What's for TV: Empire (9p on FOX) and Nashville (10p on ABC)

Two of my favorite soapy shows are back tonight! The musical dynasties of Empire and Nashville return tonight - and I can't wait!  On the menu tonight are recipes inspired by the cities in which all the drama goes down.

ENTREE

Get some down-home cooking with a Tennessee twist with this Jack Daniel's Bacon Mac & Cheese. Who doesn't love a little comfort food with a kick?

Jack Daniel's Bacon Mac & Cheese

adapted from BreadBoozeBacon

• 10 slices of bacon
• 1/2 cup Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 pound box of macaroni
• 3 Tbsp butter
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1 Tbsp Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey
• 2 cups milk, slightly warmed
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 slices provolone cheese
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with non-stick spray.  

For the bacon part, put 1/2 cup whiskey in small saucepan and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and let simmer until about 2 Tbsp remain.  On a plate, mix the brown sugar and cayenne pepper together.  Take a piece of bacon, dip in the whiskey reduction then press both sides into the plate of sugar/cayenne mixture. Lay bacon on top of foil-lined baking sheet. Repeat for all pieces of bacon.  Cook the bacon in the oven for about 5-6 minutes then flip the bacon and cook for another 5-6 minutes.  (Note: the sugar will run over the pan - this is why we lined it with foil! - but the bacon should have a nice glossy look).  Set aside to cool completely.  Chop the bacon and set aside.

For the mac and cheese part, boil the macaroni according to package directions.  Drain the pasta and set aside.  Meanwhile, in a large skillet, make a roux by melting the butter then sprinkling flour over the butter and whisking to combine.  Slowly add the 1 Tbsp of whiskey and whisk to combine. Slowly add the warmed milk, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens. Add the cheese and stir until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.  Add paprika, salt and pepper to taste.  Pour the sauce over the macaroni and add the bacon.  Stir to coat all the macaroni with the sauce.  Serve right away - garnish with extra cheese and bacon, if desired.

Nashville returns tonight at 10p on ABC.

DESSERT

For dessert, get into a New York, Empire State of mind with these Big Apple Spice Oatmeal Cookies.  They're a little bit sweet, a little bit spicy and chockful of personality...just like our Cookie Lyon!

Empire returns tonight at 9p on FOX.

What's for TV: The Big Bang Theory (8p on CBS), Life in Pieces (8:30p on CBS) and Blindspot (10p on NBC)

It's here! The official start to the Fall Broadcast season!  So many new and returning series will premiere this week - and tonight, we've got a lot of returning fan favorites and some highly anticipated new series.

First up, CBS is starting off the season with the return of The Big Bang Theory and a new series, Life in Pieces, starring Colin Hanks, James Brolin and Dianne Wiest.  Later in the night, NBC premieres its heavily promoted new series, Blindspot, about a woman who finds herself naked in Times Square, covered in tattoos, with no memory of her past.

So here's what's on the menu tonight:

ENTREE

 I recommend making The Big Bang Bang (Theory) Shrimp  (similar to what you'd find at Bonefish Grill).  The Big Bang Theory returns tonight at 8p on CBS.

DESSERT

To satisfy your sweet tooth, make a Life in (Reese's) Pieces Cake.  It's a twist on the Candy Bar Birthday Cake I made earlier this spring.  Just substitute Reese's Pieces for M&Ms and peanut butter frosting for the chocolate frosting!  Life in Pieces premieres tonight at 8:30p on CBS.

AFTER DINNER

Unwind after your long day with a BlindSpot of Tea!  You pick your favorite flavor.  Me - I'll be drinking my favorite Spicy Chai!

Stay tuned for more food and TV pairings!

What's for TV: Dancing with the Stars (8p on ABC)

The Fall TV season unofficially kicks off tonight with the 21st(!) season of Dancing with the Stars.  Over the coming weeks as the new and returning series premiere, I'll share some TV & food combos you can make at home as you get ready to watch each premiere!

So for the first installment of What's for TV...put on your dancing shoes, waltz into the kitchen, and whip up this "Dancing with the Starfruit Upside Down Cake!"

I love upside down cake and in the past and have used pineapple, blackberries, peaches and cherries. Using starfruit really makes for a stunning reveal when you invert the cake.  And for a glitzy show like DWTS, I think upside down cake is the perfect classic but classy dessert that makes whatever fruit you use, really become the star(fruit).

Dancing with the Starfruits Upside Down Cake

adapted from BethCakes

• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large starfruit, sliced 1/4" thick with seeds and brown edges removed
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 1 1/4 cup flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup milk

Preheat oven to 350.  In an 8-inch round or square cake pan, pour 1/4 cup melted butter and sprinkle the brown sugar on top.  Place the cut starfruit on top of the brown sugar.

For the cake, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.  Add the egg and vanilla and mix until thoroughly incorporated.  Alternate adding the flour and milk, beginning and ending with the flour, stirring just until all the flour is mixed in.  Pour the batter over the starfuit.  Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes, until the center is set.  Let cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then invert on a cake plate, serve and enjoy!

Dancing with the Stars returns tonight, Monday, Sep 14 at 8p on ABC.