Cooking Shows: What's Cooking?

[Christina]

I just came across a show on Amazon Prime called Eat the World with Emeril Legasse. There are six half-hour shows where he travels to a country with another great chef to discuss the cuisine of that area. He went to Sweden with Marcus Samuelson, for example. I don't know if there will be more, but the six that have been released were interesting enough. 

[friendperidot]

I don't cook, I don't want to cook, I only cook because I have to eat. But I've run out of late night, true crime shows that I haven't seen in re-runs 27 tines, so now I'm watching cooking shows on Create. I don't care for Martha Stewart, but I've become oddly entranced with Martha Bakes. I am amused that she assumes that of course, everyone has this or that utensil in their kitchen - I don't own a spring loaded tart pan, I barely own a couple of cake pans. And there is no way, I'm going to spend hours doing all that is necessary to have 25 layers of dough - that's what the bakeries are for! 

And I've become interested in the guy who smokes everything on a golf course somewhere in a hot sunny locations with mountains in the background, in California. But the reason he caught my attention was because of things he says, like adding cinnamon to make something sweet - I don't cook, but cinnamon by itself is not sweet, it's a lot of things, I love it in oatmeal with brown sugar, walnuts & craisens. Sometimes he does have me drooling over some of his smoked ribs. He almost had me with the beer can sausage burgers until he added the eggs, I don't eat eggs, never have and also I don't own a smoker, I just got a Forman Grill this year and don't know how I lived all these years without one! I know, I could leave out the eggs, but it doesn't change the fact I have no intention of acquiring a smoker.

And I saw one tonight I just didn't care for, I think her name was Annabel, she is in New Zealand, she annoyed me, I only tolerated her show because my tv needs repair so a remote will work and I didn't feel like getting up and walking the 3 steps to change the channel.

[patty1h]

This is somewhat related to cooking shows... Robert Irvine, the chef/cook, has been given a syndicated show.  It looks like it's a combination of Dr. Phil and Steve Wilkos/Jerry Springer, where he'll have people on and try to fix their problems.  This can't be a good idea.

[biakbiak]

On 9/12/2016 at 9:40 AM, patty1h said:

This is somewhat related to cooking shows... Robert Irvine, the chef/cook, has been given a syndicated show.  It looks like it's a combination of Dr. Phil and Steve Wilkos/Jerry Springer, where he'll have people on and try to fix their problems.  This can't be a good idea.

Is he going to have a resume expert to help fix his?

[Enigma X]

On ‎9‎/‎12‎/‎2016 at 9:40 AM, patty1h said:

This is somewhat related to cooking shows... Robert Irvine, the chef/cook, has been given a syndicated show.  It looks like it's a combination of Dr. Phil and Steve Wilkos/Jerry Springer, where he'll have people on and try to fix their problems.  This can't be a good idea.

I don't understand. As if this person wasn't annoying enough. Why? Who thought this was a good idea? I am asking so many rhetorical questions because this makes no sense.

[Fostersmom]

Anyone been watching Smollett Eats? I remember Jurnee as a child actress, but only had a passing knowledge that she had siblings. I like all 4 of the brothers, but could honestly do without both Jurnee and sister Jazz, Jazz in particular. Jake and JoJo really seem to know their way around the kitchen and like they are awesome chefs. The whole family show could have been just too much of a good thing, but I think I've seen all of the episodes and they struck a really good balance. Today's episode was the season finale, I hope they get another season.

[patty1h]

Another "celebrity" has been given a show on FN: David Burtka, husband of Neil Patrick Harris.  It appears they using their tired premise of "star shows off their awesome cooking skills, then a few friends just happen to stop by and it's time to eat!".  Cue the forced laughter and gratuitous compliments.  

I just watched the first episode and so far it's OK except David had the kids front and center, helping him cook. The kids are cute but were on just enough for me to start rolling my eyes.  I can only take so much of daddy voice/kid stuff.   If I watch this again, I hope they skip the kiddos. David does fine as a host; not as strident as Guy Fieri and not as arrogant as Bobby Flay.  A little hyper, but he didn't make me stabby like the other hosts I mentioned.

Also, NPH made several appearances already - he's flying in from somewhere to crash the party and surprise his spouse.  I guess he's shoehorned in so viewers know why this David dude earned a show - married to fame. Kelly Ripa also popped in for the party. Blergh

[selhars]

The Smoke/grill guy is Steve Raichlin whose been known for years in grilling circles, He's been on for over a decade and has had other shows.

The other person was Annabel Langbein in New Zealand. I've seen the show but not watched it. Can't say I won't watch ever. Just not looking to add yet another cooking show to my list…not at the time she's on. So far nothing I've seen or heard in the very short snippets I've seen has made me want to see more. Nothing against her, just not enamored. 

I saw the Smollets show ( a bit of one) the other day. Too much banter and attitude for me. I'm old school. I just want people to cook! To shows and I really WANT to like, but just tune in and out -- as opposed to watching an entire show are Cajun/Creole cuisine Louisians chefs John Besh and John Folse. EACH have their own shows. And much as I love that kinds of food, their shows haven't had me glued to the set.

I only just recently discovered "The Kitchen" on Food Network. I looked it up and it's been on for a while. Who knew? It's OK. But it tried too hard to be hip. The personalities are actually a turn off. Just give me Julia Child and  Jacques Pepin…

Edited September 19, 2016 by selhars

[chessiegal]

6 hours ago, selhars said:

only just recently discovered "The Kitchen" on Food Network. I looked it up and it's been on for a while. Who knew? It's OK. But it tried too hard to be hip. The personalities are actually a turn off.

The Kitchen is a rip off of ABC's The Chew that airs daily before a live audience. IMO it's a poor rip off. I love The Chew but find The Kitchen unwatchable.

[BusyOctober]

My husband records a show on Food Network, "Burgers and 'que" or some thing.  I just attempted to watch it and lasted less than 10 min.  How does that bald dude Michael Symon have a TV show?  I thought Guy Fieri was obnoxious...wow.  Michale Symon has to be the most grating irritating untalented personality I've seen in a long time.  I think I ground my teeth down to nubs just trying to listen to him and his equally obnoxious bar hopping bros... the loud shouting over each other, the oversized sandwiches or pizzas or whatever being jammed into their open maws, all while they still scream at each other with particles of meat spewing forth and licking their fingers.  I was so nauseous.  If he isn't talking with his mouth full, he's throwing his head back and giggling about anything and everything.  GAH!  I've been married for 15 years and we have a great relationship, but if he ever suggests I watch Michael Symon, or any show he is on again, I may need to find a divorce attorney. 

[chessiegal]

2 minutes ago, BusyOctober said:

My husband records a show on Food Network, "Burgers and 'que" or some thing.  I just attempted to watch it and lasted less than 10 min.  How does that bald dude Michael Symon have a TV show?  I thought Guy Fieri was obnoxious...wow.  Michale Symon has to be the most grating irritating untalented personality I've seen in a long time.  I think I ground my teeth down to nubs just trying to listen to him and his equally obnoxious bar hopping bros... the loud shouting over each other, the oversized sandwiches or pizzas or whatever being jammed into their open maws, all while they still scream at each other with particles of meat spewing forth and licking their fingers.  I was so nauseous.  If he isn't talking with his mouth full, he's throwing his head back and giggling about anything and everything.  GAH!  I've been married for 15 years and we have a great relationship, but if he ever suggests I watch Michael Symon, or any show he is on again, I may need to find a divorce attorney. 

Aww, I LUV Michael Symon. He's wonderful on The Chew. Mileage truly does vary.

[zxy556575]

I'm not going to be fussed to request a new forum, but the new Worst Bakers in America spin-off is even more insulting than the original flavor, which is saying something. They even recycled two of the more "outrageous" contestants from previous Worst Cooks seasons. A person who deliberately can't be bothered to follow a recipe isn't someone I can take seriously. The only tiny saving grace was watching Lorraine Pascale take the tiniest tasting bites possible.

Horrible, horrible show!

[biakbiak]

3 hours ago, lordonia said:

I'm not going to be fussed to request a new forum, but the new Worst Bakers in America spin-off is even more insulting than the original flavor, which is saying something. They even recycled two of the more "outrageous" contestants from previous Worst Cooks seasons. A person who deliberately can't be bothered to follow a recipe isn't someone I can take seriously. The only tiny saving grace was watching Lorraine Pascale take the tiniest tasting bites possible.

Horrible, horrible show!

A thread was started in The Worst Cooks In America forum.

[rcc]

On 9/12/2016 at 0:40 PM, patty1h said:

This is somewhat related to cooking shows... Robert Irvine, the chef/cook, has been given a syndicated show.  It looks like it's a combination of Dr. Phil and Steve Wilkos/Jerry Springer, where he'll have people on and try to fix their problems.  This can't be a good idea.

I saw this show today. Didn't know it aired in this area but happened to be channel surfing and there he was in his same uniform of tight black t-shirt and jeans. Same obnoxious facial expressions and was trying to "help" two women. I lasted 1 minute and left never to watch again. The man has no shame!

[bc1795]

Every time I tune into something called  "Beat Bobby Flay"  I'm disappointed that it's just a cooking competition.  I always think it's....something else entirely.

[beverlyoc]

Has anyone seen FN's "Star Plates"?  I've seen a couple and it's pretty entertaining.  A celebrity goes to a restaurant and acts as line cook - it's only a half an hour long and my simple synopsis doesn't really convey.

[bosawks]

I feel like such a hypocrite since I rail against the trend of "celebrity" cooking shows but I've fallen in love with "Dinner at Tiffani's".....

[Skyfall]

Steph Curry's wife's show is pretty good for FNCC's recent trend.

[Diane]

On December 10, 2016 at 0:42 PM, bosawks said:

I feel like such a hypocrite since I rail against the trend of "celebrity" cooking shows but I've fallen in love with "Dinner at Tiffani's".....

Watched her holiday special, was it me or is the kitchen a different one? I really enjoy her show too.

Edited December 19, 2016 by Diane

[Kathcart]

Quote

I've become oddly entranced with Martha Bakes

I love to watch it, too! I am sure the recipes are great although I have never tried one.

My fascination with the show is sort of like a drinking game although I never have anything to drink handy when I watch it -- but if I did I would take a drink every time Martha slams a spoon or an empty glass bowl or pretty much anything down on her expensive countertop. I can't stop listening for this because she does it so often after giving you the excruciatingly detailed* instructions: "add one quarter of a cup of brown sugar [BANG! goes the empty glass measuring cup] and the juice of one lemon [SLAM!! goes the lemon reamer]. Then cut your apples into three-eighths-of-an-inch cubes [CLANK!!!! as she flings the butcher knife down] ..."

*I love extremely detailed instructions so I am not mocking her for that.

[Crs97]

I just watched a trailer for the new season of America's Test Kitchen; wow am I going to miss Christopher Kimbell!

[Wings]

On 9/12/2016 at 1:03 AM, friendperidot said:

I don't cook, I don't want to cook, I only cook because I have to eat. But I've run out of late night, true crime shows that I haven't seen in re-runs 27 tines, so now I'm watching cooking shows on Create. I don't care for Martha Stewart, but I've become oddly entranced with Martha Bakes. I am amused that she assumes that of course, everyone has this or that utensil in their kitchen - I don't own a spring loaded tart pan, I barely own a couple of cake pans. And there is no way, I'm going to spend hours doing all that is necessary to have 25 layers of dough - that's what the bakeries are for! 

And I've become interested in the guy who smokes everything on a golf course somewhere in a hot sunny locations with mountains in the background, in California. But the reason he caught my attention was because of things he says, like adding cinnamon to make something sweet - I don't cook, but cinnamon by itself is not sweet, it's a lot of things, I love it in oatmeal with brown sugar, walnuts & craisens. Sometimes he does have me drooling over some of his smoked ribs. He almost had me with the beer can sausage burgers until he added the eggs, I don't eat eggs, never have and also I don't own a smoker, I just got a Forman Grill this year and don't know how I lived all these years without one! I know, I could leave out the eggs, but it doesn't change the fact I have no intention of acquiring a smoker.

And I saw one tonight I just didn't care for, I think her name was Annabel, she is in New Zealand, she annoyed me, I only tolerated her show because my tv needs repair so a remote will work and I didn't feel like getting up and walking the 3 steps to change the channel.

Rachael Ray is the show for you.  She makes very easy, fast meals.  And you don't need fancy equipment.  I don't watch it but I have seen it enough to know that those just learning to cook will have an easy time replicating her dishes.  

[Wings]

On 11/7/2016 at 1:01 PM, bc1795 said:

Every time I tune into something called  "Beat Bobby Flay"  I'm disappointed that it's just a cooking competition.  I always think it's....something else entirely.

Hysterical.

[friendperidot]

Quote

Rachael Ray is the show for you.  She makes very easy, fast meals.  And you don't need fancy equipment.  I don't watch it but I have seen it enough to know that those just learning to cook will have an easy time replicating her dishes.  

minor problem, don't like Rachel Ray. Think I'll stick to things I can put on the Forman and microwave.

And I've gotten a new tv and a Roku, so I have Netflix, so it's endless watching of Forensic Files. Yes, I know there are such things as smart tv, I was rushed on the day I bought it and couldn't think of why I needed a smart tv. Found out after I set it up, so it was back for a Roku. And yes, I could have exchanged the tv and gotten a smart one, but there were complications. I'll get another smart tv one day. But I don't think I'll be watching cooking shows.

[chessiegal]

Are they still running Rachael Ray reruns? I haven't seen her in the line-up lately. I agree she's a good place to start. I'm watching less FN and CC since MPT picked up Create. I never liked pre-prison Martha Stewart. Felon Martha seems more humble - I think incarceration gave her some needed perspective.

Edited January 17, 2017 by chessiegal

[Crs97]

America's Test Kitchen is a good place to start.  Some of the recipes are more complex than others, but you know they have tested it a ton of times to get as close to full-proof as possible.  I am rarely disappointed when I make one of their recipes.

[Christina]

The ION Channel has been showing some Canadian cooking shows. There is one called At the Table with... where they sit down and talk to a chef about their careers that has been pretty interesting. There is another one where a chef shows up in people's home to teach them how to fix a meal that they have trouble with, kind of like The Worse Cooks show, but less trashy and drama filled. I can't remember the name of it, but it comes on after At the Table with..

America took Gold in an international cooking competition. There are two articles I found about it, but don't read the comments unless you enjoy political talk and trashing.

Quote

People “still get confused with the style of competition,” said Keller.  “The most-asked question is always, ‘Is it like Top Chef?’ and we have to say, ‘No, this is a lot more serious.’ It takes more effort, more time.” 

Washington Post link

 

Quote

A team of American chefs on Wednesday won the biennial Bocuse d’Or culinary competition — the equivalent of the Olympics for professional cooks — for the first time in the contest’s 30-year history.

In the finals in Lyon, France, a group of 10 chefs and helpers from the United States won the gold medal. Norway took the silver medal, and Iceland won the bronze. In 2015 an American team was awarded the silver medal in the competition, which was founded by the French chef Paul Bocuse. Teams from 24 countries competed this year.

New York Times link

[chessiegal]

Thanks for pointing out the ION Life channel - I found one of my favorite reruns - the 2 Canadian ladies "Anna & Kristina's Grocery Bag". They evaluate cookbooks and sometimes cooking equipment, and invite a chef to taste their food. It used to be on OWN years ago. I adore them - I remember some people on TWoP didn't care for them, but I think they're a hoot.

[JasminePhyllisia]

On ‎1‎/‎16‎/‎2017 at 7:12 PM, Crs97 said:

I just watched a trailer for the new season of America's Test Kitchen; wow am I going to miss Christopher Kimbell!

As much as he annoyed me, now that he is gone and apparently Bridget has replaced him I miss him and the hard-to-please, hard-to-impress sarcastic personality.  At least he has a personality. The show will not be the same without him.

[biakbiak]

18 hours ago, JasminePhyllisia said:

As much as he annoyed me, now that he is gone and apparently Bridget has replaced him I miss him and the hard-to-please, hard-to-impress sarcastic personality.  At least he has a personality. The show will not be the same without him.

Julia and Bridget are cohosting which definitely changes the dynamic and both have taste buds than Kimball so the tasting segment isn't as entertaining.

[Crs97]

I think they are just now realizing how hard it is to emcee.  I know it was just the first show, but they were not natural at all:  their anecdotes weren't interesting and their quips weren't funny.  I may just have to look at the recipes online and skip the show.

[hula-la]

On 2017-02-05 at 4:05 AM, Christina said:

The ION Channel has been showing some Canadian cooking shows. There is one called At the Table with... where they sit down and talk to a chef about their careers that has been pretty interesting. There is another one where a chef shows up in people's home to teach them how to fix a meal that they have trouble with, kind of like The Worse Cooks show, but less trashy and drama filled. I can't remember the name of it, but it comes on after At the Table with..

America took Gold in an international cooking competition. There are two articles I found about it, but don't read the comments unless you enjoy political talk and trashing.

 

Bocuse d'0r is pretty serious, and the team should be hugely proud of themselves. Of course, being Canadian, I read the comments.

Edited March 22, 2017 by hula-la

[Christina]

There is a show on FYI network called Food Porn and when I tuned to watch it, it was the ending of the show Scraps which is a chef who travels to different locations and uses a local ingredient in a way that there is no waste. Since I didn't see the beginning, I can't say if it was worth watching or not, but the last few minutes was him presenting his food to a group and there was a slaw with vegetable parts that are typically thrown and something with the shell of shrimp that most people don't eat. I've had several dishes with the shell on that are delicious, and I'm not sure why it's not normally prepared that way. I ended up watching something other than Food Porn so don't know if it is any good, either, but it's the first time I've seen cooking shows on this channel. 

[Skyfall]

Food Porn is a great show!

[Totale]

Not exactly a cooking show, but I see they've found someone else not that concerned with their health in the short term to reboot "Man vs Food" on the Travel Channel next month.  The clip below is not a preview.

 

[suebee12]

Has anyone else watched Texas Cake House? There is a husband and wife team(nothing new there!) who bake and decorate the most amazing cakes! She is a cake sculptor extraordinaire. On the show(1/2 hour so it is a quick watch) they are hired to make a cake for two different parties. I sat in awe at the human busts(that is a head sculptor for those with a dirty mind), animals and other amazing things that she creates.  So far she has done a bust of Jim Bowie, the cutest sloth ever, a Chinese Dragon, an armadillo and an icy Neanderthal type cake. Hubby does most of the baking and experimenting with flavors. All in all, a really enjoyable half-hour! If you haven't seen it, check it out on Monday nights on the FN...don't know how long new shows will be on but I don't want to miss any!

[Jaded]

24 minutes ago, suebee12 said:

Has anyone else watched Texas Cake House? There is a husband and wife team(nothing new there!) who bake and decorate the most amazing cakes! She is a cake sculptor extraordinaire. On the show(1/2 hour so it is a quick watch) they are hired to make a cake for two different parties. I sat in awe at the human busts(that is a head sculptor for those with a dirty mind), animals and other amazing things that she creates.  So far she has done a bust of Jim Bowie, the cutest sloth ever, a Chinese Dragon, an armadillo and an icy Neanderthal type cake. Hubby does most of the baking and experimenting with flavors. All in all, a really enjoyable half-hour! If you haven't seen it, check it out on Monday nights on the FN...don't know how long new shows will be on but I don't want to miss any!

I saw the first episode. Forgot it was on last night but will probably catch it in a rerun this week. I loved the flying cat cake from the first episode though. The FN website says it's the show's second season. I don't remember seeing it or commercials for it before.

Edited July 25, 2017 by Jaded

[suebee12]

Wow to the cat cake...didn't see that show so will have to look for it. I do not remember ever hearing of this show before either and only happened on it by luck!

Just looked at my program guide and this week's shows are listed as S1 E2 and 3. However next weeks shows are labeled S1 and S2 but the first time either have been shown! Looks like it runs until 8/5 so two more nights, 4 more shows since they run 2 at a time!

Edited July 25, 2017 by suebee12

[katalizt]

I've been watching it too. I always liked Ace of Cakes and have missed it since it ended so this is filling that void right now. The cat cake was particularly impressive for its structure. I also really liked the geometric cricket cake and the way they colored it in a cel-shaded style (i can't find a picture...), and this one that uses magnets for a floating penguin. And I appreciate that the taste of the cakes is important too, not just the look, and how they customize flavors for nearly every cake.

[Skyfall]

Re: Tyler Florence's Test Kitchen

[rcc]

1 hour ago, Skyfall said:

Re: Tyler Florence's Test Kitchen

Of course it was too smart. They prefer the dumb ass Guy Fieri.

[ariel]

4 hours ago, Skyfall said:

Re: Tyler Florence's Test Kitchen

Wow, the FN is no longer trying to hide that they want to be the hero of the stupid.  What we learned last November is that there are plenty of them out there.

[biakbiak]

Did anyone catch Christopher Kimball's new show Milk Street? I didn't like the way it was filmed, very stark contrast and it just seemed sterile and cold. Because the first dish was also so white it didn't look that appetizing.

Also, it did seem weird that everyone, including the Chinese food expert was white.

I will definitely continue to watch because it was similar to ATK but none of the recipes in the first episode interested me but they seem to be focusing a lot on technique which I enjoy.

Didn't like the audience who laughed at everything.

[chessiegal]

56 minutes ago, biakbiak said:

Did anyone catch Christopher Kimball's new show Milk Street? I didn't like the way it was filmed, very stark contrast and it just seemed sterile and cold. Because the first dish was also so white it didn't look that appetizing.

Also, it did seem weird that everyone, including the Chinese food expert was white.

I will definitely continue to watch because it was similar to ATK but none of the recipes in the first episode interested me but they seem to be focusing a lot on technique which I enjoy.

Didn't like the audience who laughed at everything.

I'm in the DC market with 3 PBS stations and I'm not seeing any of them carrying it. Not a Chris fan, but would watch out of curiosity.

[biakbiak]

4 minutes ago, chessiegal said:

I'm in the DC market with 3 PBS stations and I'm not seeing any of them carrying it. Not a Chris fan, but would watch out of curiosity.

It just started her in SF but it's listed as "Christopher Kimball's Milk Street" so almost couldn't find it.

[chessiegal]

17 minutes ago, biakbiak said:

It just started her in SF but it's listed as "Christopher Kimball's Milk Street" so almost couldn't find it.

Found it - it's on the DC PBS station - WETA at 5 pm Saturday.

ETA: Which means it's replacing Martha Stewart. Hmmm.

Edited September 13, 2017 by chessiegal

[ariel]

I get my feed from the NYC/Long Island market.  I'll keep my eyes posted for it.

Edited September 13, 2017 by ariel

[suebee12]

Did anyone catch Best Baker in America? Actually it felt like I was re-watching one of the Holiday Baking Championship! Lots of familiar faces including ta da, Jason as a judge. Who would have thunk it? Oh, all of us....we just knew he would start appearing as a judge. It must feel funny judging some of the folks he competed against!

It was interesting that they had a technical contest and then one for taste and looks.  I hated that Cheryl won because I didn't like her on her season and I still think she is full of herself! I did like the geo cake....it was certainly different. The Mexican lady did a cake that looked like the one she baked on the Holiday Baking Championship except this time it was supposed to be a wedding cake...I sure would not have wanted that one!

[Kathcart]

Caught a rerun (I think) of "Martha Bakes" over the weekend. She had a guest on to discuss chocolate ... well, sort of. Honestly, the exchange between them went like this:

Martha: "So you know everything about chocolate?"

Guest: "Well, I try to. I --"

Martha: "-- what are these things?"

Guest: "Those are the cocoa pods--"

Martha: "Pods? Can you eat them?"

Guest: "Ha-ha, well, no, I wouldn--"

Martha: "What are these over here?"

Guest: "Those are the n--"

Martha: "The nibs?"

Guest: "Yes, those--"

Martha: "Can you eat them? Are they sweet?"

Guest: "They--"

Martha: "Mmm, those are yummy. Not too sweet. What do you do with these?"

Guest: "Well, you--"

Martha: "You grind them up?"

Guest: "It--"

Martha: "Then you get the chocolate?"

Guest: "I--"

Martha: "What percentage of cacao are these bars over here?"

Guest: "--"

Martha: "85 percent? That's high. Yummy! Thanks so much for explaining all about chocolate!"

[TexasTiffany]

5 hours ago, Kathcart said:

Martha: "85 percent? That's high. Yummy! Thanks so much for explaining all a

Martha Bakes? They should change it to Martha Insults.