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How Much Do You Know About the Barefoot Contessa?

Susannah Chen — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:00:55 PST

Happy Birthday, Ina Garten! Today, the Food Network star and celebrity food personality turns another year older, ringing in her 64th.

The Barefoot Contessa, as her fans call her, is always cool and collected when it comes to elegant home entertaining. How much do you know about her interesting life and accomplishments? Find out when you take this quiz!

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Geoffrey Zakarian on Winning The Next Iron Chef: Super Chefs

Susannah Chen — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:50:31 PST

Those of you who've tuned into the Food Network at all in recent days might have heard that the last season of The Next Iron Chef: Super Chefs has just wrapped, and a new champion has emerged victorious out of the star-studded (and highly competitive) lineup.

That would be Geoffrey Zakarian, guest judge of Food Network's Chopped and chef and owner of The National and The Lambs Club in New York City and Tudor House in Miami.

I had a chance to catch up with the chef over the phone, where he revealed his thoughts on why he won, how he hopes to set himself apart from the others on Iron Chef America, and what he always makes for the holidays.

YumSugar: You had a very serious expression on your face when the final outcome was revealed. What was your first thought when they announced you as the winner?
Geoffrey Zakarian: Well, they actually didn't call my name, which was sort of confusing, because whenever anyone got kicked off, they would actually say, "You will not be the next Iron Chef." But I was stunned, shocked, and relieved; there was a real sense of accomplishment.

Zakarian on his toughest Next Iron Chef moments, and his upcoming Kitchen Stadium challenges, after the jump.

Did You Tune Into The Next Iron Chef: Super Chefs?

Lizzie Fuhr — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:56:15 PDT

The Next Iron Chef: Super Chefs premiered on Food Network last night. Just as expected from the lineup of the accomplished and talented chefs, the competition was fierce.

In the last installments of The Next Iron Chef, just appearing on the show was a feat in itself; the tables have turned this season. All of the contestants have an established following - most even have a restaurant or two up their sleeves.

The difference was clear, even from this first episode: each of these chefs has the culinary chops to be the next Iron Chef. The real challenge here is going to be standing up to the pressure, remaining confident, and not getting lost in their head, regardless of what crazy circumstances are thrown in their direction.

The first challenge tested the resourcefulness of all the competitors: the 10 cheftestants were paired off into teams and promptly dropped in the middle of nowhere. All the teams had was a suckling pig, a spread of local ingredients, the necessary elements to build a fire, and the instructions to cook their hearts out. Given the situation, what all the chefs managed to create was nothing short of spectacular. Keep reading to see which team won the challenge and who was forced to duke it out in Kitchen Stadium.

The Basics: Sugar Cookies

Susannah Chen — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 16:00:35 PDT

While packing for an annual picnic at Hog Island, I struggled with what to bring for dessert. I wavered between many different dishes but ultimately went with sugar cookies. Unlike butter cookies or shortbread, these golden disks are moist and chewy. The ingredient list is similar except there's more sugar and less butter involved. As a kid, sugar cookies became my best friend at the first bendable bite. Years later, as an adult who entertains, they're my go-to hostess cookie because of their ease, portability, short baking time, and adaptability. See my favorite recipe - and some simple variations on it - when you read more.

10 Beautiful Recipes From the Barefoot Contessa

Lizzie Fuhr — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 12:33:15 PDT

I'm sure it comes as no surprise that we adore the Barefoot Contessa. Over the years, we've been delighted by the beautiful recipes Ina Garten has developed in her picturesque Hamptons kitchen. There's something so cool, calming, and collected about her. After all, Ina's confident and comforting cooking style has become a Food Network sensation! Today, we're celebrating the Contessa with 10 of her recipes that we absolutely love.

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Top 10 Wackiest-Named Rachael Ray Recipes

Susannah Chen — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 04:02:27 PDT

43 years ago today, Rachael Ray was born in Glen Falls, NY. While she's probably not ringing in the year with another skydiving trip, the 30 Minute Meals and talk show star is doubtless just as campy as ever. The words she's introduced to the English language, like "yum-o" and "EVOO," may have you rolling your eyes, but American kitchens (and vocabularies) certainly wouldn't be the same without her. Happy 43st, Rachael - here's a salute to your corniest recipe titles.

Giada: From Pretty Cook to Full-Blown Celebrity Chef

YumSugar — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:42:11 PDT

Regardless of whether you think she hosts the best Italian cooking show, Giada De Laurentiis has made a tremendous mark on home cooking in America. Over the years, Giada's evolved from fresh-faced home caterer to full-blown celebrity TV personality - and today, the Food Network star turns 41 years young. To pay tribute to her influence, I thought I'd show you a glimpse of her best moments over the years. Check it out when you keep reading.

5 Food Network Shows We Can't Wait to Watch

Lizzie Fuhr — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 03:17:14 PDT

It's no surprise that we are big fans of Food Network around here. While our FN staples like Bobby Flay, Giada De Laurentiis, and Paula Deen will always hold a special place in our hearts, we're excited for the new crew that will take our screens by storm this Fall. Some are more well-known TV personalities and others you may not have heard of yet, but all five are sure to inspire your culinary chops. Take a peek at the five fresh faces on Food Network we can't wait to watch!

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Guess Who?

YumSugar — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 15:09:12 PDT

Can you guess which Food Network star was at a party in the Hamptons over the weekend?

Bobby Flay Joins Worst Cooks in America

Susannah Chen — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 10:47:01 PDT

Food Network's Worst Cooks in America will soon be back for a third season, but it continues to reinvent itself. This time, it'll have a new chef host: Bobby Flay.

The reality TV competition follows 16 of the most futile cooks in the country as they split into two competing "culinary boot camps" led by Food Network chefs. Although the show has always starred Anne Burrell, its competing chef host has changed with each new season.

The inaugural season of Worst Cooks began with Beau MacMillan, who was swapped out in season two for Dinner: Impossible's Robert Irvine. Now, the third season, which is currently casting and scheduled to premiere February of next year, will also star Bobby Flay.

I can't remember Bobby Flay ever not making a show better, so I'm looking forward to seeing what he has to bring to Worst Cooks. Will you watch Bobby's new show?