Plot Synopsis

Kelsey Nixon, voted the "fan favorite" during Food Network's 4th season of THE NEXT FOOD NETWORK STAR, teaches essential kitchen techniques and basic cooking tips for making fresh pasta, roasting, creating wonderful pies, and baking quick breads. In Season 4, Kelsey prepares: marinated veggie kebabs with halloumi cheese and sweet and sour picnic drumsticks, after sharing a few essential techniques and tips from New York City Master Chef Floyd Cardoz; a few favorite junk food favorites, including a Boardwalk Dog wrapped in homemade cornbread buns and topped with a tangy tomatillo relish, a banana split funnel cake topped with a strawberry surprise, and cotton candy lemonade; bison chili, roasted beet and orange salad and a Mean Green smoothie, after visiting with New York Jets' center Nick Mangold to learn about his favorite comfort meals with a healthy twist; ice cream birthday cake, a dry-ice root beer float and carrot cookies with orange buttercream frosting, after unearthing the secret of the custom cupcake bar at Tonnie's Minis in Harlem; spicy crab cake poppers and buffalo chicken lollies with blue-cheese dip, after being inspired by Marc Matyas, of New York City's Nolita House, and his game-day gourmet recipes; Thanksgiving dishes (apple-roasted turkey breast with cranberry glaze; leftover turkey sandwich slathered), after tasting surprising dishes at Make My Cake Bakery in Harlem; and many more delightful dishes. Season 5 of KELSEY'S ESSENTIALS debuted on Wednesday, July 3, 2013 at 8pm ET on Cooking Channel, featuring an episode about fiery foods during which Kelsey explored the first annual Hot Sauce Expo and started her own menu of Fresno pepper hot sauce, spicy kale Caesar salad and spicy roasted chicken.