All Seasons

Season 1

  • S01E01 Grilled Pizza Party

    • Food Network

    Everybody loves pizza. So why not throw a pizza party like no other? How about an entire meal made of homemade pizzas: a salad pizza, a barbecued pizza, and even a chocolate pizza for dessert. Fun. Easy. Delicious.

  • S01E02 Fireplace Cooking

    • Food Network

    A tender steak and a roaring fire come together in an intimate winter meal we cooked together right at the hearth. In the magic of the evening, no one needs to know how effortless it was to put together.

  • S01E03 Antipasti Cocktails for a Crowd

    • Food Network

    When you're having a crowd over after an event or cocktails for 50, the antipasto party is perfect. Everything is served cold, except our show stopping mozzarella. With some chef's shortcuts, you do all the cooking a day ahead of time.

  • S01E04 Do You Fondue?

    • Food Network

    It's back to the future as we explore the retro appeal of the fondue party. It's a trip to dip- shrimp, bread, asparagus, fruit - in fact, the food becomes the entertainment - and it's the fastest party meal you'll ever make.

  • S01E05 Polenta Party

    • Food Network

    It's an easy party your friends will never forget: a molten lava of rich, creamy polenta poured out across a table under the moonlight. A combo of delicious toppings and a mixed grill round out the meal. And it'll be as stress free for you as it is easy for them.

  • S01E06 Seafood Boil

    • Food Network

    Nothing is easier than a seafood boil to bring people together. A giant pot of the freshest seafood, dumped out on the table and eaten with your hands. It's simple, its unforgettable and clean up is a snap.

  • S01E07 Breakfast Barbecue

    • Food Network

    It's a barbecued breakfast on the table in less than an hour. With eggs in ways you never imagined, grilled fruit and a legendary champagne cocktail, it's the perfect send off for a magical Napa Valley balloon ride.

  • S01E08 Last Minute Kitchen Counter Dinners

    • Food Network

    The perfect spur of the moment meal, a kitchen dinner party - because that's where everyone ends up anyway. Dinner is cooked and then you eat it right in the kitchen. With everyone's help, dinner is on in an hour. No sweat.

  • S01E09 Pack it and Go

    • Food Network

    Sometimes you just have to get up and go - and this is the perfect meal to take along with you. We're on a vineyard hopping bike ride with delicious picnic food that packs well, tastes great and gets you out of the kitchen, pronto!

  • S01E10 Food Gifts Party

    • Food Network

    We're taking the stress out of the holidays with a food gifts party. Nuts, vinegars, oils, antipasto, cookies - we'll make them all to give away as presents. At the end of the day, we've eaten well, we've had fun, and we leave with a gift for everyone.

  • S01E11 Relaxing Thanksgiving

    • Food Network

    Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings and none of the stress. Michael will show you how to make this year's meal unforgettably delicious, and take you through a step-by-step plan with shortcuts so you can relax on the big day.

  • S01E12 Chocolate by Moonlight Party

    • Food Network

    Moonlight and chocolate - what could be more romantic? Michael makes an all chocolate supper for two under the stars. Every course has chocolate in it: the salad, the pasta, the entrée, and of course, the dessert!

  • S01E13 Bocce Ball BBQ

    • Food Network

    The king of all sports in Napa is the Italian game of bocce ball, and because everyone farms, the food you bring is just as important as the game. We're chilling and grilling courtside. I'll show you chef's tricks to tailgating without breaking a sweat!

  • S01E14 Unknown

    • Food Network

Season 2

  • S02E01 Lighten Up!

    • Food Network

    The secret to happy dieting? Count the flavor, not the calories with fast and delicious fruit vinegars, caramelized veggies, a citrusy halibut salad, even a bit of rich zabaglione with strawberries. Heaven (not heavy)!

  • S02E02 Celebrate Spring!

    • Food Network

    Celebrate all the flavors of spring with a meal set right in the garden! It's too easy with luscious spring pea soup, spiced honey ham, asparagus bundles wrapped in salty prosciutto and a creamy lemon curd with berries to finish. Bella primavera!

  • S02E03 Retro Italian Feast

    • Food Network

    When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, it's time to put on some Sinatra and bring out the red checkered tablecloths for the cozy Italian food we grew up on! It's fast and simple and just like mama's!

  • S02E04 Panini Poker Party

    • Food Network

    Fire up the counter top grills for a night of poker and paninis. What could be simpler than having the guests make their own mouth watering grilled sandwiches, while the host stars with Caesar salad made right at the table. Double down!

  • S02E05 BBQ Cook-off

    • Food Network

    Two guys, two grills, two barbecue recipes and a great big party, full of food. There's a whole lot of smokin' going on in this neighborhood battle of the barbeques. Blindfolds optional as the rest of the block judges these easy recipes for themselves.

  • S02E06 Pantry Dinner

    • Food Network

    When dinner is down to the wire or you're too tired to cook, a meal straight from the pantry is the way to go! Michael teaches us the essentials of a well stocked cupboard to make quick and impressive meals for impromptu guests. Who knew it was so easy?

  • S02E07 Paella Party

    • Food Network

    A spectacular outdoor party with this classic.one dish meal - so easy because it's cooked inside, and then taken outside to eat right out of the pan! Ole!

  • S02E08 Cooking Club for Men

    • Food Network

    Don't miss this classic he-man, meat and potato meal as Michael hosts a monthly get together of men who love to cook. It's easier than it looks with Michael's special chef's secrets. While the men flex their culinary muscles, the women sit back and enjoy the show!

  • S02E09 Hot Stuff

    • Food Network

    Bring your iron clad stomach to this devilish meal full of peppers and spice. Just in case it's too hot to handle, we're sharing ours with the local fire department! So fast and easy, it's smokin'!

  • S02E10 Campground Cookout

    • Food Network

    No room for a party? No problem! Invite your friends for a giant cookout at your local state park. This party is as easy as it is fun as Michael gives tips for simple cooking in an outdoor fire. Because you eat it all with your hands, you won't even have to wash dishes!

  • S02E11 Summer Surplus Celebration

    • Food Network

    Got too many tomatoes? We've got just as many ways to fix them. Its use 'em or lose 'em time as Michael hosts this fun cook along party. Guests bring their extra crops and cook up enough for everyone to stock their freezers. At the end of the day - the annual tomato fight!

  • S02E12 Lazy Sunday Open House

    • Food Network

    Michael Chiarello shares great tips for a simple cheese plate and great wines to make you the most sophisticated, relaxed host around. Throw open the doors and let them come!

  • S02E13 Are You Ready for Some Football

    • Food Network

    Are you ready for some chips, dips and a hearty meal that will score with your friends? It's easy. Bring your team spirit and your appetites; we're watching the big game from the back of the pickup!

Season 3

  • S03E01 Halloween Party

    • Food Network

    It's a Halloween tradition in Michael's neighborhood - every home serves a special treat so the parents can socialize while the kids tank up on sugar. Michael's got peanut butter cups, s' mores, vampire blood punch with eyeballs, and Garlic Soup to Go.

  • S03E02 Turkey Goodbye Party

    • Food Network

    It's Thanksgiving weekend and you've still got a house full of people and a refrigerator full of turkey, dressing, potatoes, cranberries, etc. Michael shows you how to keep the good times and good food rolling with these clever leftover recipes.

  • S03E03 Christmas Tree Cutting Party

    • Food Network

    Even cutting the tree is a party when friends gather at a Christmas tree farm for a warm and cozy meal by the fire of cioppino, roasted garlic bread, hot peppermint chocolate and Christmas cookies. Turn a Christmas chore into a unique celebration!

  • S03E04 TV Dinner Redux

    • Food Network

    Gather around the tube and prepare for our remakes of classic TV dinner food - Salisbury steak, apple pie, mashed potatoes and peas, and grilled cheese sandwiches with a tomato soup dipping sauce - served in separated plates just like the original.

  • S03E05 Chili Challenge Cook-Off

    • Food Network

    Chef Jan Birnbaum and Michael go head to head to create their versions of this spicy classic; then the neighbors get to judge who does it best. It's a hot pot party complete with the fixins!

  • S03E06 Family Reunion, Italian Style

    • Food Network

    Michael's relatives get together for an Italian festa famiglia - a down home picnic featuring Chiarello family favorites like gnocchi della nonna and forever roasted pork. Bring on the horseshoes and bocce balls, the Chiarellos are in town!

  • S03E07 Potluck Challenge

    • Food Network

    Michael gathers his best chef friends and gives them a mission - remake pot luck classics with no more than 5 ingredients, no more than 10 steps, it must be finished and ready to eat, and no exotic ingredients. Church suppers will never be the same!

  • S03E08 How I Catered my Own Wedding

    • Food Network

    Michael celebrates his one year anniversary with a re-creation of his full moon wedding feast. Close family and friends gather to look at wedding pictures, laugh about the good times they had and salute the years ahead.

  • S03E09 A Little Night Music

    • Food Network

    It’s a picnic under the stars followed by a rocking concert as Michael puts together a pre-concert spread at the local outdoor bandstand. Nothing goes together like music and food, especially . . .

  • S03E10 Pick your own Dinner

    • Food Network

    Nothing says fall like apples. Michael is preparing for a great fall meal that celebrates the harvest. We've got it all from a crispy fall salad to pork and apple dressing, and a flaky apple dessert. It's enough to bring out the farmer in anyone!

  • S03E11 Let the Sunshine In

    • Food Network

    When the days are long and the winter won't end, a sure cure for cabin fever is a summery party in the dead of winter. Bring on the sun with a citrusy, tropical menu with all the sunny flavors of summer. It's a trip to the sunbelt without a plane ticket.

  • S03E12 Soup's On!

    • Food Network

    The perfect meal when unpredictable and guests stagger in a different times. A choice of friendly soups bubbling on the stove, including Michael's mother's menisha, a Butternut squash and apple soup, and finish with a hot roasted pear soup.

  • S03E13 Party on a Budget

    • Food Network

    Can you have a party for ten for under $100? Michael can and he'll show you tricks for keeping the money down with the fun up with a simple to make meal that's so elegant, you'd think it came from the Ritz.

Season 4

  • S04E01 Solo Pollo

    • Food Network

    All of your poultry questions will be answered today because we’re serving the best and easiest birds around. It starts with our Crushed Chicken and ends with our fluffy meringue eggs in a green custard nest.

  • S04E02 Mexican Fiesta

    • Food Network

    We honor our friends South of the Border with hearty, easy, spicy food that’s twice as nice: it’s easy to make ahead and makes great leftovers tomorrow! Ole!

  • S04E03 Blind Date Singles Mixer

    • Food Network

    Play cupid by asking all of your single friends over for a cocktail party. Our food is delicious and easy to make, plus simple to manage as you meet and greet. And there’s always something to talk about at our special ice cream mix in station.

  • S04E04 Book Club Dinner

    • Food Network

    Michael may not read anything but cookbooks, but he's on hand to help a friend put together a Book Club dinner. Easy foods that can be eaten around a coffee table with one hand on the food and the other on the books. It’s a classic!

  • S04E05 Casino Night Cocktail Party

    • Food Network

    Black jack, roulette, and a whole lotta winning foods to help you keep your head in the game. All bets are on this elegant meal, served buffet style so you can move around from table to table while you eat. A classy meal made for a gamer.

  • S04E06 Team Dinner

    • Food Network

    The team is getting together to celebrate the season and we’ve got a meal that’s a big winner. It’s got it all – easy to make, delicious to eat, and an inexpensive way to feed a big crowd!

  • S04E07 Gaucho Gusto

    • Food Network

    It’s a trip to Argentina in a party that has mangos, tangos and great big gaucho steaks hot off the grill. So simple, so fun, it will bring out the gaucho in everyone. Tango lessons optional.

  • S04E08 Ravioli/Pasta Party

    • Food Network

    One of the simplest parties to give, and one of the best! Bowls of steaming hot pastas and home made raviolis are set out with a choice of delectable sauces. Guests mix and match their own signature pasta dishes, then dig in with a side of hearty salad and garlic bread.

  • S04E09 Burger Smackdown

    • Food Network

    It's another faceoff between the Italian Stallion, Michael Chiarello and the Ragin' Cajun, Jan Birnbaum. The challenge this time? We're going all American with a contest to make the best burgers ever. Gentlemen, start your grills!

  • S04E10 Appetizers for Dinner

    • Food Network

    Invite your friends over for appetizers that are really dinner! Instead of 2 larger dishes, we’ve got 4 small dishes with all the intense flavors you love, plus an easy dessert to just pop in your mouth. We're breaking all the rules today with this easy sit down meal.

  • S04E11 Surprise Party

    • Food Network

    Hosting a surprise party shouldn't stress you out. We'll show you how to make an easy get together that your guest of honor will never see coming.

  • S04E12 Lazy Breakfast in Bed

    • Food Network

    Surprise Mom, Dad or anyone you love with a sumptuous breakfast in bed, dressed up with Michael’s take on a silky Eggs Benedict, a savory potato tart and brioche with preserves made right on the spot!.

  • S04E13 Bake Sale

    • Food Network

    Whether you need to raise money for disaster relief or the school computers, nothing beats a bake sale. The gang comes over to make it, bake it and take it. . . . . to sell at school. Do something good and turn it into a get together!

Season 5

  • S05E01 Thinfully Delicious

    • Food Network

    Turn your kitchen into a spa with our absolutely sinless, flavor-packed meal. Not only will everyone love the food, but they will get a head start on looking great for beach weather.

  • S05E02 Ice Cream Pool Party

    • Food Network

    No matter how hot it gets, it's just too cool when Michael and his guests whip up a vanilla gelato with crazy variations. Making your own ice cream cones is almost as much fun! A fancy pre-frozen layered ice cream torta served with smashed strawberries brings it high cotton.

  • S05E03 Bruschetta Bar

    • Food Network

    Everyone's favorite appetizer becomes a party in itself as we set out a make your own bruschetta bar with plenty of toasty, garlicky bread and lots of delicious toppings. A fun and easy cocktail party everyone will love.

  • S05E04 The Best Roast Chicken in the World Contest

    • Food Network

    Michael and his chef buddy Jan Birnbaum face off once again in a contest for the ultimate Sunday supper favorite, Roast Chicken. The old bird will be singing a new tune when these two put their spin on one of the easiest entertaining dishes around.

  • S05E05 Singin the Blues

    • Food Network

    We're pickin' and grinnin' in this fun outdoor party featuring our favorite slow cooked pork and other summer delights for a hot day of blues and barbecue. Invite the neighborhood!

  • S05E06 Backyard Lobster

    • Food Network

    Michael shows you the Chiarello version of the classic Lobster bake including recipes for Grilled Potato & Green Onion Salad; Grilled Baguettes w/Old Bay Butter plus Cake Doughnut Bread Pudding

  • S05E07 Budget Party

    • Food Network

    It's high class without high cash as Michael hosts another low cost, high impact meal that will save you time and money entertaining. With recipes for Bean Cassoulet with; Fennel Spiced Chicken and Roasted Vegetables; Roasted Peppers and Pecorino Cheese; Toasted Coconut Flan

  • S05E08 Basta Pasta

    • Food Network

    It's pasta three ways in an inexpensive party featuring everyone's favorite Italian food served in ways you'd never expect! With recipes for Lasagna of Roasted Butternut Squash; Crispy Pasta Salad with Warm goat cheese and pancetta; Baked Pastina Timbale.

  • S05E09 Little Bitty Bites

    • Food Network

    Tiny versions of your favorite foods make fun cocktail party fare. Mini hamburgers on a bun, tiny soups in espresso cups. Everything pops in your mouth! With recipes with Tiny hamburgers; Tiny pizzas; Asparagus Soup with Parmigiano Zabaglione

  • S05E10 Gone Fishin Picnic

    • Food Network

    Whether you catch and release or just spend a lazy Sunday on a lake, our picnic is the perfect thing to take on a boat or a hike in the great outdoors. With recipes for Pappa Al Pomodoro ; Corn on the Cobb Salad WRAPS ; Aqua Fresca di Fruitta (drink).

  • S05E11 Cinema Paradiso

    • Food Network

    Warm weather, the moon and movies come together for an unforgettable evening under the stars. With recipes for Flavored Popcorn: Brown Butter Rosemary Lemon; Grilled Pizza with Ricotta & Pesto; Raisin-oni - huge chocolate covered raisinettes plus Flavored Syrup soft drinks.

  • S05E12 Housewarming Party

    • Food Network

    Celebrate your new home with a home made meal that's as simple as it is delicious. You'll be the envy of the neighborhood with recipes for Crespelli "Short Stacks" with BBQ Chicken; Slightly Cooked Gazpacho and Olive Oil Cake.

  • S05E13 Brown Baggin' It

    • Food Network

    Michael liberates the tired (of cafeteria food), poor (from expensive lunches) and hungry masses with a brown baggin' party where everyone gets together to make lunch. Plus, special tips on transporting these delectable dishes and keeping them fresh!

Season 6

  • S06E01 Romance on a Shoestring

    • Food Network

    Michael shows a groom-to-be how to whip up an elegant meal for his intended as they save money for the big day. With recipes for Zucchini Saltimbocca , Stuffed Chicken Thighs w/Red Pepper Tomato Sauce over Fettucine, Hazelnut Semifreddo.

  • S06E02 Holiday Cookie Exchange

    • Food Network

    Michael pulls out the Chiarello holiday favorites, and invites a few guests over to cook their Italian favorites. With recipes for Pastura, Turdilli & Chocolate Baci di Dama (Ladies Kisses)

  • S06E03 Breakfast for Dinner

    • Food Network

    Today Michael's making a hearty Breakfast for any time of day With recipes for Potato Hash with Baked Eggs, Savory Fluffy Pancake with Fontina, Melon Fettuccini with sweet wine and fresh mint, Café Correcto - espresso with a 'pop" & Grand Mimosa.

  • S06E04 Pumpkin Picking Party

    • Food Network

    Our guests head to the pumpkin patch and pick some ripe ones, then they enjoy Michael's autumn feast of pumpkin delicacies with recipes for Pumpkin Pastina served in a Pumpkin, Toasted Pumpkin Seeds, Frisee Salad & Cranberry Vodka Cocktail.

  • S06E05 Elegant Holiday Dinner

    • Food Network

    With recipes for Forever Roasted Lamb with Roasted Winter Vegetables, Risotto al Cabernet, Roasted Beet Onion and Orange Salad, and Peppermint Mock Misu, Michael is going to show you how to throw a dinner party full of elegance.

  • S06E06 TV Dinner and a Movie

    • Food Network

    It's a quiet dinner at home, filled with some of your all-time favorite comfort foods and served TV dinner style! With Michael's recipes for Cup of Quick Minestrone , Turkey Polpettone Sandwich in Marinara, Parmesan Fries oven baked, Warm Bananas w/Brown Sugar & Bay leaf over Chocolate Cake.

  • S06E07 Marrakech Nights

    • Food Network

    It's a trip to the Kasbah as Michael goes Moroccan with a party that just sounds exotic. With recipes for Tagine of Lamb Stracotto w/ Spring Onions, Ceci with sage & garlic,Couscous, Dates & figs for dessert with mint tea.

  • S06E08 Venetian Tapas Cocktail Party

    • Food Network

    It's the Italian version of Spanish tapas-cicchetti. Throughout Venice you can find these cicchetti bars serving bite size appetizers. With recipes for Polenta Bites w/Caramelized Mushrooms, Pan Roasted Trout Bruschetta w/Chili Vinaigrette, Baked Clams w/ Prosciutto Bits & Bread Crumbs, Grilled Sweet Italian Sausages w/Basalmic Reduction.

  • S06E09 Cubano Fiesta

    • Food Network

    Michael returns to his days in Miami for this inexpensive party full of hot and hearty Cuban favorites. With recipes for Ropa Vieja, Double Fried Plantains, Black Beans and cumin scented rice, Caipirinha.

  • S06E10 Pizza Power Match

    • Food Network

    It's Jan versus Michael again, and this time they are tackling the perfect pizza. With a little store bought dough and a lot of imagination, they are stepping in the ring to prove who has the knockout recipe for this traditional American favorite.

  • S06E11 Happy Trails Birthday Party

    • Food Network

    Round up your doggies for a pony ride! Michael throws a children's birthday party with a western theme that any kid will love. With recipes for Mac and cheese "Lasagna style, BBQ Chicken "toes" on skewers & Cupcake club sandwich.

  • S06E12 Salad For Dinner

    • Food Network

    Michael takes everyone's favorite healthy side dish and makes it the main event. With recipes for Raw Corn, Arugula, Pecorino and Chicken Breast Salad, Warm Peach & Prosciutto Salad ,Very Green Broccoli Soup, Prosecco digestif, Peccorino w/Honey and Hazelnuts & an Old World Italian Fruit Bowl on Ice.

  • S06E13 Country Thanksgiving

    • Food Network

    It's an American Thanksgiving tradition, country style. With recipes for Whole Roasted Turkey with Citrus Rosemary Salt, Roasted Winter Squash, and Autumn Panzanella.

Season 7

  • S07E01 Around the World Wine Party

    • Food Network

    Make your next wine tasting international! Unroll the map and assign each guest a country! With a price cap of 20 dollars, and delicious food to go along, you and your friends can enjoy a flight of wines from around world.

  • S07E02 Mi Bella Donne

    • Food Network

    For the women in his life – his wife, his daughters, his mother's cousin – with their favorite Michael Chiarello dishes to honor each of them.

  • S07E03 Done in Advance Dinner Party

    • Food Network

    Who want’s to cook once the guests arrive? With this dinner party, everything is done in advance and served at room temperature so you can enjoy the party as much as your guests. The guarantee is that you won’t have to spend a minute of your party in the kitchen.

  • S07E04 Game Night

    • Food Network

    Are you a killer Monopoly player or a Scrabble master? Well, get those board games out of the closet for a game night that you and your friends are going to love. With a menu like this, everyone’s a winner!

  • S07E05 French Party

    • Food Network

    Michael takes us back to his roots when he was a young chef in Paris to share his favorite French dishes. Ooh ooh lala, it’s French cooking made easy.

  • S07E06 Cookbook Testing

    • Food Network

    Michael's friends and fans get the first taste of new cookbook recipes that are easier than you think!

  • S07E07 The Kid in You

    • Food Network

    Classic kid s foods, made for adults. Grilled cheese sandwiches, milk shakes with a kiss of liquor, French fries with a hint of lemon and an updated way of eating a hot dog. New twists on foods that the kid in you will love at first bite!

  • S07E08 It's A Wrap Cocktail Party

    • Food Network

    Celebrate the end of a project or the closing of your first house by putting together a tasty and festive menu of wrapped eats: prosciutto around melon, spiral-cut filet of beef with pesto, radicchio filled to the brim and an iced tea cocktail. You're finished with your project, so start eating!

  • S07E09 Dessert Party

    • Food Network

    Everyone loves dessert, so why not have the neighborhood over for some sweets? Bake up a storm and get out the chocolate, because Michael is hosting an open house to satisfy everyone's sweet tooth.

  • S07E10 Tacos and Margaritas

    • Food Network

    Michael is whipping up Mexican classics that no one can resist. He'll put his expert touch on two things we already love: tacos and margaritas! Throw in some chips, salsa and a little Mexican dessert, and this party is full of delicious foods from south of the border.

  • S07E11 Mother's Day Jazz Brunch

    • Food Network

    Treat Mom to a brunch from the Bayou. Good old fashioned Cajun cooking comes to the vineyards with a little spice and a whole lot of jazz. This year, celebrate Mother’s day with good grub and plenty of old fashioned Southern hospitality.

  • S07E12 Guys Guide to Entertaining

    • Food Network

    Michael Chiarello shows "the guys" a menu that’s fun, easy and delicious, while keeping them in their comfort zone in front of the grill. With some barbecue tricks like these up their sleeves, any man can be a host with the most.

  • S07E13 Vacation Celebration

    • Food Network

    Michael just visited his daughter in Spain, and he’s invited his friends over for a taste of his vacation. With slides and a menu full of the local specialties, everyone will feel as if they traveled without ever leaving their living rooms.

Season 8

  • S08E01 Red, White & Blue Grill

    • Food Network

    Celebrate a patriotic holiday or a returning soldier with this all American outdoor summer meal. It’s got grilled red wine burgers, creamy white potato salad and fresh blue blackberry tart in a menu that does everything but stand up and salute the flag!

  • S08E02 Ice Cream Lawn Party

    • Food Network

    Michael's planning an old-fashioned ice cream social with the best summer desserts and your favorite lawn games to keep everyone busy.

  • S08E03 Egg-ceptional Breakfast Bar

    • Food Network

    Who says you have to go to a fancy restaurant to put together your favorite brunch? Guests at this party get to build their own omelets served alongside a cocktail with a kick. Recipes: Build-your-own omelets with Michael's Classic Omelet Technique and omelet fillings: Mariano's Caponata Agridolce, Spinaci alla Padella, Grilled Red Onion, Salami Bits, Artisan Cheese Board, Strawberry Stove-Top Preserves with toast, Espresso Martini.

  • S08E04 My First Dinner Party

    • Food Network

    Michael's step-by-step guide for the novice cook and first-time dinner party host, with clever tips for cooking with few pans and even less money. It's both easy and elegant. Recipes: Tri-Color Salad With Fricco Crackers and Caesar "Vinaigrette," "Lunch Bag" Swordfish With Mediterranean Tomato Sauce and Linguini, Panna Cotta With Honey.

  • S08E05 Trip to the Caribbean

    • Food Network

    Take a trip to the islands with a Caribbean-inspired meal of jerk chicken and other tropical delicacies. Recipes: Grilled Mahi Mahi with Jerk Spice, Island-style Rice and Beans, Papaya and Avocado Salad, Batido Colada.

  • S08E06 Grilling by the Pool

    • Food Network

    What's more glamorous than a summer night party around the pool? Especially when you serve scrumptious grilled hors d'oeuvres like grilled asparagus and sizzling shrimp cocktail.

  • S08E07 Healthy and Happy

    • Food Network

    It’s a heart healthy, slim-down menu that’s so good, no one will feel deprived--not with a creamy yogurt soup and a big plate of pasta loaded with veggies. Good, and good for you.

  • S08E08 California Here I Come

    • Food Network

    In the '70s and early '80s, Northern California spawned a new wave in cooking fresh, regional ingredients, and Michael was part of the movement making it happen. He treats us to a meal featuring California classic ingredients like goat cheese and heirloom tomatoes.

  • S08E09 Skewer This

    • Food Network

    A grill-your-own party as Michael sets out the fixings for his famous spiedini. We even skewer fresh fruit on cinnamon flavored sticks.

  • S08E10 It's All There

    • Food Network

    When friends gather at the last minute, Michael still has what it takes to put on a fabulous party. He stages a pantry raid. Using just what's on hand in the cupboards, he throws together a meal with lots of flavor and no fuss!

  • S08E11 Gift Wrapping Lunch

    • Food Network

    Celebrate the Season with a gift wrapping party and come away with a gift you can make yourself. Michael cooks an easy lunch for his guests that includes an easy food gift. Wrap up the holidays in style!

  • S08E12 Cool Weather Comfort

    • Food Network

    When it’s cold outside, warm up inside with a comfort meal of lemon pork and creamy apple sauce. The perfect warm dinner on a blustery day.

  • S08E13 Italian Comfort Foods

    • Food Network

    Classic American comfort food comes with an Italian accent when Michael makes his versions of home-style favorites such as meatloaf, mashed potatoes and pancakes.

Season 9

  • S09E01 Chocolate

    • Food Network

    Celebrate everyone’s favorite sweet treat with the ultimate celebration for chocoholics everywhere. Pudding, cookies, cocktails — it’s all chocolate, all the time at this special party. Recipes include Chocolate Risotto Pudding, Piedmontese "No Bake" Chocolate Amaretto Cookies, Chocolate "Soup" with Raspberry Salad and a Chocolate Espresso Martini.

  • S09E02 Little League Tailgate

    • Food Network

    Feed the fans at your next Little League game with these easy to prepare and transport crowd favorites. Kids love hot dogs and the adults will love these tasty ones even more. It's a home run.

  • S09E03 Beach Blanket Bash

    • Food Network

    Friends gather in the sand for a game of Beach Volleyball and the surfer's favorite dinner - fish tacos. Michael rounds out this Southern California beach meal with a special slaw and a cool custard dessert.

  • S09E04 Pub Crawl

    • Food Network

    Comforting pub favorites like onion soup and Shepherd’s Pie get updated with Michael’s special touch. A pint of Guinness and a dart board and you’ve got yourself a party.

  • S09E05 Americana Goes Gourmet

    • Food Network

    Well loved American home-style recipes from the 40's and 50's - like glazed ham and pineapple upside down cake - are dusted off and given a makeover by Michael.

  • S09E06 Awards Night Cocktail Party

    • Food Network

    Get your friends together in their best clothes to watch the annual awards ceremony with this easy and elegant cocktail party. Recipes include White Bean and Corn Cannoli, Puff Pastry Pinwheels with Sun-dried tomatoes and Pesto, Smoked Salmon Beggars Purses and Prosecco Gold Rush.

  • S09E07 Fondue for You

    • Food Network

    The '60s favorite is back. Fondue stations throughout the house mix up the crowd and get everyone talking. Michael shows easy ways to present cheese, meat and dessert fondues, with or without a fondue pot.

  • S09E08 Harvest Polenta Party

    • Food Network

    Michael pours out a river of hot molten polenta on the table. Add his incredible collection of homemade sauces and the party is started!

  • S09E09 Movable Feast

    • Food Network

    The ultimate potluck dinner foods--all in one meal. Each easy dish Michael makes can be brought to another party. He gives tips on moving food and keeping it warm.

  • S09E10 Engagement Party

    • Food Network

    First comes love, and then comes...the engagement party. Throw an easy bash for the happy couple with romantic treats everyone will enjoy.

  • S09E11 Biking Picnic

    • Food Network

    You provide the energy; Michael provides the fuel with a backpack friendly meal.

  • S09E12 Steer Me to the Best Steak

    • Food Network

    Michael and fellow chef Jan Birnbaum face off again in a contest to see who can grill the best steak. Michael brings a classic Italian steakhouse side dish to this big meat showdown.

  • S09E13 Horseshoes Tournament

    • Food Network

    For this party, Michael's friends gather to play a favorite summer lawn game and enjoy an Italian inspired meal. With these dishes, you can eat and play at the same time and not miss a minute of the game.

Season 10

  • S10E01 Day After Brunch

    • Food Network

    In the season of graduations and weddings, there are always lots of friends and family still around the day after. Invite them all over for brunch to re-live the event and say goodbye over Michael's delicious savory waffles smothered in eggs, asparagus, leeks and pancetta.

  • S10E02 Not Your Mother's Baby Shower

    • Food Network

    Forget the pink and blue and "girls only" baby showers. Now, all of the Moms and Dads get together to celebrate a new arrival with delicious food and drinks like a Fresh Spring Panzanella and a Slow Roasted Halibut Smothered in Salsa Genovese.

  • S10E03 Open House

    • Food Network

    An open house is easy when Michael show you how. Easy polenta lasagna and stuffed portobellos are on this make ahead menu all the food stays out on the table for self service. Pitchers of Rose Sangria keep you away from tending bar.

  • S10E04 It's the Big One - Birthday Party

    • Food Network

    A special celebration for someone who's turning the big 3-0, 4-0. Easy crab cakes, heart tortellini salad, refreshing moscato cocktails and decadent cupcakes with mascarpone frosting. Big birthday, big food, big party!

  • S10E05 No-Cook Entertaining

    • Food Network

    When the weather is hot and you don't want to turn on the oven, keep your cook by putting together some tasty 'no cook' dishes.

  • S10E06 Warm Weather Grill

    • Food Network

    Michael takes the party outside for a dinner that you can make entirely on the grill. There s meat and potatoes and lots of it, but also delicious.

  • S10E07 Drive-in Movie Night

    • Food Network

    It s an outdoor movie night with all the fun of an old fashioned drive in! We re watching movies from the car while we munch on spicy shrimp po boys, gnocchi salad and fruit tarts.

  • S10E08 Spaghetti Western

    • Food Network

    A day of horse-riding in Napa Valley ends in a cowboy-style picnic. Michael dishes up grilled Italian sandwiches, hearty meatballs with smoky BBQ flavor and rustic side dishes.

  • S10E09 Pruner's Lunch

    • Food Network

    Michael serves dinner around a campfire of grapevine cuttings during pruning season in Napa. It's a hearty and savory meal of grilled pork chops and bean stew with roasted bananas for dessert.

  • S10E10 Stargazing Picnic

    • Food Network

    Create a nighttime picnic under the summer stars with an easy menu you can pack up and take to the campground.

  • S10E11 Mustard Party

    • Food Network

    In late winter, yellow mustard flowers carpet the vineyards of the Napa Valley. Michael celebrates with an all mustard meal featuring fettucini with mustard greens and spicy mustard coated pork with a fruity mustard sauce.

  • S10E12 Italian Steakhouse

    • Food Network

    Michael cooks a classic big meat menu from Italy with classic veal saltimbocca, a hearty Tuscan soup and a potato caponata. Molto bene!

  • S10E13 Croquet Party

    • Food Network

    A sunny afternoon on the lawn with a game of croquet and light and easy pick-up foods spells fun for Michael and his friends. It s an easy menu of foods that are easy to eat while you play.