gdp's Comments

Star Talk : Aarti's After Party: It All Comes Down to You

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 18:07:46 +0000

I'm very sorry that the only way to vote is to log into facebook.......I would have voted for Justin but I don't want to be forced to access facebook..... I don't necessarily feel that he's the best TV personality, and I doubt that I would make many of the recipes; ....... Never-the-less, I find his cooking exciting and I'm sure that many valuable nuggets could be gleaned from him, (Ala Alton).

Star Talk : Sandwich King

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 19:47:50 +0000

Sorry, but Madison Cowan continually out-cooked any challenger.......He won it many times over honestly......It is FN that is continually wanting a personal story. ---That they choose to focus on it is FN's prerogative........ I remember them practically pleading with Aaron McCargo Jr. for just that over and over again when he was competing. ----And when he gave them a glimpse of it , It gave them an excuse to choose him......... I think they were fixated on his personal story to the exclusion of anything else. Evidently "makin it personal" is very high on their priority list. FN is obsessed with personal narratives so I don't feel it's right to knock the contestants for giving FN what they are so disparately looking for.

Star Talk : Sandwich King

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 19:07:17 +0000

Actually. I can see where Jeff's POV could attract a pretty big male demographic which I'm sure was one of their considerations. Very apparent FN thinks they will have another winner with the Guy Fieri / Nascar Demographic. Some of his grub would really work well at tailgates. Mind you that Sunday morning slot is problematic since the pre-game football shows are on and I think most football fans would rather watch Jimmy Johnson, Michael Strahan and Terry Bradshaw rather than Jeff. ----And all the local pregame shows are on at that hour. Really think they need a better timeslot. For myself, since I try to limit my carbs, I can see taking his ideas and maybe subbing salad or other sides for the bread. I've never had braciola but after seeing him make it I would try it. Congrats to Jeff and wishes for success..........

Star Talk : Melissa's Insight: The Art of Losing

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 16:42:11 +0000

I disagreed with you on you in your comparison of Jeffrey to Orchid. This week however, you were 100% spot on! .........I was aghast at Penny -----even more-so because of her evident self destructive behavior....... Your comments this week were very insightful and so true......... Should be required reading for all future contestants.........

Star Talk : And Then There Were 3 (Finale Bound)

Mon, 8 Aug 2011 18:47:49 +0000

The right person got eliminated this week---The cooking chops just weren't there in Mary Beth....... I do think however that FN will develop something for her ala Adam Gertler --just not cooking........Jeffrey Saad who does have cooking chops and should be cooking has a show where he just describes what he's eating United Tastes of America.... As to Penny I am stunned to see her not only sabotage Marybeth with her actions but, sabotage herself too; --.with her knife she managed to kill any potential goodwill she could have garnered by acquitting herself well as a sous chef and team player in this episode.---Add self destruction to her endless list of personality flaws. Was it worth it??? I still like Vic but I don't think he's consistent enough to bank on. When you even think of making a sauce from mint jelly and Grand Marnier or chocolate asparagus, you have to have second thoughts about him. It's one thing to think outside the box, but there has to be some vestige of reason behind the decision. It would seem that Jeff has the edge here but the POV might be a bit much for a whole season of shows. I'll admit I'll turn on HSN and watch Wolfgang Puck make paninis for an hour while he's hawking his panini maker but after the umpteenth panini you pretty much know how to vary the ingredients..... But I do enjoy watching Jeff and whether he wins or not I think he will find a vehicle at FN. I think Susie has a good chance of winning this competition. She obviously has cooking skills and it looks like FN is impressed enough with her story and POV to give her the nurturing she would need. Curious to see the reunion show.........

Star Talk : Melissa's Take On Orchid

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 19:09:22 +0000

Personally I find a Jeffrey/Orchid analogy unjustified. I think Orchid/ Debbie Lee would have been more appropriate except for Debbie lee's character flaws. Jeffrey's dishes were strong throughout the season with the exception of the risotto which seems to be an ongoing kiss of death for cooking competitions.........(It was the demise of Tre on Top Chef, and John Currence on Top Chef Masters) Even Aarti had a debacle with rice on Frank Sinatra night that landed her in the bottom three. I enjoy and continue to enjoy Jeffrey cooking and ran right out to get harissa to make that sandwich in the finale and recently purchased kimchee after watching him make kimchee fried rice on his blog. Recently , he was a pleasure to watch cooking along side Bobby Flay in "Grill It with Bobby Flay.............. I don't think it had anything to do with "upping his game". Rather maybe this--Had Jeffrey concentrated in one area like Penny's Middle Eastern/ Mediterranean I think he may have won the competition but, he was just as likely to do Mexican, Latin American and I think Food network keeps looking for specific niches to fill. Jeffrey's interests were too varied to pigeon hole him......... But then again, Food Network managed to do that in United Tastes of America--------(we love the way he describes things so let's give him a vehicle-lol ) I'm glad to see he has a show but, what an under-utilization of a talented cook......... As for Penny it is obvious in the editing that there is no way she will win. There is no way producers would edit a character to make her totally nonredeemable and then have her win..........

Escape to Food : Cast-Iron Pan Fried Egg

Tue, 5 Jul 2011 00:57:00 +0000

I have the 8 inch one and can manage two sunny side eggs. Since I don't like soft whites, I love being able to slip the whole pan into my Breville Toaster oven for a few seconds........I also start salmon in the pan and slip that into the toaster oven------Baked beans are another thing that I start on the stove and then into the oven -Love them done in cast iron. ---Just have to remember to use an ove-glove....... Needless to say grilled cheese and burgers come out well in the pan. Another plus is that cast iron can be used on an induction burner. I used to have larger cast iron pans but, I only have the use of one arm so the weight of anything bigger was prohibitive, so I gave the pans away. The 8 inch is a perfect weight and size especially for one or two people. I might have gone up to 10 inch but then that wouldn't fit in my toaster oven.........LOL

Star Talk : Code Blue

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 02:56:00 +0000

Okay folks- Anyone who is looking for Marybeth's Knock-Your-Pants-Off Sweet & Spicy Glazed Buttermilk Meatloaf - It is posted on her own website. - Just google Mary Beth Albright. Live Deliciously. ---Was surprised to find Parmigiano-Reggiano in there as well. Looks like it would make some great sandwiches.

Star Talk : Code Blue

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 00:00:24 +0000

At this point I think the guy to watch is Vic Vegas. Really feel he has an indefinable quality that translates well to the screen. With no formal training it will be interesting to see how far he goes. His risk taking reminds me of Tom Pizzica from last season. Asparagus dipped in chocolate =bacon steak. ( I should take that back -All Tom's dish needed was a pressure cooker) Just saying Vic's a big risk taker and that could get him far or send him packing. I hope he continues to have more hits than misses.

Star Talk : Code Blue

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 21:45:28 +0000

I went to the Sanaa website and it has some really unique for Zaatar which includes ground toasted chickpeas and rosemary in addition to the usual sumac and thyme and sesame seeds.......very unusual. If you are interested in Middle East recipes try the DedeMed website. She has allot of good Middle East recipes and many you tube demonstrations.........

Star Talk : Code Blue

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 18:43:12 +0000

I looked for Mary Beth's meatloaf recipe but did not see it posted. However, in case anyone is interested another famous food blogger Chef John over at Food Wishes uses buttermilk to tenderize his meatloaf and he has a recipe as well as a video on his site. America's Test Kitchen also uses buttermilk to tenderize their meatballs and they have a recipe as well ( you have to register for ATK but its free). I think they're keeping Penny around just to have an antagonist on the show. How else would Mediterranean Momma just happen to get Middle Eastern flat bread........ Remember Debbie Lee (Seoul to Soul) and how long they tried to keep her in spite of her falsehoods at every judges table. I'm sure many viewers were exasperated. It will take some huge missteps by Penny For Food Network to give up the drama she affords them but, I do think she will eventually be eliminated. I don't think there is any way to soften up her look or personality for public consumption.....

The FN Dish : FoodNetwork.com Exclusive: Aarti Party Renewed for Second Season

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 16:24:11 +0000

For a few more Halloumi cheese recipes you should try Nigella Lawson.... She has quite a few of them. I don't think there is much of a difference in taste between black and white sesame seeds..... It's mostly for appearance that they are used so you should have no problem substituting there......... By the way both go rancid easily so freeze them..... Regarding the difference between black and green cardamom. Black is smoky and used in savory dishes. I would not use that in any dessert. Green can be used in savory or sweet. Black is way less expensive........... I second that request about the wooden dabba box......... Looked all over in stores and the web for that but was unsuccessful.... I've had a metal one for many years but dislike it because every time I try to get the lid off the spices go flying into each other and everywhere. If you get a metal one make sure it has an inner lid ------not all of them do....mine did not..... PS---Much cheaper to buy the spices separately than in a Masala Dabba set......... .

The FN Dish : FoodNetwork.com Exclusive: Aarti Party Renewed for Second Season

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 19:29:48 +0000

Congratulations Aarti...... Gotta say I don't mind taking this one step at a time to get used to using the spices-- what to use whole and what to grind--what to dry toast first- what to toast in oil, etc.... If you are really taking ideas for season two let me put in my vote for Butter Chicken (murgh makhani) with the cashew paste.......Another is Indian Yellow rice.....or the Lemon Rice with the Dal I know you have the recipe up on the site but I'd like to see you make the bengali 5 spice potatoes. I've had that spice mix languishing in my cabinet quite a while with no idea how to use it........ Also, would like to see you make the kebobs with the Zaatar that you served Jonathan Waxman.........The recipe on the FN site omits the Zaatar........ Also, could you tell us where to get that beautiful spice container (Masala Dabba) you are using on the show----not the metal ones that are available?

Star Talk : Keeping Up With the New Star

Thu, 9 Sep 2010 19:53:28 +0000

Off Topic I know but Given the title of this thread (Keeping up with a new star)---Thought I'd post some info about Jeffrey Saad's new show on Cooking channel-----Mind you I'm excited to see Jeffrey but find it disappointing that this is how the chose to use his obvious talents........ I have to think any exposure is good but I really wish he were cooking.......It would be great if we could see Jeffrey reinterpret the classic staples as well as the "hottest chefs"........... E Gads---hope this is just a working title! ----United Tastes of America (working title)??????Whaaaaaaa! Premieres: Tuesday, November 16 at 9:30pm ET "Hosted by Jeffrey Saad, each episode of United Tastes of America focuses on one iconic food staple – donuts, burgers, pizza – and explores it from every angle. The history, process, science and pop-culture significance of each item are examined, along with a look at how today’s hottest chefs are reinterpreting them in unexpected ways. Jeffrey was a leading contestant on season five of The Next Food Network Star."

Star Talk : Finale Chatterbox: Party's Here

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 17:45:58 +0000

I wouldn't. It will turn out very mushy - a very unsatisfactory texture. The dish would turn out more than disappointing- after all it is supposed to be a raw kale dish. Save the frozen kale for soups.............

Star Talk : In Aarti's Own Words: Macarena, Anyone?

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:26:09 +0000

The spice container is called a Masala Dabba and if you don't have an Indian Supermarket nearby it is available on Amazon...... That and any spices would be much cheaper in an Indian market but if you don't have anything near you I would suggest Penzeys online for the spices. Some of the more common spices would be Turmeric, Garam masala, Cumin powder, Cumin seeds , Black mustard seeds, Coriander seeds, Coriander powder, Cardamon seeds or powder (green), fenugreek, and Asafoetida........ I bought the spices for Aarti's Tandoori Chicken and made up the mixture---Only problem was I should have made five times as much because the chicken turned out delicious and I now know I want to keep this as a staple in my house.-----Easy dish if you have the dry spice mixture ready............

Star Talk : In Aarti's Own Words: Macarena, Anyone?

Sun, 22 Aug 2010 18:13:51 +0000

No she wasn't saying coffee but apparently the words are quite often confused especially in Indian restaurants at the end of a meal ---dessert time---Are they asking for dessert or coffee? quite understandable...........Rather she was saying Kulfi which is an Indian type of Ice creme. ;)

Star Talk : Welcome, Aarti!

Sun, 22 Aug 2010 03:12:43 +0000

Off topic but since there are allot of Jeffrey Saad fans like myself I thought some of you would like to hear Jeffrey is currently filming a new yet unnamed show for the Cooking Channel with Mary Sue Milliken of Two Hot Tamale fame and LA's Border Grill................ Great news!!!!! http://twitpic.com/2fnvq4

Star Talk : In Aarti's Own Words: Macarena, Anyone?

Sat, 21 Aug 2010 21:53:14 +0000

Yes I'm looking forward to getting more Curcumin (the active component of tumeric) into my diet which not only has anti-cancer properties but is great for protecting the liver.......as well as being a natural anti-inflammatory (ginger is as well) Not to forget the health benefits of yogurt as well....... Regarding your other post about not being able to do the some of the recipes because they contain sugar Are you allowed agave syrup, brown rice or barley malt syrup? You could probably substitute agave for the honey. In the Ground Turkey Bombay Joe -I'd just leave the honey out entirely--It's such a small amount I doubt you'd notice the difference.......

Star Talk : Welcome, Aarti!

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 15:41:40 +0000

Debbie Lee probably was sent packing for lying one too many times. From the Angel cake incident to the caper incident which I think is the episode you are talking about------In that episode all the contestants had their food swapped out and given completely different and unfamiliar ingredients to work with..... Bobby gave Debbie Lee capers yet she conveniently left them out--- when called out on it she said they were in the dressing when they clearly were not........When that was disproved she said she had forgotten them, which incidentally wasn't the only whopper she told in the episode. FN would have looked more than foolish if they had given the title to someone with so many integrity issues....... .......nothing to do with her Asian POV.......... in fact at the semi-final the judges complained that there wasn't enough Korean influence reflected in her shrimp dish. Also the criticism of her in the semi-final was that the flavor they expected from Korean dishes was lacking...........