Foodie News - Cupcake Wars

**TUNE-IN ALERT**
BAKERS BATTLE IN HEATED FIRST SEASON OF CUPCAKE WARS
New Primetime Series Premieres June 15th at 9pm ET/PT on Food Network

NEW YORK – May 24, 2010 – It’s cupcake vs. cupcake in Food Network’s tastiest competition yet premiering Tuesday, June 15th at 9pm ET/PT! Each week on Cupcake Wars, four of the country’s top cupcake bakers face off in three elimination challenges until only one decorator remains. The sweet prize: $10,000 and the opportunity to showcase their cupcakes at the winning gig. Whether a special Ace of Cakes anniversary celebration, a star-studded magazine party, or an A-list celebrity golf tournament, these Cupcakes Wars really heat up. Candace Nelson (owner of Sprinkles Cupcakes) and Florian Bellanger (chef and co-owner of online macaroon company MadMac) serve as permanent judges with a third rotating judge each week, and Justin Willman hosts.

For more information on Cupcake Wars, visit: www.foodnetwork.com/cupcakewars

Episodes include:

Premieres Tuesday, June 15th at 9pm ET/PT– SERIES PREMIERE!
“SeaWorld Birthday Bash”
Four creative cupcake bakers go head-to-head in hopes of having their sweets featured at a seaside birthday party. Contestants include: Lindsay Morton of Dollhouse Bakeshop Shoppe (Santa Monica, Calif.), Brett Thompson of Milk (Los Angeles), Allyson Fiander of Daddy Cakes (Topeka, Kan.) and Tracey Buchanan of Sweet Bakery & Café (Ellicot City, Md.).

Premieres Tuesday, June 22nd at ET/PT
“Match Making Party”
Four artistic cupcake bakers battle it out in an aphrodisiac-inspired challenge for the opportunity to have their mouth-watering treats featured at a star-studded magazine party. Contestants include: Chloe Coscarelli of chloecoscarell.com Chef Chloe (Los Angeles), Shannon Normand of Crushcakes Cupcakery (Santa Barbara, Calif.), Shayrin Badillo of Cupcakes Nouveau (Coral Gables, Fla.) and Jeff Bonilla of Cups (La Jolla, Calif.).

Premieres Tuesday, June 29th at 10pm ET/PT
“Ace of Cakes 100th Episode Celebration”
Four talented cupcake bakers vie for the chance to have their sweets displayed at an anniversary party for Ace of Cakes’ 100th episode. Cake-master Duff Goldman shares his expertise as a guest judge and contestants include: Jessica Cuff of The Coffee Shop (Gilbert, Ariz.), Michael Centimore of Cupcake Charlies (Mashpee, Mass.), Alyssa Magliato of The Perfect Circle Cupcakery (Orange, Calif.) and Erica Tucker of Sweet E’s Bake Shoppe (Los Angeles).

Premieres Tuesday, July 6th at 10pm ET/PT
“Survival of the Fittest”
Four creative cupcake bakers battle it out for the chance to have their over-the-top sugar displays featured at an L.A. museum. Contestants include: Lisa Cowden of Lulu’s Cupcakes (Scottsdale, Ariz.), Wendy Jones of Whodidly Cupcakes (Santa Barbara, Calif.), Maria Tonko of Cupcakes & Co (Burbank, Calif.) and Jeff Martin of Smallcakes (Overland Park, Kan.).

Premieres Tuesday, July 13th at 10pm ET/PT
“George and Ann Lopez Charity Golf Tournament”
Four talented cupcake bakers vie for the chance to have their delicious displays featured at a charity golf challenge hosted by comedian George Lopez and wife Ann Lopez. Contestants include: Hollis Wilder of Sweet! (Orlando, Fla.), Karla Jennings of Sugar Cupcakery (Milford, Ohio), Catarah Hampshire of Southern Girl Desserts Delivery (Los Angeles) and Todd Becker of Beckers Bakery (Manhattan Beach, Calif.).

Premieres Tuesday, July 20th at 10pm ET/PT
“Cupcakes for a Cause”
Four artistic bakers vie for the chance to have their cupcakes featured at a charity event. Contestants include: Rebecca Ybarra of Suite 106 Cupcakery (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.), Kara Haspel of Kara’s Cupcakes (San Francisco), Ivey Childers of Ivey Cakes (Franklin, Tenn.) and Lisa Donahue of For Heavens Cakes (Thousand Oaks, Calif.).

Premieres Tuesday, July 27th at 10pm ET/PT
“Film Festival Face-Off”
Four talented cupcake bakers battle it out for the chance to have their over-the-top sugar displays featured at a film festival. Contestants include: Arleen Scavore of Sweet Arlenes (Westlake Village, Calif.), Stefanie Gaxiola of Red Velvet Stefanie (Los Angeles), Zoey Devail of Bee Sweet Bakery Cupcakes (New Orleans, La.) and Johnny Mangamiotis of Mr. Cupcakes (Clifton, N.J.).

Premieres Tuesday, August 3rd at 10pm ET/PT
“Classic Cupcake Challenge”
Four creative bakers vie for the chance to have their cupcakes on display at a vintage-inspired event. Contestants include: Eileen Kerbel of Molly’s Cupcakes (Chicago), Farshid Hakim of La Provence Patisserie Café (Beverly Hills, Calif.), Lindsay Esparza of Cupcakes (Scottsdale, Ariz.) and Jasmine Frank of Jazzy Cakes (Sherman Oaks, Calif.).

Chocolate Oatmeal Pie

What’s not to love about chocolate?  You can also add a few chopped pecans to this easy pie.

Chocolate Oatmeal Pie

1 refrigerated pie crust

2 eggs, slightly beaten

2/3 cup sugar

2/3 cup melted butter

2/3 cup dark Karo syrup

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vinegar

2/3 cup uncooked oats

1/2 cup semi-sweet morsels

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.  Mix all ingredients together and pour into an unbaked pie shell.  Bake 1 hour at 350 degrees.

Simple Andouille Casserole

 

I love to try new foods.  The only problem is figuring out how to cook them!  That’s one of the many advantages of the internet.  Have you tried Andouille sausage?  I was pleasantly surprised.  It’s not too spicy and much leaner than I thought it would be.  So, I will definitely be using it in more recipes.

Aidells Cajun Style Andouille came with cooking hints on the package cover.  They even included a couple of recipes.  I think I’ll try the potato soup next.  This time I went back to a tried and true casserole.  Was it Emeril that said we need ‘smellavision’?  Well, the aroma coming from my oven while this was baking was absolutely wonderful!  For this recipe, I used Classico’s Florentine Spinach & Cheese Pasta Sauce.  But, you could substitute your favorite brand or flavor. 

Simple Andouille Casserole

2 andouille sausage links, sliced

3 cups pasta sauce

1 cup water

2 cups mini bowtie pasta

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.  Combine pasta sauce, water, 1/2 cup cheese, garlic and pepper.  Add sausage and pasta.  Mix well.  Pour into medium sized casserole dish.  Cover and bake for 30 minutes.  Remove cover and top with remaining cheddar cheese.  Bake an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and slightly browned.

Got Fresh Strawberries?

May in Tennessee means Strawberry time!  Take advantage of this special time of year to pick your own and make this wonderful pie.

Strawberry Pie

3 tablespoons cornstarch

3 tablespoons strawberry Jell-O

1 cup sugar

3/4 cup warm water

1/4 cup cold water

1/4 teaspoon red food coloring, if desired

3 cups sliced strawberries

1 baked pie crust, cooled

Dissolve cornstarch in the cold water.  Combine remaining water, cornstarch mixture, Jell-O, sugar and food coloring in medium saucepan.  Bring to a slight boil and cook until thick.  Remove from heat and add strawberries.  Let cool to room temperature.  Pour into pie shell and refrigerate until cold.  Top with whipped cream before serving.

Guest Recipe - Homemade Potato Chips

Sunflower Sue sent me this quick recipe for homemade potato chips. They are cooked in the microwave! I've tried this and they really are tasty. I made mine with a little olive oil. This is a great way to enjoy your favorite snack without all the guilt.

Single Serve Potato Chips

Sunflower Sue says: I tried this and they were soooo good. I hate to buy chips because I tend to eat them all, so this saves me.

All you need-
Potato's
Plate or bowl which is microwave safe
cooking spray spray
some paper towels
Seasonings of your choice

I did not peel the potato I just scrubbed it. Then you slice it thinly. Aim to be consistent with the thickness more then slicing it thinly as it will cook nice and evenly. Then cover the chips in a little oil on both sides and then flavor to your taste. You can be really inventive here or just stick to your old favorites! Though if you are going to use salt and vinegar I would recommend soaking the potato in the vinegar prior to oiling up.

Then stick the potato to the plate in a single layer, making sure that there isn't any overlap. Put the plate in the micro wave on full power.

For my 1-2mm thick chips, in a 700watt microwave it took about 5 Min's, turning the potato over about 3 Min's in.

This will be trial and error, all micros are different. So watch them. Please note that they do crisp up after cooling so its normal for them to be a bit soft when they come out of the microwave. Judging is easier on the colour and texture then anything else.

Foodie News - Cooking Channel

A new food network, the Cooking Channel, will launch in August 2010. This network will include some great new cooking shows along with some of your favorite Food Network stars. One thing that I'm excited about is that it will include some vintage cooking shows which include Julia Child!

SCRIPPS NETWORKS INTERACTIVE: THE LEADER IN FOOD MEDIA

Cooking Channel Announces Programming Slate

Food Network New Series and Returning Favorites

NEW YORK – April 20, 2010 – All burners are firing at Scripps Networks Interactive in the food category, with Cooking Channel and Food Network unveiling new shows for 2010, it was announced today by Brooke Johnson, President, Food Category for Scripps Networks Interactive.

COOKING CHANNEL

Cooking Channel, the newest network from Scripps Networks Interactive, will launch May 31st. The network by food people, for food people will feature a diverse lineup with new, original shows including Unique Eats, Foodography, Drink Up, Cook Like an Iron Chef hosted by Michael Symon, and Foodcrafters with Aida Mollenkamp. The network will also feature the U.S. premiere of shows like Food Jammers, Indian Food Made Easy, and Caribbean Food Made Easy.

PRIMETIME:

Unique Eats

Premieres: May 31

Unique Eats spotlights America’s most exciting and revolutionary restaurants, providing the first look and the last word in everything extreme in food today. The locations range from high-end dining rooms to casual neighborhood treasures and even roving eateries with no permanent addresses.

DRINK UP!

Premieres: May 31

Happy hour comes to Cooking Channel with Drink Up! hosted by Darryl Robinson, a.k.a. “Dr. Mixologist,” of the Hudson Hotel in New York City. From the first pot still, producing fiery drops of proto-vodka to today’s creative and complex cocktails served by mad-scientist mixologists in sexy lounges, Drink Up! shows viewers how those drinks got into their hands.

Foodcrafters

Premieres: May 31

Aida Mollenkamp uncovers the hidden handmade food secrets found across the country. Travelling from coast to coast, she unlocks these culinary treasures and show viewers how to bring them all home.

Foodography

Premieres: May 31

Food has shaped the way our culture and world have evolved around us. Hosted by CBS Sunday Morning’s Mo Rocca, Foodography showcases these cultural food themes by taking a look into the past, present, and future of iconic, classic, and trendy foods.

Food Jammers

Premieres: May 31

Each episode of Food Jammers features a high-impact, low-fi culinary contraption conceived, designed and constructed in the Jammer’s warehouse studio. This tasty, madcap food odyssey satisfies viewers’ cravings for unusual viewing adventures.

DAYTIME:

Spice Goddess

Premieres: May 31

Bal Arneson reveals the power of using fresh, wholesome ingredients to make delicious, simple, everyday Indian meals. In each episode, Bal delves into the world of herbs and spices and show how just a pinch of this and little bit of that can put pizzazz into any dish.

Indian Food Made Easy

Premieres: May 31

Chef and food writer Anjum Anand brings a lighter, fresher approach to classic Indian dishes, making simple, mouth-watering meals. Anjum helps friends and viewers overcome their fears of planning, preparing and making Indian food by guiding them through shopping and dispelling the myths around Indian cuisine.

Cook Like an Iron Chef

Premieres: July

Iron Chef Michael Symon teaches viewers the skills and techniques needed to cook like an Iron Chef! Along the way, Michael is joined by chef challengers and other Iron Chefs who reveal their mysterious methods in tackling secret ingredients.

Caribbean Food Made Easy

Premieres: August

Levi Roots travels around the United Kingdom and the Caribbean revealing how delicious Caribbean food can be created at home with easy-to-prepare, mouth-watering recipes using fresh, healthy and readily-available ingredients.

Classic Cooking Block

Premieres: June 1

This block features: Julia Child and Galloping Gourmet. Bon Appetit!

Comfort on a Plate

 

Everyone has a favorite tuna casserole.  It’s a quick and easy dinner, but it’s also comfort food.  A tuna casserole reminds you of Mom and dinners long ago.  At least that is what it means to me.  This one is a little different from Mom’s, but it’s just as tasty.

Easy Tuna Casserole

1 can albacore tuna, drained (any size is fine)

1 package Velveeta Shells and Cheese

1 small can sliced mushrooms, drained

2 cups cooked broccoli flowerets

1 can cream of celery soup

1/2 cup water

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.  Cook pasta according to package directions.  Drain.  Combine cheese, soup and water until well blended.  Add shells and tuna.  Stir in broccoli.  Pour into medium casserole dish.  Top with shredded cheese.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Foodie News - Shows Foodies Love

If you haven't watched The Next Food Network Star yet, a new season is about to begin:

THE NEXT FOOD NETWORK STAR HITS HOLLYWOOD

Season Six of Food Network’s Most-Watched Series Hosted by Bobby Flay

Premieres Sunday, June 6th at 9pm ET/PT

Special Guest Appearances by Giada De Laurentiis, Guy Fieri, Rachael Ray, Wolfgang Puck, Eva Longoria Parker, Colbie Caillat and Many More!

NEW YORK – APRIL 21, 2010 – Food Network’s number one series, The Next Food Network Star, returns this June with the most exciting and intense season to date. Shot in Los Angeles on a brand-new studio set, season six follows 12 hopefuls competing for the ultimate dream job: his or her own Food Network show. With this coveted prize on the line, the finalists strut their star power and culinary chops for host Bobby Flay and the selection committee to see if they stack up against the competition. Under the mentorship of Giada De Laurentiis, the series kicks off with a two-hour premiere Sunday, June 6th at 9pm ET/PT as finalists get a taste of Hollywood with a trip to Paramount Studios and a six-course lunch for L.A.’s biggest celebrity chef, Wolfgang Puck.

All season long, the finalists receive extra insight and encouragement from a host of guest stars including Wolfgang Puck, Paula Deen, Guy Fieri, Rachael Ray, Alton Brown, Duff Goldman, Ted Allen, Melissa d’Arabian, Grammy-winner Colbie Caillat, acclaimed chef Todd English and mega-star Eva Longoria Parker. The selection committee comprised of Bobby Flay and Food Network executives, Bob Tuschman (Senior Vice President, Programming and Production) and Susie Fogelson (Senior Vice President, Marketing, Creative Services & Brand Strategy), narrow the field down until the finale. The winner, revealed during the series finale on Sunday, August 15th at 9pm ET/PT, receives a six-episode show that premieres in August 2010. The Next Food Network Star is produced by CBS EYE too Productions.
.
This season is the perfect time to check out this fun show. Can you name the winner of Season One?