Laptop Television Mom

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