successful business?
Premiering Tuesday, December 16th at 10:00pmET/7:00pmET - "Fumio Grill "
Ching-He Huang packs up her cleaver and heads to Livingston, New Jersey to help save a failing kosher sushi joint that has lost its way. When owner Kevin Lipka admits from the start that the restaurant is for sale, Ching is suspicious that he has already given up. Redemption could be too late for this ailing restaurant and things only get worse when Kevin receives the stunning news that his kosher certification is being taken away. Can the restaurant be saved before it is too late?
Premiering Tuesday, December 23rd at 10:00pmET/7:00pmET - "Golden China"
Ching-He Huang is heading east, to a struggling restaurant in Canton, Massachusetts. Golden China's been in the Chen family since the 1970s, and since then neither menu nor decor have changed. Golden China was once considered Canton's answer to Boston's "Cheers" bar; a popular Chinese sports bar-themed restaurant. Now it has hit hard times and the bar can no longer turn a profit. Will Ching be able to help the Chen family continue their legacy? Will their restaurant remain empty despite Ching's best attempts to drag their dated Americanized Chinese menu and decor into the 21st century?
Premiering Tuesday, December 30th at 10:00pmET/7:00pmET - "Kathy's Chinese Cuisine"
Baron and Christine are the owners of Kathy's Chinese Cuisine, a 20 year-old restaurant that desperately needs Ching's help. Baron and his wife have ploughed their entire life savings into this restaurant, but after 20 years of business, things are at an all-time low. Baron cooks a "healthy" Californian Chinese style of cooking; no canned foods or ANIMAL fats. They are not profitable enough to hire a chef, frequently work seven-day weeks, and are losing money hand over fist. The couple is so stressed that customers frequently witness their constant arguments. If Baron will not listen to his wife, how can Ching expect to be heard? Can this couple reconcile their differences and turn this restaurant around? Online, find Ching's web-exclusive guides to Chinese cooking. Ching has helped dozens of professional chefs revitalize their Asian food and run-of-the-mill establishments; imagine what she can do for you! Join the conversation at #RestaurantRedemption. Rev Run's Happy Holidays
Premiering Sunday, December 14th at 8:00pmET/5:00pmPT - HOLIDAY SPECIAL!
The holidays at the Simmons' house means a week full of food, fun and family. As is tradition, Justine kicks off the holidays with a family brunch, and this time she is preparing her Breakfast Before Casserole. Gingerbread cookies are the perfect sweet finish to a holiday feast, and at Rev's house they put their own spin on the traditional treat baking Ninjabread Men for the family. The kids are on decorating duty, so it is Rev's job to get everyone in the spirit by whipping up his Rich and Creamy Hot Cocoa. When feast day finally arrives, the whole family is more than ready to cook and celebrate. From Rev's Always on Time Prime Rib to Justine's Cheesy Buttermilk Garlic Mash to Diggy's Colorful Carrots, this holiday feast is bound to go down in history. Happy hearts and full bellies are just a couple of the ingredients for a successful Simmons' holiday, but it would not be complete without the star ingredient... family. Taco Trip - Premiering Tuesday, December 16th at 9:30pmET/6:30pmET
Chef Aarón Sánchez is on THE HUNT to find the best tacos in the nation! Throughout the series, he treks across the U.S exploring the Latin side of every city, encountering the chefs, families, and locals who have helped define each city's culinary landscape. Aarón dives headfirst into this journey and turns every trip into an unexpected exploration of the most delicious taco scene in town.
Premiering Tuesday, December 16th at 9:30pmET/6:30pmET - "Chicago" - SERIES PREMIERE!
Premiering Tuesday, December 23rd at 9:30pmET/6:30pmET - "New Orleans "
Premiering Tuesday, December 30th at 9:30pmET/6:30pmET - "Portland " Online, check out hilarious photos of host Aarón Sáncheztrying to swallow some of the hottest foods in the country on CookingChannelTV.com. Join the journey with #TacoTrip. Tom Kerridge's Proper Pub Food
Premiering Saturday, December 13th at 11:30amET/8:30amPT -"Christmas Dinner" - HOLIDAY EPISODE!
This is Christmas dinner, Tom Kerridge-style! Tom is putting a spin on the traditional turkey dinner by filling a turkey breast with his amazing sage and onion stuffing, then rolling and steaming it. Once cooked, he covers it in a delicious crumble topping made from pistachios and dried cranberries. To accompany his Turkey Roll, he demonstrates how to make the ultimate Rye Bread Sauce, and then cooks Glazed Carrots with Star Anise and Sprout Tops with Chestnuts. To finish, Tom serves a seasonal Spiced Orange Cake with Plum Sauce and Christmas Pudding Ice Cream, all washed down with his festive Mulled Cider. Online, find Tom Kerridge's classic pub recipes at CookingChannelTV.com to experience his Michelin-rated food. Follow the fun with #ProperPubFood. Unique Sweets
Premiering Sunday, December 7th at 10:00pmET/7:00pmPT - "Ice Cream Nation"
This trip features some of the most original ice cream creations across the nation. At Morgenstern's Finest Ice Cream in New York, inventive flavors and unusual toppings take center stage. Publican Quality Meats in Chicago brings back a childhood favorite with their amazing pub pops. In Colorado, Fior di Latte makes a delicious horchata affogato and a colorful cake using their creamy, silky gelatos.
Premiering Sunday, December 14th at 10:00pmET/7:00pmPT - "Awesome Ashville Sweets"
This trip explores some amazing sweet treats in Asheville, North Carolina. At the speakeasy called Nightbell, they take traditional Southern dishes, add a little culinary magic, and turn them into bite-sized morsels that will surprise and satisfy. Then at the local hang out The Hop, they create some of the most unique yet delicious ice cream flavors imaginable. Just outside Asheville, is Ruth and Ranshaw, where they put all the flavors of favorite southern treats into a jar and make an amazing pecan pie that is anything but traditional.
Premiering Sunday, December 21st at 10:00pmET/7:00pmPT - "Boston Sweets"
Boston is a city with a lot of history, and a lot of great sweets! First up, is Union Square Donuts where fluffy, puffy, glorious yeast donuts come in delicious flavors like peanut butter marshmallow cream and brown butter hazelnut crunch. Next is a visit to Flour Bakery, a Boston staple offering a bevy of brioche options, like twice-baked brioche, sugar bun brioche, and cinnamon cream brioche. The last stop is Area Four, a Cambridge COFFEE SHOP with some of the best baked goods around. Online, flip though a gallery of the most mouth-watering desserts around and share sweet sentiments with #UniqueSweets. DIGITAL CONTENT Holidays
The holiday season comes but once a year, so step up your prep with Cooking Channel's holiday bonanza. Whether hosting a party or attending one, CookingChannelTV.com provides the best ideas for recipes to both serve and bring all month long, along with unexpected themed parties (and the best dishes to prepare for them). Plan the year's best party with recipes for stellar seasonal cocktails for a crowd and recipes for best-ever party foods. Skip the fallback presents in favor of holiday gifts like Kelsey Nixon's salted caramel or Debi Mazar and Gabriele Corcos' top-rated limoncello. When Christmas rolls around, make it memorable with centerpiece dishes, plus new menus from upcoming specials Rev Run's Happy Holidays and Holiday Feast with Kelis, along with G. Garvin's Southern holiday menu, Nadia G's clever multicultural feast of the seven dishes and brunch dishes to make Christmas morning merry. Cookies
Roll in dough all month long with Cooking Channel's 31 Days of Cookies. CookingChannelTV.com fires up the oven for a full month of baked goods, including best-ever cookies, new cookies from stars like Chuck Hughes, Kelsey Nixon and Roger Mooking, and new classics from some of the best baking bloggers. Baking for multiple events? Try suggestions for five different cookies from one dough, or one-up the classic house with an entire gingerbread village. The Best Food Moments of 2014
Launching December 15th
Food culture set plenty of memorable marks this year and CookingChannelTV.com rounds them up for your nostalgic amusement on CookingChannelTV.com. COOKING CHANNEL (www.cookingchanneltv.com) is an entertainment brand dedicated to today's passionate food lover. For food people, by food people, Cooking Channel is the answer to a growing hunger for more content devoted to food and cooking in every dimension from global cuisines to international travel, history and unconventional how-to's. Cooking Channel is part of the media portfolio of Scripps Networks Interactive (NYSE: SNI), which also includes Food Network (www.foodnetwork.com), HGTV (www.hgtv.com), DIY Network (www.diynetwork.com), Travel Channel (www.travelchannel.com) and GREAT AMERICAN COUNTRY (www.gactv.com).
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