Kelsey Nixon's got spunk, she's got sass, but most importantly, she's got what you so desperately need in the kitchen: The Essentials. From "Roasting" to "Sauce-Making" to "Quick Breads," Kelsey shows you — the DIY home cook — the essential techniques, equipment and foolproof tips you need to be the boss of your own kitchen. Kelsey is all about using the basics to create dishes that are anything but ordinary.
Kelsey's 25 Most Popular Recipes

Get Kelsey's Fan-Favorite Recipes 26 Photos

All of Kelsey's recipes are pretty great, but her fans cook these classics over and over.

Easy Entertaining

Watch: Simple Party Tips 18 Videos

Get great party ideas, from the perfect cheese plate to decadent deviled eggs.

Banana Caramel Cream Pie

Watch: Easy Cream Pie 18 Videos

We're happy to eat this incredibly luscious dessert any time of day.

Kitchen Essentials

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Essential Roasted Chicken 03:22

Fresno Pepper Hot Sauce 03:04

Kelsey's Simple Pizza Dough 02:59

Show Extras

Essential Ingredients: Recipe by Recipe 17 Photos

Transform a few key ingredients into unexpected but easy recipes. 
Visual Ingredient Guides

Cooking Fundamentals

Free Culinary School

Master your chopping, baking and everyday dinner-making skills with simple kitchen tips.
Cook Like a Pro

More Cooking Essentials

Videos: Kitchen Basics

Save money on culinary school with our easy tips on everything from chopping veggies to frosting a cake.

Become a Cooking Pro

Video: Essential Knives 14 Videos

Kelsey shows you why a good core set of kitchen knives are a chef's most essential tools.

See the Four Knives You Need

How to Slice & Chop 14 Photos

Learning to use kitchen knives properly can save you time, hassle and Band-aids.

Hone Your Knife Skills

How to Use Herbs 9 Photos

Add color and kick to your dishes with our step-by-step herb techniques.

Make the Most of Leafy Herbs

How to Pick & Store Fish 6 Photos

Learn how to buy the freshest fish, and it will do much of the work for you.

Improve Your Seafood

How to Defrost Meat 6 Photos

Make safe use of the chicken, beef and other meats sitting in your freezer.

See How to Thaw Meat, Step-by-Step

More Kitchen Tips

Our original web series Good to Know has more fun how-to's and DIY tips to simplify and inspire your cooking.
Watch Good to Know.

Most Popular Recipes

All Kelsey's Essentials Recipes

Every Herb Pesto

Ham, Leek and Gruyere Quiche

Sloppy Jane Sliders

Microwave Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Cream

Mile-High Apple Pie

Quick Pickles

Cajun Shrimp Po' Boys

Fruit Leathers

Fruit Crisp Topping

Tomatillo Dressing

Papaya Slaw with Spicy Honey Vinaigrette

Tangy Coleslaw with Smoked Corn and Lime Dressing

Cashew Nut Brittle

Raspberry Limeade with Lavender and Mint

Chocolate Peanut Butter and Banana Icebox Cake

Parmesan-Crusted Grilled Cheese

Dessert Sushi

Potato Latkes with Smoked Turkey Leg and Kumquat Chutney

Butter Lettuce Salad with Pickled Sugar Snap Peas and Homemade Thousand Island Dressing

Braised Collard Greens with Bacon

Salt-Crusted Pork Roast

Enchiladas Colorado

Sausage, Shrimp and Peppers over Cheesy Grits

Grilled Garlic Shrimp with Romesco Sauce

Chile Braised Lamb Tacos

Banana Caramel Cream Pie

Homemade French Baguettes

Recipes Recently on TV

About the Host

Kelsey Nixon

Kelsey Nixon began teaching others to cook in college when she created her own cooking show, Kelsey's Kitchen, emphasizing fast, fun and affordable meals.

More from Kelsey Nixon

Kelsey's Homemade