I've noticed too many shows use either expensive specialty ingredients or ingredients I can't find locally. I'd like to see a show that uses ingredients readily available in the average grocery store where most people shop and that don't bust the grocery budget.
The problem, in that regard Bubba, is that the celebrities live and work in big cities, with sophisticated food outlets.
The result is, that when one of them says "available in every grocery store," what they mean is "any grocery store here in New York." Or, as I used to say, "everywhere, unfortunately, doesn't include central Kentucky."
Those working out of the food network studios don't even have to shop elsewhere. Chelsea Market is just an elevator ride away.
Almost anything you might wish for is available on-line. But that means researching where you can get it, paying postage (as well as, usually, top dollar), and risking identity theft in the bargain.
This problem is not confined to TV celebrity chefs, however. Almost any chef-written cookbook has the same syndrome, because when it comes to food shopping chefs do not live in the same world as the rest of us.
For my own cooking I can usually make do. But, unfortunately, when I'm doing the research for a cookbook review I have to follow the recipes exactly. And that often leads to the problem you descibe.
The result is, that when one of them says "available in every grocery store," what they mean is "any grocery store here in New York." Or, as I used to say, "everywhere, unfortunately, doesn't include central Kentucky."
Those working out of the food network studios don't even have to shop elsewhere. Chelsea Market is just an elevator ride away.
Almost anything you might wish for is available on-line. But that means researching where you can get it, paying postage (as well as, usually, top dollar), and risking identity theft in the bargain.
This problem is not confined to TV celebrity chefs, however. Almost any chef-written cookbook has the same syndrome, because when it comes to food shopping chefs do not live in the same world as the rest of us.
For my own cooking I can usually make do. But, unfortunately, when I'm doing the research for a cookbook review I have to follow the recipes exactly. And that often leads to the problem you descibe.
"Funny how different we all are, and yet so alike in many ways."
That's one of the points I was trying to make, Cathy. Which is why I had hoped this wouldn't morph into a I like this one, I hate that one thread.
What I was looking at is the meaninglessness of many of the new FN shows. I mean, come on. Sandra Lee is going to show us how to save money by buying convenience foods? Gimme a break.
The other point, of course, had to do with the small amount of new anything aired on FN. Add it up, and I'd be willing to bet there isn't four hours of new programming in an entire week. It's all repeats of repeats ad nauseum.
That's one of the points I was trying to make, Cathy. Which is why I had hoped this wouldn't morph into a I like this one, I hate that one thread.
What I was looking at is the meaninglessness of many of the new FN shows. I mean, come on. Sandra Lee is going to show us how to save money by buying convenience foods? Gimme a break.
The other point, of course, had to do with the small amount of new anything aired on FN. Add it up, and I'd be willing to bet there isn't four hours of new programming in an entire week. It's all repeats of repeats ad nauseum.
I have to admit I watch much less of FN programming than I used to. Even being relatively new to an interest in cooking it's gotten to be either "seen that" or "Not another reality show". I really don't care how fast they can crank out an obnoxiously elaborate cake or how quickly someone can be bounced off a contest. I don't really dislike any of those hosts (though Rachel Ray's voice alone is like fingernails on a blackboard) but I learned more about the whys of cooking from Alton Brown than I ever expected. All in all, these days there's nothing new on FN that will teach me anything.
I’m also not interested in those cake decorating shows or the Pillsbury bake-off challenge or what have you.
I agree throw down with Bobby Flay has always honked me off. These are really people doing their thing and doing it well all across the country and he wants to see if he can tear them down. I hope every one of those people kick his freckled rear end!
I agree throw down with Bobby Flay has always honked me off. These are really people doing their thing and doing it well all across the country and he wants to see if he can tear them down. I hope every one of those people kick his freckled rear end!