Get excited: Food Network's number one series, Food Network Star, premieres its seventh season tonight at 9 p.m. As we once again count down to more hopefuls competing for their own show (get acquainted with the new cast!), we take a look back at winners and finalists from seasons past and come to a conclusion: what happens on the Food Network stays in the Food Network. To see what we're talking about, keep reading.
Yummy Links: From Animal Crackers to the Gourmet Next Door
- Williams-Sonoma recently released circus cookie cutters and Erin made the most adorable cookies.
- Williams-Sonoma recently released circus cookie cutters and Erin made the most adorable cookies. — Erin Cooks
- Nobody likes a uni-task kitchen gadget so learn how to use your common appliances in uncommon ways. — Chow
- Move over Magnolia: these cupcakes are giving the original cupcake bakery a run for its money. — Grub Street
- Speaking of cupcakes, one of the pioneers in the cupcake blog world, Cheryl of the Cupcake Bakeshop, is closing shop. — Slashfood
- Once you know the technique for making a salad you can create delicious variations without a recipe. — The Kitchn
- Meet SoGreen frozen yogurt, San Francisco's answer to Pinkberry. — FitSugar
- Many of you are wondering what happened to Amy Finley, winner of last year's The Next Food Network Star. Wonder no more: she's left the network and moved to France! — Food Network Addict
The Gourmet Next Door: Love It or Hate It?

Has anyone been watching The Gourmet Next Door, Amy Finley's new cooking show? The television series was Amy's prize for winning the Next Food Network Star and debuted on Food Network about six weeks ago. After watching a few episodes, I can't help but wonder why this woman has a cooking show. She's nervous and uncomfortable in the kitchen. She comes across uninformed because she doesn't mention measurements. When she spills ingredients or burns a dish, she ignores her sloppy mistakes.
On the other hand, her recipes are interesting and scrumptious sounding. I may even give her Moroccan chicken stew a try. Still, a successful cooking show is about so much more than good recipes, right? What do you think?
Yummy Link: Amy Finley's Show Starts October 14
Season Three Next Food Network Star winner Amy Finley's new show will start airing Oct 14. She's got a pretty decent time slot too. - TV Food Fan
