Chef Michael’s Kitchen

Time Schedule

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Overview

Chef Michael Smith is going back to basics with a twist!  Welcome to his kitchen where he’ll share his favourite home-style recipes, ingredients and cooking techniques while stirring in freestyle ideas that’ll add a twist or two to your cooking.  See how easy it is to impress yourself in your own kitchen because once you know the rules, you’ll know where you can break them!

In each episode of Chef Michael’s Kitchen, Chef Michael cooks basic dishes familiar to every home cook while sharing free-style alternative twists that explore new flavours, methods, and ingredients.

Filmed entirely in his actual home kitchen, Chef Michael’s Kitchen is an instructional cooking series consisting of 26 x 30 minute episodes, focused on Chef Michael’s signature approach to cooking; once you understand the basics behind a dish you can then stir your own personality into your cooking!

Chef Michael’s freestyle cooking and his passionate commitment to entertaining and teaching will inspire and guide you to lots of fun flavours in your kitchen!

Episode 1 – Pan Rushed Salmon and Salad

Discover a new way to bring salmon to your table with Pan Rushed Salmon with Three Tomatoes and Pan Rushed Salmon with Bacon Clam Chowder.  Learn a new twist on classic house salads; Salad 101 and Harvest Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette.

Episode 2 – Steamed Mussels and Risotto

You will never steam mussels the same way again when you taste Aromatic Steamed Mussels and Tomato Mussels with Penne.  Learn how simple risotto is to cook with Risotto with Classic Italian Flavours; Italian Bacon and Blue Cheese Risotto and Risotto Cakes.  Join Chef Michael Smith as he goes back to basics with a twist!

Episode 3 – Lobster and Vegetarian Chili

Nothing beats the taste of lobster cooked in seawater.  Learn how to make your own Seawater Lobster, and how that lobster can quickly become a sumptuous Lobster Corn Chowder.  See how a Vegetarian Chilli becomes a Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie with Vegetarian Chili with Sweet Potato, and you’ll never miss the meat!  Join Chef Michael Smith as he goes back to basics with a twist!

Episode 4 – Seared Tuna and Sweet Potato

A crispy crusty tuna steak seared rare is just begging for a complementary topping or two; Spice Crusted Tuna and Seared Tuna Niçoise.  Sweet potatoes are healthy and tasty but they’re also uniquely versatile in Sweet Potato Marshmallow BakeToasted Marshmallow Milkshake and Southwestern Roast Sweet Potato and Marshmallows.   Join Chef Michael Smith as he goes back to basics with a twist!

Episode 5 – Shrimp Scampi and Rice

Sautéing the world’s most popular fish is a quick and easy way to get it on your table with a lot of flavor; Brown Butter Shrimp Scampi and Bacon Scampi with Penne and Mustard.  Learn how to make a classic French version of baked rice with aromatic herbs; Classic Rice Pilaf and then discover the endless ways to twist it; Golden Rice Pilaf, Apple Pie Brown Rice and Tuna Shrimp Rice Wraps. Join Chef Michael Smith as he goes back to basics with a twist!

Episode 6 – Shrimp Cocktail and Caesar

See how to poach shrimp for maximum flavor and create your own signature cocktail sauce with Shrimp Cocktail and Saffron Shrimp Shots. The classic Caesar’s Salad is updated to a potential new classic, Caesar’s Empire Salad.   Join Chef Michael Smith as he goes back to basics with a twist!

Episode 7 – Pan Rushed Chicken and Cauliflower

Discover two one-pot chicken dishes that you will cook again and again with Pan Rushed Chicken with Apples, Onions and Sage and San Marzano Chicken with Pasta, Oregano and Basil.  Learn how simple and delicious cauliflower can be with Golden Aloo Gobi and Roasted Sweet Potato Aloo Gobi, and for your sweeter side, Spiced Brittle.    Join Chef Michael Smith as he goes back to basics with a twist!

Episode 8  –  French Onion Soup and Asparagus

A little patience and a lot of onions go a long way in French Onion Soup and French Onion Chicken Stew.  Discover the basics of cooking asparagus and making a luxurious sauce with Asparagus Hollandaise and see how simple Hollandaise Sauce is to twist with Hollandaise Sauce with Variations and Smoked Salmon & Asparagus Benedict.  Join Chef Michael Smith as he goes back to basics with a twist!

Episode 9 – Roast Chicken and Mashed Potatoes

Brining is the best way to add flavor and succulence to your Roast Chicken and Cider Brined Chicken. See how to add flavor to the ordinary potato with Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes, Mashed Potato Martini and Extravagant Potato with Crispy Potato Collar.  Join Chef Michael Smith as he goes back to basics with a twist!

Episode 10  Chicken Wings and Bread Pudding

Chicken wings are deliciously addicting and infinitely versatile with Roast Chicken Wings, Fish Wings and Classic Buffalo Wings.  Discover how the traditional and easy dessert, Brown Sugar Bread Pudding, is easy to twist into a Five Chocolate Bread Pudding.  Join Chef Michael Smith as he goes back to basics with a twist!

Episode 11  Braised Chicken Thighs and Legumes

Bring Mediterranean and Caribbean flavours to your table with Pan Braised Moroccan Chicken Thighs, Minted Couscous and Caribbean Braised Chicken Thighs. Stir legumes into your cooking with Pig and Pea Soup and Red Lentil Dhal.  Join Chef Michael Smith as he goes back to basics with a twist!

Episode 12  Pork Chops and Biscuits

Discover how pan rushing is a simple way to adjust flavours with Pan Rushed Pork Chops with Tarragon Mushrooms and Harvest Chops with Cranberry and Kale.  Chef Michael shares his best biscuit recipe, Whole Wheat Biscuits and one of his favorite desserts, Winterberry Shortcake.  Join Chef Michael Smith as he goes back to basics with a twist!

Episode 13  Pork Shoulder and Frittata

From Southwestern Pork Stew to Mediterranean Pork Stew to Pulled Pork Sandwich & Spicy Coleslaw, braising an inexpensive pork shoulder is one of the easiest ways to bring flavor and tenderness to your table.  See how Broccoli Frittata and Smoked Salmon Frittata are great ways to provide variety to your next brunch gathering.  Join Chef Michael Smith as he goes back to basics with a twist!

Episode 14  Roast Pork Tenderloin and Fennel

Learn how versatile bacon is with Bacon Roast Pork Tenderloin, Bacon Whiskey Jam and Mustard Bacon Strips.  Find out why fennel is Chef Michael’s all time favourite vegetable with Orange Curry Fennel Soup, Orange Curry Roast Fennel and Raw Fennel Salad with Orange Curry Dressing.   Join Chef Michael Smith as he goes back to basics with a twist!

Episode 15  Ribs and Brownies

You won’t need your BBQ for these succulent ribs; Slow Baked Honey Mustard Ribs, Slow Baked Chili Rubbed RibsSpicey BBQ Sauce and Fishy Ribs with Asian Slaw.  See how to bake addictively delicious Mocha Brownies and Peanut Butter Brownies.  Join Chef Michael Smith as he goes back to basics with a twist!

Episode 16  Steak and Pancakes

What goes better with Butter Steak than Horseradish Butter?   See how the sous-vide method cooks the perfect Backwards Steak and Perfect PeppersCountry Pancakes are an essential recipe in every kitchen and can easily be twisted to Decadent Pancakes Join Chef Michael Smith as he goes back to basics with a twist!

Episode 17  Ancho Chili and Fruit Crisp

Chef Michael looks to the flavours of Mexico and Hungary for inspiration for Ancho Chili;  Chilli Mac ‘n’ Cheese and Hungarian Goulash with Spätzle.   Crisp desserts such as Apple Oatmeal Crisp and Tropical Fruit Crisp are an easy way to add dessert to your menu.   Join Chef Michael Smith as he goes back to basics with a twist!

Episode 18 – Beef Shanks and Fruit Salad

Braising is the best way to transform inexpensive cuts of meat into Zinfandel Braised Beef Shanks and Pasta with Tomato Braised Beef Shanks.  Chef Michael has fun with Fruit Salad as he shows different ways to enjoy a variety of fruit.  Join Chef Michael Smith as he goes back to basics with a twist!

Episode 19 – Pot Roast and Popcorn

Discover how to make a classic Beef and Potatoes Pot Roast and then twist it into a Street Beef Salad with Asian Flavours. Check out these fun, easy ways to personalise your Brown Butter Popcorn and then dress it up with Caramel Popcorn.  Join Chef Michael Smith as he goes back to basics with a twist!

Episode 20 – Filet Mignon and Butter Tarts

Discover how to get maximum flavor from beef tenderloin with Filet Mignon with Creamy Red Wine Sauce, Bacon Cheddar Crusted Beef Tenderloin and Cheese Crusted Beef Tenderloin. Learn how classic Brown Butter Tarts can twist to become Pumpkin Pie Butter Tarts.  Join Chef Michael Smith as he goes back to basics with a twist!

Episode 21 – Lamb Shanks and Heritage Bread

Unlock the rich texture of lamb shanks with Braised Lamb Shanks and Curried Lamb Shanks with Pan Roast Chickpeas with Mint.   Then, patience is rewarded with mouthwatering Heritage Bread.  Join Chef Michael Smith as he goes back to basics with a twist!

Episode 22  Cooking with Allergies:  Lasagna, Muffins & Cookies

Chef Michael shows how to take an extravagant Lasagna di Carnevale and make it into gluten free Spinach Lasagna.  Common allergens are the inspiration for these Sunshine Muffins and Allergen Free Chocolate Chip Cookies. Join Chef Michael Smith as he goes back to basics with a twist!

Episode 23  Pasta Carbonara and Fritters

The versatility of egg yolks is highlighted in Pasta Carbonara and Brown Sugar Vanilla Sauce magically transforms into Brown Sugar Vanilla Ice Cream.   A simple fritter batter holds many flavours such as Apple Cinnamon Fritters and Banana Nutmeg Fritters.   Join Chef Michael Smith as he goes back to basics with a twist!

Episode 24  Lamb Chops and Root Vegetable Soup

Discover how easy and flavourful lamb can be with Rosemary Crusted Rack of lamb with Pistachio Mint Pesto, Edamame Crusted Lamb Chops and Mint Lamb Pops with Curried Raita .  Chef Michael shares his favourite way to prepare his favourite root vegetables, Root Soup and Sweet Potato Soup.  Join Chef Michael Smith as he goes back to basics with a twist!

Episode 25  Pasta and Meatloaf

Discover how simple pasta sauce can be with Speedy Tomato Pasta and Speedy Tomato Pasta Bake. Learn a new twist on an old classic, Pepperoni Cheddar Meatloaf and then continue twisting with Meatloaf 3 Ways.  Join Chef Michael Smith as he goes back to basics with a twist!

Episode 26 – Penne Pesto and Oysters

Discover how versatile pesto can be with Penne with Basil Pesto, Sage Walnut Goats Cheese Pesto, Pesto Pizza, and Cilantro Pesto Quesadilla.  Learn the basic way to enjoy Oysters with 3 Citrus and how they can quickly become Classic Oyster Stew.  Join Chef Michael Smith as he goes back to basics with a twist!