Food Television

"America’s Test Kitchen” is always a favorite cooking show of mine. One episode usually includes a couple cooking portions, where they show you how to make a dish and tell you things about it like what the best kind of onion to use for French Onion soup is (since they’ve tested all kinds). They also test cooking gadgets like garlic presses, cast iron skillets and whisks. They determine the best quality for the best price, which isn’t always the most expensive. And they also test different brands of things like salt, canned tomatoes, cheese, etc. It’s a very accessible show and it’s on PBS. The main guy can be a bit annoying (so I’ve gathered from my husband when he’s forced to watch it with me). But it’s well worth enduring that. And I was so encouraged to learn another good friend of mine is a fan as well. That must mean I’m on the right track, because she’s a fantastic cook!

PBS has actually had several cooking shows that I’ve watched in the past. I know every locale has their own listings, but definitely check them out. “Lydia’s Kitchen” was a good one on homemade Italian food that I used to love to watch when we were in Cincinnati since it was listed there on PBS.

For just a short period of time, there was a cooking show on Lifetime called “Cook Yourself Thin”. They would take a person that wanted to lose some weight, learn their favorite foods and then remake them into healthier versions, teaching that person how to make them too. It was interesting, but I’m not sure any of the individuals they selected actually lost much weight. They would go back in 6 weeks and check on them, but they never looked a whole lot different to me. Other than the fact that they let them wear makeup, style their hair and wear cuter clothing! But it was still interesting to me, someone who loves food but also likes to be somewhat health conscious from time to time.

I wish I had The Food Network. But I know that if I did, I would never get away from the TV. So it’s actually probably best for both my wallet and my life that I don’t.

And lastly, I love reality food shows like “Top Chef”, “Hell’s Kitchen” and “Kitchen Nightmares”. I used to watch “Top Chef” with my sister-in-law, Christine, and we loved the food, the constant drama, and the fun challenges and quick fires. Seriously, you should check it out. I haven’t watched it for awhile (due to said lack of full cable), but when a chef can make gourmet food out of popcorn, they deserve to be paid the big bucks! And all those shows just underline my deep resolve to never, never be a chef myself. Too much stress cooking for all those crowds…