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.

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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

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

Seared Duck Breast with Fig Sauce

Goat Cheese and Herb Stuffed Chicken Roulade

Cilantro-Lime Rice

Chile Braised Lamb Tacos

Orzotto

Banana Split Funnel Cake

Pickle-Brined Pork Chops with Mushroom Escabeche and Smashed Potatoes

Honey Corn

Homemade Pomegranate-Lime Lollipops

Puff Pastry Tart

Stuffed Potato Skin Skillet Hash with Fried Eggs

Simple Pizza Dough

Lemon Curd

Meatball Sub Egg Roll

Smoky Panzanella with Market Vegetables

Fried Quick Pickles with Buttermilk Ranch Dippin' Sauce

Watermelon, Ginger and Lime Granita

Lemon-Scented Crispy Chicken Thighs with Potatoes and Baby Carrots

Pan Seared Scallops with a Tomato and White Chocolate Beurre Blanc

Classic Filet with Porcini-Marsala Pan Sauce

Leftover Turkey Sandwich with Spicy Cranberry Cream

Pie-in-a-Jar

Fresno Pepper Hot Sauce

Beet, Bacon and Herbed Goat Cheese Flatbread

Marinated Antipasti Bruschetta

Crab Cake Croquettes

Chicken-Fried Steak with Spiced Milk Gravy

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