Welcome to Kitchenventions
From the very first day the first college students had their first meal it seems like no one has ever enjoyed dorm food. It's usually bland, visually unappealing, and often not very healthy.
In 2011 a group of students at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee set out to show how cafeteria meals could be re-purposed to make them into something you might actually want to eat. Even better, they showed how the tiny kitchens found in many dorms could be used for something other than microwaving popcorn or reheating leftovers.
They did this through a TV series called "Kitchenventions." Aired on the college cable system, each episode was written, performed, taped, and edited by a small but dedicated team. Best of all, besides having fun, they got to enjoy some really great meals!
Here's how Vanderbilt Television described the show: "Kitchenventions is VTV's brand new cooking show for the 2011-2012 schedule. The show features innovative ways that you can create fantastic tasting dishes quickly and easily. Want to know how to create an awesome meal from items you can purchase on the card in various Vandy dining spots? Then this is the show for you!"
The Nashville Scene website had some great things to say about the show. "At Vanderbilt University, they are apparently much more refined than we were on the left coast, and I'm not just talking about our marching band. At Vandy, they are seeking to prepare their students for a career out of the nest and introduce a little competitive spirit through a program they call Kitchenventions. A trio of clever Commodores hosts a recurring Iron Chef-esque competition cooking show that is aired on the university's student channel, VTV. The students seem quite thoughtful in their food choices, shopping lists and recipe development, and they include some of their recipes online if you see something you like. I've always believed that nobody should be able to graduate from college without at least some basic instruction in cooking, personal accounting and small engine repairs, and these kids seem pretty well-prepared to impress future suitors with their kitchen prowess."
More information on Kitchenventions
The Cast
Recipes
Tunnel Vision Issue 15
The Vanderbilt Hustler - 1/30/12
The Vanderbilt Hustler - 3/15/12
Behind the scenes
Kitchenventions Episodes
While the old Vanderbilt Television site that hosted Kitchenventions is now gone, most of the episodes are available here. Just click on the episode titles. If you have any episode not included here please let me know.
2011 - 2012 Season
Episode 1 - September 28, 2011 - "Epic Meal Plan"
Repurpose cafeteria items into more tasty and interesting meals.
Episode 2 - November 9, 2011 - "Deserts"
The favorite part of many meals is easy to do.
Episode 3 - December 1, 2011 - "Holiday Food"
Christmas is coming - here's how to make a turkey dinner with some classic side dishes.
Episode 4 - February 8, 2012 - "Fusion"
Combining the tastes of two different cultures into one exciting dish.
Episode 5 - March 1, 2012 - "Healthy Swaps"
Episode description coming soon!
Episode 6 - March 26, 2012 - "Favorite Restaurant Dishes"
How to make some of your favorite restaurant foods at home.
Episode 7 - May 2, 2012 - "The Feast"
Episode description coming soon! Click here to see the original entry form.
2012 - 2013 Season
Episode 8 - October 16, 2012 - "Grilling on Highland Quad"
Episode description coming soon!
Episode 9 - November 30, 2012 - "All Chocolate Episode"
Episode description coming soon!
Episode 10 - December 13, 2012 - "Guest Chefs"
Episode description coming soon!
Episode 11 - December 16, 2012 -"Bananas Flambé with Mike Osborne"
Episode description coming soon!
Episode 12 - January 13, 2013 - "Traditional Spanish Recipes"
Profesora Pintané prepares traditional Spanish food on this special Spanish-speaking segment of Kitchenventions.
Episode 13 - January 27, 2013 - "The Duel"
Episode description coming soon! "Our first ever cooking competition"
Continue on to our page on Mercury Retrograde on WRVU.
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