I have a confession: I cannot cook to save my life.  If someone was to ask me what my specialty dishes were, my answer would be cereal and half-burnt toast.  I know I’m not the only one out there who suffers from “I’d rather just call for take out” disease.  But despite my kitchen (er….top-of-my-mini-fridge) shortcomings, I’m 100% obsessed with The Food Network.

Some people say it’s because it’s edited like porn (which makes me feel a bit dirty), but I just can’t get enough. There’s just always something to watch and drool over. And you never have to know what happened on a previous episode of Giada to enjoy whatever she’s cooking up this time (like homemade churros? OMG.) Whether its an episode of Mario Batali and his perfect gnocchi between classes, or a full day Food Network Challenge marathon – sugar showpieces, anyone? – The Food Network is my TV go-to. And now that it’s summer and all my favorite network TV shows are over for the year (until Jersey Shore starts in July…), I’m ever so grateful for my BFFs at TFN. They’re cooking up some delicious summer TV, which means I’ll have plenty to do on rainy days and too-sunburnt-t0-move nights. Read More »

I am absolutely obsessed with the Food Network. My friend Rachael even goes so far as to refer to their cooking shows as “my porn.” Ironic, considering that some say that the Food Network uses angles and editing similar to that of pornography to make it more appealing. I don’t know if it’s the food, the angles, or the fact that my parents refuse to buy the full cable package, but I just can’t get enough of the Food Network. Here are some of my favorite shows/top reasons to check out the most addicting of television networks. What’s your excuse?

Paula Deen’s Home Cooking: You see, I’m a nutrition major. This (in theory) means that I should be a pretty healthy eater. The thing I love about Paula Deen’s cooking is that she makes the unhealthiest food possible. I have yet to see one of her southern dishes prepared without butter, mayonnaise, shortening, or some combination of the three. Watching her make disgustingly delicious food makes me feel like I’m indulging without actually consuming and subsequently gaining ten pounds of lard.

Sandra Lee’s Semi-Homemade: Sandra Lee basically embodies who I want to be when I’m in my 30s. Why? Because she’s hot, knows how to enjoy a good cocktail (or five), and can whip up an amazing meal without actually doing any of the dirty work herself. Plus, she makes the cutest little “tablescapes” out of practically nothing. Basically, watching her show gives you hope that you can be old and still have a life (and good looks to boot). Read More »

It’s Fall, and few things make me drool harder than homemade applesauce (in case you were wondering what else could possibly trump applesauce on the list see: the cast of Ocean’s 11, dental work, and a good nap).

I digress. Homemade applesauce is surprisingly easy to make and cooks up really fast. It’s a great way to use apples that are starting to get mushy, or a fun way to make use of your haul after a visit to the orchard. Plus, it’s a lot less work than making a pie.

For your consideration, here’s my really simple recipe.

3 Pounds of apples – That’s 6-8 apples for those you without food scales. (Any variety will do but Gala, Red Delicious, Fuji, Macintosh and Honeycrisp work really well.)

¾ – 1 Cup of Sugar

½ Cup of Water

2 Teaspoons of Cinnamon (more to taste if that’s what you’re into)

The juice of half a lemon Read More »

If you’re like me; college student, broke, hungry, AND seriously craving warm COOKED meals, that aren’t boxed, canned, frozen, or wrapped, I will suggest this: THE FOOD NETWORK IS YOUR SAVIOR. I’ve eaten enough rice cakes to insulate an entire house and COOKED food….is so much better.

This is not your momma’s daytime television, oh no, this is for Us. Us meaning women who need to experiment in the kitchen a little bit before hosting a dinner party that doesn’t have Domino’s Pizza as a guest. We all need guidance sometimes and from experience, though she’s a bit whiney, I completely trust Mrs. Rachael Rays’ cookbook.

If you and your friends split the ingredients and cook together, an evening in the kitchen is even better/more affordable. Plus, the Writers Strike is over now, so we can watch Greys Anatomy with full bellies.

Here are links to some of my VERY FAVORITE recipes that I am CONVINCED have won over many hearts (men and women included) AND have helped me keep cereal as a breafast food. Read More »