New Series DONUT SHOWDOWN Among Cooking Channel's July Highlights

Cooking Channel heats up summer with new series Donut Showdown beginning Wednesday, July 3rd at 10pmET/7pmPT as three donut Makers battle it out for a $10,000 prize. Also heating up the kitchen this summer, Kelsey Nixon returns with the season premiere of Kelsey's Essentials on Wednesday, July 3rd at 8pmET/5pmPT as she ventures out of the kitchen and then comes back inspired to whip up her own versions of the recipes she discovered.

It's graduation time for The Freshman Class on Monday, July 29th at 10:30pmET/7:30pmPT as the students must put the culinary skills they've learned to the test in the toughest challenge yet. Cooking Channel beats the summer heat with Ice Cream Nation, a special celebrating America's coolest treat on Sunday, July 14th at 8pmET/5pmPT.

Also on the July menu are new episodes of Road Trip with G. Garvin, Man Fire Food, Tripping out with Alie & Georgia and other fan-favorite series. CookingChannelTV.com celebrates July with recipes, tips and tricks to celebrate the summer months. Join the Cooking Channel conversation on Twitter and Facebook.

SERIES PREMIERES

Donut Showdown - Premiering Wednesday, July 3rd at 10pmET/7pmPT
Donut Showdowntakes the donut to epicurean heights with an exciting competition between some of the best donut Makers out there. Hosted by Danny Boome, Donut Showdown brings an expert panel of judges to the diner kitchen to decide which fried treats will make the cut and which ones will cause the judges' eyes to 'glaze' over. David Rocco leads the charge as head judge, joined by fellow esteemed judges, culinary expert Maggie McKeown and popular Toronto restaurateur Zane Caplansky. Each episode pits three donut Makers against each other in a series of challenges, but only one can walk away with the $10,000 prize.

Premiering Wednesday, July 3rd at 10pmET/7pmPT -"Good Morning" - SERIES PREMIERE!
Donut Makers Dawn from Minneapolis, Del from Washington and pastry chef Michelle from Toronto compete in a mystery ingredient elimination round. The final two standing have to impress the judges by making three donuts with a "Good Morning!" theme, and the winner takes home $10,000.

Premiering Wednesday, July 10th at 10pmET/7pmPT -"Camping"
Donut Makers Bryan from Sacramento, Jacey from Salt Lake City and donut mogul Mark from Seattle compete in a mystery ingredient elimination round. The final two standing have to impress the judges by making three donuts with a "Camping" theme, and the winner takes home $10,000.

Premiering Wednesday, July 17th at 10pmET/7pmPT -"Fire & Ice"
Donut Makers Maria from Georgia, Ron from California and pastry chef Kristen from Toronto compete in a mystery ingredient elimination round. The final two standing have to impress the judges by making three donuts with a "Fire & Ice" theme, and the winner takes home $10,000.

Premiering Wednesday, July 24th at 10pmET/7pmPT -"Land of the Rising Sun"
Donut Makers Dan from Brooklyn, Shannon from Washington and Amanda from Toronto compete in a mystery ingredient elimination round. The final two standing have to impress the judges by making three donuts with a "Land of the Rising Sun" theme, and the winner takes home $10,000.

Premiering Wednesday, July 31st at 10pmET/7pmPT -"Cinco de Mayo"
Donut-makers Jasmine from Colorado, Martin from Georgia and vegan food trucker Ambergre from South Carolina compete in a mystery ingredient elimination round. The final two standing have to impress the judges by making three donuts with a "Cinco De Mayo" theme. The winner takes home $10,000.

Flip through mouthwatering photos of some of the most creative and delicious donut recipes you've ever seen at CookingChannelTV.com.

SEASON PREMIERES

Kelsey's Essentials
Premiering Wednesday, July 3rd at 8pmET/5pmPT - "Fiery Foods" - SEASON PREMIERE!
Kelsey heads to the first annual Hot Sauce Expo where hot sauce is being added to all savory and sweet foods. Then, she visits JoJo Collins who truly turns up the heat on her homemade Sriracha. Kelsey then gets started on her own hot sauce menu: Fresno Pepper Hot Sauce, Spicy Kale Caesar Salad and Spicy Roasted Chicken with a Hot Sauce Compound Butter.

Premiering Wednesday, July 10th at 8pmET/5pmPT - "A Salt of the Senses"
From sweet to savory, salt is used as an ingredient in almost everything, but Kelsey reveals the latest trend in using salt as a cooking tool. Kelsey visits David Burke who is using Himalayan salt blocks to cook anything from appetizers to desserts. She then tries her hand at using one to make a Scallop Crudo and a delicious Cashew Nut Brittle. Afterwards, Kelsey stops by an NYC rooftop farm that harvests salt, and then heads back to her kitchen to create Salt Crusted Pork Roast.

Premiering Wednesday, July 17th at 8pmET/5pmPT - "Hot Cool Desserts"
Kelsey visits Max and Mina's whose ice cream is anything but vanilla and helps them create a new ice cream flavor: salt and vinegar potato chip. Then, she heads over to Just Sweet Café, which is turning shaved ice upside down with their Asian-inspired flavors. Back in her kitchen, Kelsey creates her own innovative desserts, making a Curried Butternut Squash Ice Cream and then a Dessert Sushi topped with fresh fruit.

Premiering Wednesday, July 24th at 8pmET/5pmPT - "After Hour Eats"
When the city falls asleep some restaurants are just waking up to serve decadent dishes to those looking for a little something indulgent after midnight. Kelsey whips up a
Baked Tomato stuffed with Creamy Mac and Cheese with Bacon. Then, it's a Parmesan Crusted Grilled Cheese, and nothing says decadence like Crispy Truffled Shoestring Fries with a Truffle Aioli
.
Premiering Wednesday, July 31st at 8pmET/5pmPT - "Happiest Hour"
Kelsey learns firsthand how bartenders are reinventing cocktail favorites and turning them into innovative mocktails. Kelsey visits Geoff Bartakovics at the Tasting Table to get his secrets. She then meets the ladies at Ovenly who make innovative bar snacks including spicy bacon popcorn and peanuts roasted in bacon fat. Kelsey heads back to her kitchen to make her own happy hour favorites - a Blackberry, Cucumber and Ginger Spritzer; Homemade Pork Rind Cheese Puffs; Chorizo Stuffed and Fried Olives; and Spiced Bar Nuts with Orange Bitters. Kelsey's girlfriends stop by for a happy hour filled with delicious bar bites and an unexpected mocktails.

Make picnics and barbecues extra special with Kelsey's essential summer recipes and learn to simplify your time in the kitchen with our free comprehensive guides on shopping for, prepping and cooking every ingredient from A to Z.

FEATURED FINALE

The Freshman Class
Premiering Monday, July 1st at 10:30pmET/7:30pmPT - "Tiffany vs. The School"
The Freshman Class slices and dices their way through a pressure-filled knife skills exam and then test their abilities at making sauce. Tiffany's conflict with Chef Wes turns into an all-out war that threatens her future at the school. Jared takes on a culinary challenge that forces him to confront his disabilities, and Ben considers a major change when he struggles to pay for school.

Premiering Monday, July 8th at 10:30pmET/7:30pmPT -"Ben's Money Trouble"
The Freshman Class simmers as they try to prove their skills in sauce class. Ben has difficulty paying his tuition, leading to conflict with the school and forcing him to make a bold decision, while Tiffany tries to come back from her rough start by taking on a cooking challenge. And a troubling incident at school convinces Jasmine to try to deal with her mental health.

Premiering Monday, July 15th at 10:30pmET/7:30pmPT - "Tiffany's Breakfast"
The Freshman Class takes on the school's most demanding professor when they begin vegetables class. Tiffany begins building a business for after graduation, but when her husband gets in the way she's forced to make a big decision about her marriage. Jasmine tries to win over her mom's support by showing off her cooking skills, but her mom proves to be a tough critic.

Premiering Monday, July 22nd at 10:30pmET/7:30pmPT - "Jasmine's Temper"
The Freshman Class moves from vegetables to meat as they near the end of their first semester. Jasmine's stress boils over and she lets her temper fly at school, leading administrators to question her ability to succeed in the restaurant business. Jared tries to prove his disabilities won't hamper his career by throwing himself into the fire at one of Louisiana's busiest restaurants.

Premiering Monday, July 29th at 10:30pmET/7:30pmPT - "Freshmen No More" - SEASON FINALE!
Before they can move on, The Freshman Class must pass their toughest test yet, an examination of every skill they've learned since arriving at school. Jasmine finally makes a decision about her secret job, while Tiffany's commitment to school is tested when her daughter makes a surprising announcement. Jared tries to get a handle on his memory problems once and for all, and Ben tries to adjust to the balance between his school and home lives.

Watch exclusive web-only videos for every episode to get more of Jared, Tiffany, Jasmine and Ben's stories on CookingChannelTV.com. Stream the season premiere in full on the site for free. Plus, find out the unique background of the aspiring chefs and why they're risking so much to attend culinary school in Cooking Channel's Meet The Freshman Class gallery.

ON-AIR SPECIAL

Ice Cream Nation - Premiering Sunday, July 14th at 8pmET/5pmPT
From coast to coast, from the top of the float to the bottom of the cone, America is one big Ice Cream Nation! This special celebrates everyone's favorite all-American, cool treat giving the scoop on the best, the craziest and the most iconic ice cream shops across the country.

CookingChannelTV.com is topping off Ice Cream Week with a collection of our top ice cream treats and easy homemade ice cream how-to's. Plus, get tips on throwing a memorable ice cream social party and flip through photos of some of the craziest ice cream creations ever made.

PREMIERE EPISODES

America's Best Bites

Premiering Saturday, July 6th at 4:30pmET/1:30pmPT - "Goose the Market"
Natalie Forte discovers what happens when an Indiana boy goes to culinary school, works in top restaurants and returns home to fulfill his dream of becoming a butcher. Chef Chris Eley shows us the results of his successful foray into the butchering, curing and smoking world.

Premiering Saturday, July 13th at 4:30pmET/1:30pmPT - "The Tavern"
Natalie Forte discovers a mecca for exquisite comfort food that's artfully reinvented in St Louis. Chef Justin Haifley brings major culinary credentials back to his hometown and partners with some of his high school buddies at Tavern.

Premiering Saturday, July 20th at 4:30pmET/1:30pmPT - "Crazy Water"
Natalie Forte discovers Milwaukee's favorite example of subdued elegance in a renovated 19th century feed store. Chef Peggy Magister substituted a Chef's toque for a nurse's cap to do what she always wanted to do - cook!

Eat St.
Premiering Thursday, July 11th at 8pmET/5pmPT - "When in Rome"
At the Rome 'N Chariot truck in Mississauga, Ontario, a husband and wife team bring authentic Italian comfort food to the masses with signature Meatball Sliders and a loaded Porchetta Sandwich. In Indianapolis, east meets west at the Spice Box truck. With Indian delights such as Chicken Tikka Masala and a Spicy Wrap with mint chutney, these guys put the Indian in Indiana. Next up is Molly's Eats in Edmonton, Alberta where locals are lining up for a smorgasbord of international comfort food. Finally, in Portland, Ore., The PBJ's cart redefine the classic sandwich with tasty albeit unexpected versions.

Premiering Thursday, July 25th at 8pmET/5pmPT - "Get Stuffed"
In Portland, Ore., The Dump Truck has overturned expectations of the traditional Chinese dumpling by stuffing them with tasty American classics like a Bacon Cheeseburger, Eggplant Lasagna and Apple Pie. Then in Indianapolis, West Coast Taco's truck serves up delicious Mexican Korean tacos. Next, in San Antonio, The DUK Truck serves Duck Confit Tacos and a Thai Red Curry with Jumbo Lump Crab. Lastly, in Miami, Firemen Derek's Pies cools down with pie favorites including Key Lime and Chocolate Caramel Flan.

Find the best street food near you with our interactive food truck map. Plus, flip through mouthwatering photos of the best food truck dishes around.

Luke's Greater Mekong

Premiering Saturday, July 6th at 12:30pmET/9:30amPT -"Kep & Chau Doc"
Luke enjoys a weekend of food and sun in the seaside town of Kep before heading across the border to Chau Doc in Vietnam.

Premiering Saturday, July 13th at 12:30pmET/9:30amPT -"Chau Doc & Cai Be Vietnam"
Luke visits the floating villages of Chau Doc and Cai Be to cook some intriguing local dishes.
Premiering Saturday, July 20th at 12:30pmET/9:30amPT -"Cia Be and Be Tre, Vietnam"
Luke meets up with his parents to cook a meal and try some of the creepiest critters he's eaten in his life!

Premiering Saturday, July 27th at 12pmET/9amPT -"Luke Nguyen's Memories of Vietnam: Part I"
As celebrated chef Luke Nguyen prepares to welcome the Lunar New Year at his magnificent restaurant, Red Lantern on Riley, and he looks back on his travels in Vietnam.

Man Fire Food
Premiering Tuesday, July 2nd at 8pmET/5pmPT -"South American Grilling"
Roger meets two chefs celebrating Argentina's Asado and Brazil's Churrasco in northern California at Farmstead Restaurant in St. Helena. Chef Stephen Barber built a "live fire" cook area, complete with an eighty-five gallon cauldron, planchas, and metal crosses for Argentinian Asado where they slow cook spring lamb seasoned with Mediterranean flavors. Later in Healdsburg, he visits Mateo's Cocina Latina where they built an outdoor oven out of bricks and cinder blocks. They cook marinated whole ducks, pork loins and leg of lamb over a large pile of local Manzanita wood drizzled with pork fat.

Premiering Tuesday, July 9th at 8pmET/5pmPT -"Pig Roasts"
Roger heads to Napa Valley for two unique pig roasts. In St. Helena, Chef John Fink is famous for his portable Cuban pig roasts. John's father-in-law custom built a rotating metal cage that is placed on top of a cinder-block oven. They butterfly a whole pig and season it with mojo, the famous Cuban sauce of citrus, garlic and herbs, and slow-roast it over wood coals. In Calistoga, Roger meets Todd Spanier to feast on a whole pig roasted over a rotisserie that his grandfather constructed from recycled materials back in the 1970s.

Premiering Tuesday, July 23rd at 8pmET/5pmPT -"Texas BBQ"
Roger visits two legendary BBQ joints in Central Texas. At Kreuz Market in Lockhart, they have eight pits for cooking, acres of wood for burning and hundreds of pounds of delicious barbecue for stick-to-your-ribs eating. At Louie Mueller Barbecue in Taylor, third generation pit master Wayne Mueller gives Roger an experience of a lifetime. A new pit was built in early 2013 and twice a day it is "seasoned" with grease and heat. Roger lends a hand and is rewarded with a generous sampling of their famous barbecue.

Premiering Tuesday, July 30th at 8pmET/5pmPT -"Roasting and Ranching in Texas"
Roger takes a trip to West Point, Texas to meet Tink Pinkard. Tink is an outdoor guide, hunter, fisherman, caterer and all-around nice guy. Together they build a barbecue pit out of cinder blocks and prepare Italian porchetta. While the whole pig slowly roasts over coals, Tink teaches Roger how to fly-fish and takes him to a neighbor's longhorn ranch.

Flip through a gallery of Roger's own behind-the-scenes photos from the shoots. Watch videos of some of the most amazing ways to cook with fire in our Coolest Cookouts video channel.

Road Trip with G. Garvin

Premiering Tuesday, July 2nd at 9pmET/6pmPT -"Philadelphia"
G. Garvin heads to Philadelphia to find out what the City of Brotherly Love has to offer. He starts at Supper, where Chef Mitch Prensky incorporates some Southern style with his Red Velvet Waffles. Next stop is Warmdaddy's for a taste of soul with their much-talked about All-Night Braised Turkey Wings and Pineapple Upside-Down Bread Pudding. Then, it's a stop to sample the best oxtail and gravy in town at Caribbean Feast. G. satisfies his sweet tooth at the always unique Cookie Confidential, where the owner puts some hometown pride in her Philly Cheesesteak Cookie.

Premiering Tuesday, July 9th at 9pmET/6pmPT - "Las Vegas"
G. Garvin heads to Vegas where his favorite places hit the jackpot. The first stop is Hash House A Go Go where the chef lays out Crispy Hand-Hammered Pork Tenderloin, fried and topped with a BBQ cream sauce. At Sandy Valley Ranch, G. gets to be a cowboy for the day, complete with gear, lassoing, and riding horses. After working up an appetite, G. and Cowboy Dan make steaks, baked beans, and cornbread cooked to perfection in the outdoors. The last stop is Pink Box Doughnuts where Chef Rodney has merged sweet and savory flavors for an unbelievable doughnut-making lesson for G.

Premiering Tuesday, July 16th at 9pmET/6pmPT - "G's Favorite CA Spots"
G. Garvin visits The Original Farmers Market for a taste of local California eats with a Southern flair. He stops by family-owned The Gumbo Pot, known for the best authentic New Orleans cuisine in town, and then heads to Fritzi Dog where he works the counter and samples gourmet hot dogs and toppings. Then it's off to a tasting at Bennett's Ice Cream for old-fashioned ice cream flavors at their best. Five miles across town is The Serving Spoon, where a husband and wife team put G. in the kitchen to whip up one of their top breakfast picks, Salmon Croquettes.

Premiering Tuesday, July 23rd at 9pmET/6pmPT - "Los Angeles"
G. travels to Southern California and meets up with Chef David Lefevre of MB Post to pick farm fresh items for their mixed green veggie salad and then whip up their signature Bacon Cheddar Biscuits. Then it's off to Berri's Pizza where they serve a mouth-watering BBQ Chicken Pizza. Finally, it's a stop at Woody's Bar-B-Que, an iconic institution in LA, where G. gets schooled on what makes good BBQ and the best sides.

Premiering Tuesday, July 30th at 9pmET/6pmPT - "Washington, D.C."
G. visits the nation's capital and starts his culinary adventure at Sixth Engine, a firehouse turned restaurant, where they merge the tastes of the North and South in a Grilled Shrimp Black-Eyed Pea dish and feed some hungry local firefighters. Then, it's a stop at Birch and Barley where a husband and wife team brings innovative flavors to the city with their Honey-Glazed Duck and an artisanal French toast dessert that G. helps make. G's last stop is Boundary Road, an American bistro cooking up unique meals like Brick Chicken and Collard Greens.

Watch web-only deleted scenes from each episode of G. uncovering more of the country's best Southern food. Plus, get G.'s web-only travel tipsfor every city he stops in on the show. Then flip through photos and get recipes of some of the of the country's best Southern food.

Tripping Out with Alie & Georgia

Premiering Friday, July 5th at 10:30pmET/7:30pmPT - "San Francisco"
Alie and Georgia head to San Francisco, a city that is close to both of their hearts. Alie and Georgia navigate the hilly streets via scooters, decked out in vintage dresses and high heels. They check out trivia night at a local pub, where they munch on fish 'n chips wrapped in newspaper followed by the best Bloody Mary in the city at a dive bar that attracts local cyclists. Before heading home, the girls meet up with Alie's family at a small Italian café where Francis Ford Coppola once sat and wrote the movie "The Godfather." Back in LA, the girls throw a trivia party and serve delicious finger food and a signature cocktail inspired by their trip.

Premiering Friday, July 12th at 10:30pmET/7:30pmPT - "Alaska"
Alie and Georgia head to Homer, Alaska - the land of halibut and eligible men. The girls enjoy the stunning scenery via dog sled before braving the high seas to fish for halibut - the local delicacy. The experience leaves Georgia "green" and ready for a cocktail at a local saloon, The Salty Dawg. Inspired by the small town hospitality and local flavors, Alie and Georgia decide to throw a party at the Salty Dawg Saloon and invite some of the local men. The girls work with a local bakery to create "manly" bite-sized appetizers made from fresh halibut and Alaskan game, and then the girls hop behind the bar and whip up one of their famous cocktails created exclusively for the occasion.

Premiering Friday, July 19th at 10:30pmET/7:30pmPT - "Marfa, TX"
Alie and Georgia hit the road to check out Marfa, Texas. What they discover is a buzz-worthy hideaway loaded with inspiring restaurants, shops and bars. The girls decide to go "full Texas" and stay at an RV park where they sleep inside a vintage trailer and an authentic teepee. With the help of a local chef who is considered the ranch food expert, Alie and Georgia make a classic cowboy breakfast. Later, they enjoy a Texas-style beer cocktail at a funeral home turned bar and get a lesson on how to elbow their way around the rink when they meet up with a local roller derby team. Back home in LA, they throw a party with food and cocktails inspired by their trip.

Premiering Friday, July 26th at 10:30pm ET/7:30pm PT - "Miami"
Alie and Georgia head to Miami for food, drinks and good times. Donning vintage swimsuits and caps, the girls take the plunge and learn from the pros at a synchronized swimming class at the local pool. Then, they're off in search of the best key lime pie in the city. They find it in the most unlikely of places, the local firehouse, where Fireman Derek whips up his sugarless version of this classic Miami dessert. Inspired by the clever small plates at the Sugarcane restaurant, Alie and Georgia return home and make eclectic appetizers and a custom cocktail for their friends that reflect their Miami adventure.

Let Alie & Georgia find the perfect drink for you with our interactive Alie & Georgia cocktail generatoron CookingChannelTV.com. Plus, stream the season premiere in full for free and watch dozens of episodes of Cooking Channel's web-only series with Alie & Georgia, Classy Ladies and Drinks with Alie & Georgia.

DIGITAL CONTENT

100 Ways to Love Summer
Cooking Channel is serving up 100 amazing ideas to squeeze every last drop of fun out of summer! May kicks off the grilling season, and Cooking Channel has some of the easiest and most delicious burgers, sides, BBQ and desserts from fan-favorite chefs including G. Garvin, Roger Mooking, Chuck Hughes and more. Plus get tips, how-to's, party ideas and inspiration to make this your most flavorful summer yet.

100 Ways to Love Summer: Barbecue
When it comes to barbecue, wait patiently and you'll be rewarded - with tender ribs, melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork and smoky meats. Try Cooking Channel's recipes for classic American barbecue, internationally inspired twists and hearty Southern sides.

100 Ways to Love Summer: Burgers
Cooking Channel has a burger recipe for everyone, whether you crave a classic, all-beef cheeseburger, or want to mix it up with a bison burger, a veggie patty or a bite-sized chicken slider. Set your burgers apart with clever toppings from Cooking Channel chefs and learn secrets from the pros on turning out great grilling recipes.

100 Ways to Love Summer: Sides
Upstage grilled mains with an array of side dishes, like potato and pasta salads, slaw recipes, corn, grilled vegetables and more recipes from Cooking Channel. With our perfect party appetizers and dips, you'll be ready for every summer holiday.

100 Ways to Love Summer: Desserts
Satisfy your warm-weather cravings with fruit-filled desserts, no-bake treats and frozen summer sweets.

100 Ways to Love Summer: Healthy
Eat smart this summer with simply grilled mains, plenty of produce and fresh fruit desserts. These healthy recipes from Cooking Channel chefs will keep you feeling great all swimsuit season long.
100 Ways to Love Summer: Parties

Make the most of summer's unbeatable produce with 1, 2 and 3 ingredient appetizers, perfectly portable picnic recipes and crowd-pleasing potluck sides. Plus get unique party ideas that your friends will be talking about for summers to come. Superhero-themed sandwiches, anyone?

The Ultimate Sweets Collection
Cookingchanneltv.com/sweets - site launches soon!
Get all the gooey, crunchy, sticky, melt-in-your-mouth desserts that you won't find anywhere else. From decadent cakes, cookies, brownies and pies from Cooking Channel's all-star talent to the most Unique Sweets from the country's best restaurants, bakeries, boutiques and candy shops, no sweet treat is missed. Plus, watch fan-favorite chefs show you how to make the best desserts at home.

Stupidly Simple Snacks
CookingChannelTV.com/snacks - site launches July 3rd
In Cooking Channel's new web series, the adorable and quirky Amy Cao shows you how to make the quickest and most fool-proof snacks that will come out delicious even for those with no cooking skills at all.

COOKING CHANNEL (www.cookingchanneltv.com) is an entertainment brand dedicated to today's passionate food lover. For food people, by food people, Cooking Channel is the answer to a growing hunger for more content devoted to food and cooking in every dimension from global cuisines to international travel, history and unconventional how-to's. Cooking Channel is part of the media portfolio of Scripps Networks Interactive (NYSE: SNI), which also includes Food Network (www.foodnetwork.com), HGTV (www.hgtv.com), DIY Network (www.diynetwork.com), Great American Country (www.gactv.com) and Travel Channel (www.travelchannel.com).