Tag Archive for ‘Food Network’ at Laptop Television Mom

Tag Archive for 'Food Network'

My German Chocolate Cake “Throwdown”

Bobby Flay

I made birthday cupcakes for my husband’s office just after we moved to California 16 years ago. My husband requested German chocolate cupcakes, which is one of my favorites desserts. I happened to be very busy at work at the time, so I opted for (gasp!) store-bought frosting. The cupcakes tasted horrible, so I made an emergency call to my mom asking for Grandma’s recipe for German chocolate cake frosting. And the rest, as they say, is history.

My grandma passed down the best coconut-pecan frosting, the technical name for German chocolate cake frosting, ever. I have since made it dozens of times for my friends in California, happily sharing a nugget of my German-Czech-Midwestern upbringing.

Now for my dirty little secret: I have always used a cake mix. I know, it’s embarrassing. I simply thought the frosting was so delicious the actual cake could never hold a candle, so there was no need to bother. And then, I saw the light…

On a typical Sunday night, I was watching Throwdown with Bobby Flay on the Food Network. But this episode was especially intriguing. Bobby was on the war-path to make the best German chocolate cake ever, and he wanted to beat the famous “Make My Cake” bakery in Harlem, New York City. Bobby’s Throwdown was my inspiration to create the ultimate cake to support my grandma’s coconut-pecan frosting.

Since that episode aired, I have been on a mission to make a cake that can hold a candle to my grandma’s delicious frosting. Once I have that magical recipe figured out, I’ll write again, but I doubt I will ever share my grandma’s recipe for the frosting. It’s just that good.

In honor of Bobby Flay’s Throwdown, the title of famous show and his new cookbook, I am giving away a copy of the cookbook to one lucky reader. Write a comment below to be entered to win the prize. Share your favorite German chocolate cake recipe to be entered twice. The good folks at the Food Network will mail a copy to you, and you can cook more than 100 recipes from his shows, from meatloaf to matzo ball soup. Deadline for entry is November 12, 2010; entries from the U.S. and Canada only. Make sure you leave an email address, so I can notify the winner.

Good luck and happy cooking!

– LTV Mom

About Bobby Flay’s Throwdown: Are you ready? Every week on Throwdown!, celebrity chef and restaurateur Bobby Flay goes head-to-head with cooks who have staked their claim as masters of an iconic dish—buffalo wings, chicken cacciatore, or sticky buns, for example—even though he may never have cooked these things before. The results are always entertaining—and delicious. In his first-ever cookbook collaboration with Food Network, Bobby shares the recipes and fun from his popular show.

The ultimate companion cookbook to one of America ’s favorite food shows, Bobby Flay’s Throwdown! lets home cooks and fans in on the action, featuring favorite Throwdown! moments and behind-the-scenes peeks alongside beautiful, all-new color food photography created just for this book. So if Bobby Flay ever strolls into your backyard asking “Are you ready for a Throwdown?” you definitely will be! Get your copy today at foodnetwork.com/store.

Photo Credit: Food Network

Note: The prize is provided by Food Network. I volunteered to write this post, without compensation. The words are mine and unedited.

Published

Stacy Libby

on October 31, 2010

in Food, Food Network, Giveaways and Laptop Television

. 8 Comments

The Next Food Network Star Season 6 Winner: Aarti Sequeira

The Next Food Network Star Aarti Sequeira

The Next Food Network Star Season Six Winner: Aarti Sequeira

This foodie loves Indian cuisine. I can devour a plate of Gobhi Aaloo and butter chicken (with a side of naan, of course), but the thought of actually cooking the meal is down-right frightening. Thanks to the winner of The Next Food Network Star Season Six, I think I found my solution: I will stick to ordering my traditional Indian food at my favorite restaurants, and will simply try infusing some Indian flavors into my everyday cooking at home.

This culinary point-of-view is the vision for chef — and now TV star — Aarti Sequeira, who won Season Six of the competition Sunday night. Aarti was an early fan favorite due to her bubbly personality and infectious smile. But I believe she won because her new show, called Aarti Party, is interesting, unique and inspirational. She can certainly teach wanna-be chefs like me how to enjoy some Indian flavors without tackling full-flown Indian cuisine.

On Monday, I was fortunate to speak with Aarti and discuss her victory. Here are highlights from the call:

Q: What most excites you about making your new show on Food Network? A: Aarti’s answer was both simple and poetic. She said she wants to really live up to her full potentia and “go boldly into [her] future.”

Q: Will you continue your online cooking show and blog? A: Aarti wants to keep blogging and is not sure about her online cooking show. She openly admits that food-blogging “is an art form for sure.” She also added “the blog stays, the blog got me here, and it gave me a sense of who I am.”

Q: At any point during the competition, were you star-struck? A: Aarti gladly admitted she was star-struck when she met Paula Deen because “she’s so relate-able” and overcame her fears to live out her full potential. I liked that about Aarti, but then again I like anyone who stays humble and appreciative of what she has earned.

Aarti was a total joy. Her telephone persona is as charming and vibrant as her television persona. I would invite her over for dinner (and a few glasses of wine!) without hesitation. Aarti’s new show premieres on Sunday, August 22 at 12 noon EST on the Food Network.

Food Network SVP Susie Fogelson

Now, let’s talk about my personal highlight of the call: talking to Food Network SVP of Marketing, Creative Services and Brand Strategy Susie Fogelson. In all honesty, Susie is a stud. I want to be her when I grow up. She is smart and just pain cool.

Susie joined the call for a Q&A and spoke about the business decision of hiring Aarti. Here are highlights:

Q: Throughout the competition, what did you see in Aarti to vault her to victory? A: Susie quickly answered that Aarti was “interesting on so many levels right out of the gate.” If you watched the show, you know she had to work on confidence at times, but Susie said it was no surprise, she kept poise and professionalism throughout the competition. She finally added that “her light never dimmed.”

Q: When did you see Aarti break away from the pack? A: Susie quickly quipped that “Aarti had me at hello.” She added that Aarti has “a great spirit” and her “accent and smile are beautiful.” A true story-teller (that is a fancy term for marketer), Susie said she was intrigued by her background and personal story. Susie also spoke broadly about the competition saying “you have to be confident in this job, if you can’t maintain and sustain, it’s the kiss of death.”

I truly loved these conversations. This mom appreciates the opportunity to speak to two wonderfully smart, talented, driven and successful women. I’ll tune-in and watch Aarti Party… and dream of having Susie for dinner some day.

– LTV Mom

Photo Credit for Aarti Sequeira: Food Network

Photo Credit for Susie Fogelson: Food Network

Published

Stacy Libby

on August 18, 2010

in Food and Laptop Television

. 0 Comments

Next Iron Chef: Chef Jose Garces

Iron Chef Jose Garces

It’s no secret that I am a Food Network junkie. I’m addicted to the network’s line-up of foodie shows including Food Network Challenge, Next Food Network Star and Chopped. But, I have to say, my recent interview with the Next Iron Chef was a highlights for my blogging career.

If you are new to Food Network and the Iron Chef franchise, The Next Iron Chef is a TV show that has ten super-star chefs competing to achieve the status of Iron Chef. The few who achieve this status then cook and compete against the best chefs from around the world on the show Iron Chef America. The dramatic show features “kitchen stadium” (which is a completely tricked-out kitchen), a surprise theme ingredient (which ranges from eggnog to eggplant), and lots of drama (including a time-clock and feisty judges).

The winner of this season’s Next Iron Chef is early-season-favorite Chef Jose Garces, an Ecuadorian-American who was raised in Chicago and owns famed restaurants in both Chicago and Philadelphia. A handful of bloggers were invited to speak with Chef Garces the morning following his victory, including yours truly. Here is a snapshot of the conversation:

Q: I am a big fan of Chef Freitag and was disappointed to see her leave so early. Whose early exit was most surprising to you?

A: “Chef Appleman was most surprising to me.” Chef Garces said that Appleman was a strong chef from the beginning, and then added he was both “surprised and alleviated” when Appleman was cut from the show.

Q: There are moments when the “secret ingredient” is unveiled and I think to myself, “I would never eat that!” Throughout the season, what secret ingredient or menu-theme made you cringe?

A: Chef Garces quickly pointed to the episode where the Chefs had to cook with challenging ingredients including un-laid eggs, stinky tofu, dried grasshoppers and duck tongue. He reminded us that this episode was all the worst ingredients rolled into one heinous menu. [LTV Mom: I would rather cut off my right arm that eat those dishes.]

Q: Whose food would you most like to try?

A: Chef Garces said, “Chef Mehta’s food… I never got to try his food!” Note: Chef Mehta and Chef Garces competed head-to-head until the show’s finale! [LTV Mom: I am heading to NYC this week and hope to try Chef Mehta's Graffiti.]

Q: What’s the most important thing you took away from this competition?

A: Chef Garces said, “The show triggered my creative juices, I proved to myself that I can cook on the fly.”

Q: What was your favorite gadget in Kitchen Stadium?

A: Chef Garces likes the “blast chiller” which helps you quickly chill food. [LTV Mom says "I want one too!"]

Q: How will you be preparing your Thanksgiving Turkey this year?

A: I was shocked to learn that even Chef Garces will brine and fry his turkey this year. He says, “the product comes out the best.”

Q: Last and most important question: Chef Garces, you are from Chicago, so I have to ask: Cubs or Sox?

A: Cubs! [LTV Mom: Go Cubbies!]

At the end of the day, I have to say Chef Garces came across as a very kind, hard-working, down-to-Earth person. I hope to dine at one of his restaurants in the near future. In the meantime, I will root for him during his premiere on Iron Chef America on Sunday, January 17.

– LTV Mom

Photo Credit: Food Network

Published

Stacy Libby

on November 30, 2009

in Food, Laptop Television and Trying to be Cool

. 3 Comments

Reality TV: the Cake Show Bake-off

Cake Boss on TLC

When it comes to topics for reality TV, you can take your pick. You can find show about fashion, real estate, decorating, cooking and even hair styling. Recently, there has been an explosion of shows about cake decorating. When it comes to watching these shows, I see two major themes: cake decorating competitions and a sneak-peek into a bakery. Here’s a look at my favorite cake-shows, as well as a nod to my ultimate favorite.

Cake Boss on TLC — Yes, this is easily my favorite cake show on TV. The show Cake Boss highlights a family-owned bakery in New Jersey run by Buddy Valastro of Carlo’s City Hall Bake Shop in Hoboken. The show has a fantastic cast of characters, including Buddy, four older sisters, three brothers-in-law and cousins galore. Buddy is the heart and soul of the show. He is a hard worker, joker, comedian, and artist. The cakes that come out of this bakery are absolutely beautiful… but the beauty of the show is the love of the cakes, the heart (and heat) of the family, and the hilarious dialogue. Set your DVRs now.

Ace of Cakes on Food Network — This is another show that takes us behind the scenes of a too-cool bakery, but this time we are in Maryland. Chef Duff of Charm City Cakes in Baltimore is this cool, super-tattooed chef who makes masterful cakes representing icons from Wrigley Field to a family’s much-loved bulldog. Duff is charming, but his cast of supporting cake artists don’t hold a candle to the artists at Buddy’s bakery. That said, my kid’s birthday cakes don’t hold a (birthday) candle to Duff’s masterpieces.

Ultimate Cake Off on TLC — This show is a cake-decorating competition show, and it’s pretty good. Each week, three accomplished cake decorators go head-to-head to create amazing cakes based on a common theme in just nine hours. (Point of reference: some of Duff’s cakes take 29 hours!) I’ve seen pirate cakes and shark cakes… all better than the cupcakes I made last weekend! This show provides great insight into the heart, soul, heartache and expertise it takes to reach this level of cake design.

Food Network Challenge “Last Cake Standing” — Food Network Challenge has many different types of challenges, but I love the cake contests. It’s the show’s first-ever elimination style show, and is my favorite of the competition-style cake shows. Hand’s down, the best part of the show is the celebrity judge Kerry Vincent who brings a silver tongue, quick wit, amazing eye for detail, and signature headband to every show. Kerry demands each cake artist brings an amazing level of professionalism to each design, and those of us who watch the shows are the ones who benefit.

At the end of the day, I am hooked on my cakes… have I missed any other good shows?

– LTV Mom

Photo credit: TLC

Published

Stacy Libby

on September 8, 2009

in Food and Laptop Television

. 4 Comments

“The Next Food Network Star” Season 5 Winner: Melissa d’Arabian

Melissa d'Arabian and Food Network's "Ten Dollar Dinners"

This loyal watcher of “The Next Food Network Star” celebrated the crowning of this season’s winner on Sunday night. The show, where 10 chefs compete for their own cooking show on Food Network and subsequent celebrity status, concluded with two solid contestants: Jeffrey Saad and winner Melissa d’Arabian. I connect with Melissa’s “can-do-mom” attitude and was happy to attend a victory phone interview on Monday morning.

During our call, Melissa unveiled the concept for her new show on Food Network called “Ten Dollar Dinners.” I’m sure the concept — aimed squarely at busy moms on a budget — will be well-received by moms, dads and budget-watchers everywhere. Throughout the show, we got a glimpse of her “four-step chicken” type recipes, so I am hoping for quick and easy (as well as cost-effective) recipes.

Melissa explained the evolution of her show: “I believe that eating on a budget should be about feeling empowered and about feeling good,” she said. She assured us that the recipes on her show will include delicious and interesting ingredients (she promised no hot dogs!) because she wants to teach people how to feed a family a delicious and well-rounded meal with several components. She also promised her viewers “will be surprised by the ingredients and the recipes.”

What’s interesting about Melissa is her background in Corporate America. Rather than extensive culinary training, Melissa holds an MBA. She is self-taught, and in my opinion, self-inspired. She explained at the judge’s table during one of the episodes, “I was climbing up the corporate ladder, but my soul was malnourished.” After pregnancies, bed-rest and maternity leave, Melissa decided to follow her passion in the kitchen rather than return to the boardroom.

How does it feel to be the most under-trained contestant in the show AND to be named the winner? Melissa said, “It feels amazing to know I’ve been able to accomplish this and a tremendous lesson to not underestimate myself. Moms can do things too. My job will never be more important than my family. But my dreams do matter.”

Tune into Melissa’s new show “Ten Dollar Dinners” beginning Sunday, August 9 on Food Network.

– LTV Mom

Photo Credit: Food Network

Published

Stacy Libby

on August 5, 2009

in Laptop Television

. 6 Comments

Preview: Ted Allen’s Chopped

I wrote about Ted Allen’s new show on Food Network called Chopped HERE, and now I am happy to share a preview clip. Tune in Tuesday, January 13 at 10 p.m./9 CST to watch the debut.

Published

Stacy Libby

on January 13, 2009

in Food and Laptop Television

. 2 Comments

Ted Allen dishes on his new show “Chopped”

Ted Allen

Whether you are a fan of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, Top Chef or Iron Chef America, you are bound to be a fan of Ted Allen. I first fell in love with Ted as the smart food and wine connoisseur on Queer Eye, but always felt his talent was better showcased on Top Chef. I thought he added a human element to the often-times pretentious cooking competition. Don’t get me wrong, no one can toss out a multi-syllabic French adjective like Ted Allen, but somehow he doesn’t make you feel insecure when you hear it.

Needless to say, this mom-blogger was excited to be included in a phone interview with Ted to learn about his new show on Food Network called Chopped, which debuts on Tuesday, January 13 at 10 p.m./9 CST. (Set your TiVo now!) Here’s a recap of the conversation:

Introductions: Before the interview, I asked my friends on Twitter and Facebook if they had any questions for Ted. Many of my friends recently met (and loved) Ted during Camp Baby, so they asked me to send their regards. So, when it was my turn to ask questions, I began by asking if Ted remembered the ladies from Camp Baby, and his reply was classic: “How could I forget moms let loose without kids and lots of wine?”

About Chopped: Ted Allen hosts a new cooking show called Chopped to find the chef who can cook with creativity, excellence and quick-thinking. Each episode challenges four budding chefs to create a three-course meal based on three surprise ingredients. After each course is presented and judged, one contestant gets “chopped” until there is one chef standing. Each episode will feature a rotating panel of judges including Alex Guarnaschelli, Aaron Sanchez, and Geoffrey Zakarian who will decide which dishes are the best and award the winner $10k. It’s worth noting that Ted is not a judge for this show, rather he is the host and facilitator. [It will be interesting to see if he can keep his opinions to himself. And I mean this in most loving way possible!]

What makes Chopped stand out from other cooking shows? Ted says there is a “realness” to Chopped. There are so many chefs out there who want a real cooking competition, and “this one is special because of the real feeling.” Ted promised that we will see “panic, bloodshed and tears” from the chefs who focused on making a good dish out of good ingredients. Ted also said that the three surprise ingredients “don’t go together in an obvious way.” The chefs needs to show creativity and quickness as they only have 30 minutes to think, execute and plate their dishes.

What are Ted’s top three secret ingredients when he cooks? Ted could not keep his list to three, so he listed pork (he talks about pork all the time), cauliflower (roast it until it’s brown on the edges), black beans (great if you are trying to save money, they are cheap and full of protein), and salt (currently the “it ingredient.”) Of course, the final ingredients Ted cannot live without are butter and Tanqueray.

What staple ingredients should a kitchen never be without? Ted answered this quickly: “You mean other than salt, pepper and oil? A bottle of champagne in the fridge when people pop over. And lots of cheeses and mustard. I have a mustard fetish. And BACON. Oh my God, you gotta have bacon.”

Any tips for planning a dinner party? Don’t worry about preparing something “fancy and fussy.” At the end of the day, people really want food that tastes good. No one will ever turn down a delicious bowl of chili.

Do you have any advice for moms who want to make delicious and healthy dishes but don’t have three hours to cook? Ted said to avoid buying pre-packaged foods and focus on developing cooking skills. He said moms should learn to work with what’s available in the kitchen or foods that are in season. He recommended searching online recipe databases, such as Food Network, Epicurious or Cookstr, to find recipes based on specific foods that are handy when it’s time to cook. Finally, Ted reminded us “you can’t go wrong with a stir-fry.”

Conclusion: Ted spent another 20 minutes chatting with the bloggers about Food Network, Top Chef and Queer Eye. He was so kind and so gracious. I cannot wait to see the show on Tuesday night! Please tune in and share your comments below!

- LTV Mom

Published

Stacy Libby

on January 13, 2009

in Food, Laptop Television and Trying to be Cool

. 18 Comments