Are You The Next Food Network Star?

It might be because I just returned from a great farmer's market where everything was so fresh and yummy or because I always thought I was a great baker but for some reason I suddenly can't get enough of the Food Network.

There is grilling (Bobby Flay), southern cooking (Paula Deen) and even easy to assemble recipes from food that has already been prepared (Semi-Homemade with Sandra Lee). Though she's hit it big with her own syndicated show, Rachael Ray still shoots original shows for her 30-Minute Meals series which airs on Food Network exclusively.

Need a drink recipe? Check out Guy's Guide To Drinks. Don't know what to make for dinner? See 5 Simple Summer Suppers. And if you are like me and are not a real genius in the kitchen... let the In Season Now section be your guide to fresh eating! 

If recipes aren't enough and you want more... Food Network also has a reality show called The Next Food Network Star. It airs Sunday nights at 9pm/8 central with host Bobby Flay (Hottie!). The challenges include anything from create your own version of an American Burger (this one aired on July 5th naturally) to how they hold up as guest chefs on the Rachael Ray show (we call that synergy) then the winner is awarded his or her own series on the Food Network. In fact, one of Food Network's biggest stars, Guy Fieri, was the winner of Season 2. Who doesn't love a good competition to spice up the summer?

And if you are watching The Next Food Network Star and you think, I can do that! Well, now is your chance because they are casting for the 2010 season of the show. If you want to apply, you can attend the open casting calls in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta and more. Don't live in an open casting call city then you can apply on-line just by uploading your best video.

If you have a great recipe (or tip) that you would just like to share with the readers of Spirited Woman then leave it here in the comment section. I know I would be grateful to you as I face another night of summer hamburgers.

- Kristin Flannery
Click here for more of Kristin's posts.

Comments

[Kristin]

Hi Lynn,
Click here to find out how to apply....
http://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/the-next-fn-star-season-6-open-call-dates-and-times/index.html
Here's a list of cities where they are holding open calls:
San Francisco
Date: Sunday, July 26, 2009
Time: 10am - 4pm
Location:
W San Francisco
181 Third Street
San Francisco, CA 94103

New York City
Date: Friday, July 31, 2009
Time: 10am - 4pm
Location:
CBS
530 W. 57th St. (bw 10th and 11th)
NY, NY 10019

Los Angeles
Date: Monday, August 10, 2009
Time: 10am - 4pm
Location:
Saddle Ranch
8371 West Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, 90069

San Diego
Date: Monday, August 17, 2009
Time: 12pm - 5pm
Location:
W San Diego
421 W. B Street
San Diego, CA 92101

Atlanta
Date: Monday, August 24, 2009
Time: 10am - 4pm
Location:
W Atlanta Midtown
188 14th St. NE
Atlanta, GA 30361

[Lynn Hasselberger]

Kristin--how do I find the casting call dates? My 8 year old son has been a foodie for years and has been taking real cooking classes.

Thanks!
Lynn

[Kristin]

Thanks Susan! I saw the most beautiful beets at the Farmer's Market. I am going to try this.

[Susan Roth]

Kristin,

I love unusual salad recipes, so I will leave my favorite of the moment here: Take about 3 pounds of fresh beats, scrub them, cut off the tops and tails and roast in the oven in a foil packet whole, skins on, at about 350 degrees, for about one and a half hours, or until the beets are soft. The skins should just slip off, which you should do next after you let them cool a bit.

Chop up the beets and mix them with about a half cup of celery and half cup of onion that are finely minced.

Make a vinagarette dressing of a quarter cup of olive oil, about a teaspoon of honey dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vineger, salt and pepper to taste - whisk together with a fork and pour over the beets and mix up. You can serve it warm or cold. It is better the next day.