What to Watch: A Weekend of Family Togetherness and Down-to-the-Wire Competition
This weekend on Food Network it's all about cooking and having fun with family and friends, and some friendly — and not-so-friendly — competition.
Saturday morning has all-new episodes from Ree, Ina and Giada. On The Pioneer Woman, Ree is cooking up a storm for her football-playing family as they prepare for a game of boys versus girls. Then on Barefoot Contessa, Ina's rewarding the team that helped design and build her new library with a Mediterranean-style party. Afterward, Giada and her aunt Raffy are cooking recipes right out of Giada's grandma's recipe collection on Giada at Home.
The competition starts on Sunday with a new episode of Cupcake Wars, where the teams bake it out for a chance to cater an event for The All-American Rejects. On Worst Cooks in America, the remaining Boot Campers must try and beat the clock to see if they can cook faster than ordering in delivery. Then, on a special night, watch Restaurant: Impossible as Robert tries to unite three brothers who have had a hard time running their late mother's Italian restaurant (pictured above).
Football is the favorite sport in the Drummond household. While Ladd and son Bryce play ball, Ree is cooking the meal. She has Everything Cookies for a morning snack, Beef and Bean Burritos for dinner and Jumbo Pico Salad on the side. The next morning, before the family sets off for the game of boys versus girls, Ree packs Breakfast of Champions Sandwiches for everyone.
It's time to celebrate the new library that's been built in Ina's barn. And what better way to do so than by having the team of designers and builders over for a soiree? Ina's preparing Fig and Fennel Caponata, an Antipasto Platter, Tuscan Mashed Chickpeas and Mussels With Saffron Mayonnaise to thank everyone who had a hand in the renovation.
Giada is joined in the kitchen by her aunt Raffy. The two are recreating three special dishes from Giada's grandmother's recipe book: Frittata of Tuna and Tomatoes, Red Bell Peppers With Eggplant and Strawberry Omelet.
Four bakers have come back for a second chance at winning Cupcake Wars. This time, winning the challenges means having their cupcakes featured at a VIP party for the band, The All-American Rejects.
In this episode, the remaining recruits must learn to fend for themselves and not rely on others to cook for them. The first challenge will have them racing against the clock to see if they can cook faster than a delivery man. Later they must bake a cake for a special occasion, but luckily they have the help of pastry chef Ron Ben-Israel.
Maniaci's Italian Bistro in Mohnton, Pa., used to be a bustling family business until the owner, Mrs. Maniaci, passed away. The restaurant was left to her three sons, who have been running it for five years now but with very little success, to say the least. Chef Robert Irvine has two days and $10,000 to overhaul their menu and design to give the Maniaci brothers a fresh start at keeping their mom's dream alive.
