What to Watch: Damaris' Derby Party and Ron Ben-Israel Guest Judges on America's Best Cook

Ron Ben-Israel

Guest judge Pastry Chef Ron Ben-Israel is welcomed to the show by cooks and chefs, as seen on Food Network's America's Best Cook, Season 1.

Photo by: Emile Wamsteker ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Emile Wamsteker, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

This weekend, tune in for all-new episodes that run the gamut from cooking and planning for parties to competition shows that will have you on the edge of your seat.

Start Saturday morning with a new episode of Farmhouse Rules. Nancy's cooking for a game night with her in-laws. Then on The Kitchen, it's make-ahead freezer-friendly meals, plus how to tackle artichokes. Then on Sunday morning, Rachael has five weeknight meals that use bulk purchases for the biggest bang for your buck. On Southern at Heart, Damaris is planning a Derby party. Then on Guy's Big Bite, Guy is cooking up appetizers and making a cocktail to match. On Sunday night, tune in for America's Best Cook, where pastry chef extraordinaire Ron Ben-Israel judges dessert creations, but one competitor may be going home early due to an injury. Then on Cutthroat Kitchen, one chef will have to separate grains of rice for risotto.

Nancy and David are having David's brother and wife over for dinner and games. Nancy heads to a local wine shop to pick out bottles to complement their meal of Beef Wellington, Roasted Beet Salad with Walnuts and Goat Cheese, and easy Baked Alaska. It's the perfect meal to fuel their game of charades!

Saturday 10:30a|9:30c

The hosts of The Kitchen are full of fresh new ideas today. First they fill the freezer with Jeff's make-ahead sausage and egg muffins. Geoffrey shows viewers how to Conquer and Cook artichokes with his artichoke and shrimp tagliatelle. Plus, get a look at the hottest new snacks popping up in bars across the country.

Saturday 11a|10c

Buying food — especially meats — in bulk can be a great deal. But once you buy it, you gotta use it. Rachael is getting two completely different but equally delicious meals out of pork shoulder — and two more out of chicken thighs. Plus, she makes a tasty meat-free menu to lighten things up midweek. Recipes are Hungarian Pork One Pot, Pork and Cider Stew, Broken Spaghetti Soup with Escarole, Green Harissa Chicken Thighs, and Chicken with Porcini Gravy and Polenta.

Sunday 8a|7c

Damaris takes on her hometown's grand event with her own version of a proper Derby party, even if you're not in Louisville. With her fancy hat on and ready, she kicks off with her version of a classic Kentucky dish: Hot Browns with Pimento Cheese Mornay. She pulls into the lead with a refreshing Mint Julep Party Pitcher, and it's an easy win with her spectacular Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie. Damaris gives you all the tips and tricks you will need to make your Derby party a photo finish!

Sunday 10a|9c

Guy knows sometimes the best part of the meal is the appetizers. So join him as he makes Buffalo Chicken Nachos, complete with blue cheese sauce and all the fixings. Next up it's Bangin' Blue Olives with Prosciutto. To drink? It's gotta be a Bloody Beer — think a Bloody Mary with beer and tequila in place of the vodka. You're gonna dig this menu!

Sunday 11:30a|10:30c

This week, the seven remaining cooks face the most-dreaded challenge in cooking competitions: dessert. Chef Ron Ben-Israel will join as a guest judge, but one cook's trip to the emergency room may also determine who is going home.

Sunday 9|8c

Things get evil when a chef must tediously separate grains of rice to make risotto A chef's patience is tested while waiting and waiting for his or her number to be called at the Cutthroat Kitchen Deli. And revenge is best served cold when one chef must chisel ingredients from a block of ice.

Sunday 10|9c

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