Cooking Channel

Cooking Channel, passing and 50 to 100 a month in a memorable meal and a great bottle of wine that most 200 channels of garbage naive. I’ve had cable television in the past, and in fact, at one point recently, my local cable company inadvertently connected to basic cable home to install my Internet service. Within a very short time I became addicted to The Food Network, The Travel Channel and Bravo. I remain of the view that it was a ploy to reel me in, only to snatch realizing his “mistake,” hoping that I was completely and hopelessly addicted and then break and pay astronomical fees to get my fix . I did not budge, though it was heartbreaking for a while to hear my colleagues discussing the latest episode of Top Chef knowing that I probably never will.

I eventually recovered, with the help of the digital revolution and the converter box now standard. Rabbit ears with the ear pointing proudly to the sky now are 8 different PBS stations. You see, I mean the original PBS Food Network. I grew up on PBS in the years before cable television existed. In the midst of Sesame Street and the electric company, I remember watching the culinary icon Julia Child, Jacques Pepin and Steven Yan create exotic dishes with ingredients from my taste Midwestern youth had never heard of, much less proven. Now my appreciation for chefs and their shows is ten times.

Locally, Sunday afternoons are the best time to catch the cooking shows but see the PBS website for complete listings. These are some of my favorites:

Test Kitchen U.S., similar in format Alton Brown eats good, is organized by Illustrated editor Christopher Kimball Chief Cook. The chefs deconstruct everyday dishes such as fried chicken and lemon pie and rework the recipes, demonstrating techniques for the home cook can avoid pitfalls and common mistakes. Also the review of food products and cooking equipment without bias, since they are not sponsored enterprises.

Italy is hosted by Lydia Lydia Bastianich, the matriarch of Italian cooking. You will never crave more fresh pasta while watching your program. On a side note, his son, Joe Bastianich, a restaurateur and wine expert, is a judge in the latest Gordon Ramsey amateur cooking contest, MasterChef, the Fox Network

Steven Raichlen Barbecue University teaches us to respect and properly cook the meat on an open fire (and Bobby Flay puts to shame, in my humble opinion).

are the world-renowned chef Rick Bayless “Mexico: One plate at a time highlights dishes from all regions of Mexico, along with some interesting food history.

Charismatic chef José Andrés, the introducer of the covers to mainstream America and arguably the “king of Spanish cuisine, the hosts Made in Spain.

The author and former New York Times food critic, Ruth Reichl, is co-producer of Gourmet magazine Journal of a good table and the host of Gourmet Adventures of Ruth. Both programs are similar to Anthony Bourdain No Reservations on the Travel Channel, as Ruth wanders the world looking for epicurean delights from all cultures.

Spain – On The Road Again includes former chef and Food Network is orange Crocs Mario Batali, actress Gwyneth Paltrow, New York Times food writer Mark Bittman and Spanish actress Claudia Bassols. I have mixed feelings about this program – while featuring the cuisine of Spain in all its finery, claims of the guests is palpable. It’s fascinating, educate and infuriating all at once, as I know most likely never have the privilege of taking a thorough culinary tour of any country in Europe or elsewhere, and this is rubbed on the apology envious face Batali and business. It irks me that Gwyneth Paltrow is even invited along, as she is vegetarian. I have an almost irresistible impulse to reach through my TV screen and smack as she turns her nose up elitist in a full plate of Iberian ham and sardines-direct-ship, grilled and sprinkled with salt sea.

The funniest cooking show on PBS and unusual I’ve seen is the New Scandinavian Cuisine. Covering Norway, Finland and Denmark, the chef hosts are native to the frozen landscapes, using all locally sourced ingredients, and usually cooked outside in the snow in the heat improvised. Of course, most of us are not whipping up a batch of moose stew with root vegetables any time soon, but seeing these Nordic chefs cooking over an open flame at temperatures below freezing in some way makes it look so good.

These are just some of the entertaining and informative cooking shows aired on PBS. Explore your local PBS station, and after viewing, if you feel compelled to cancel your subscription to cable television, be sure to invest their savings wisely. Buy some rabbit ears heard right, donate to PBS, and then buy some Iberian ham, Oaxaca cheese and some blueberries and let your eyes and palate to travel around the world.

Diy Network

Diy Network, When Amy Matthews was a child growing up in Robbinsdale, she would help his father with the projects of home improvement. These days, he calls for advice.

“I always feel bad when I do not know the answer,” Matthews says, laughing. “He keeps me on my toes.”

Matthews, who also repaired the houses with his youth group from the church as a teen counseling, is accustomed to giving. A star on the DIY Network, a cable channel focused on housing projects DIY, has appeared in more than a dozen shows. Currently, she is too busy cranking out episodes of “mutual aid” in which she helps owners add value to their homes, and a new show, “This new house,” with Kevin O’Connor of “This Old House.”

“We’re really seeing in the construction of concepts,” says Matthews. “This new home is carried around the country researching new products. “The idea is that our homes can be more intelligent and therefore save money. There is a green building program, but everything they touch is about sustainability and the creation of smarter.”

When Matthews, 37, left Minnesota in the 90s to pursue his love of theater and music at the University of Boston, becoming a licensed contractor and help to repair their houses, was not at the top of their do list. After leaving Boston, he moved to New York to study opera. While she was there, took part in Broadway shows before landing a gig on a cruise.

Matthews returned to the Twin Cities in 1999 and continued to pursue acting with roles in

Guthrie Theater, Minnesota Opera, Mixed Blood Theatre and Theatre Open Eye Figure. She also had parts in several independent films and was in “The Temptation of last year,” filmed in the Twin Cities.

His television career was born six years ago when he learned of the DIY Network was looking for someone to host his show locally produced “Reforms bathroom.” Matthews released his tool belt in the ring and got the job.

“I went in, and things just click,” he says. “It was like two worlds came together and the information was completely natural for me. There is a natural component and an act of improvisation in our program – not a working script, you’re out there doing. You want to redo your kitchen, and I come to your house and have this conversation. Nobody is telling you what to say. So let’s talk about the project and teach you how. ”

After working with the network for a couple of years, Matthews decided to get his contractor’s license.

“It just makes sense with how much I was spending and how much he was doing,” he said.

While she spends much time traveling with “This new house,” Matthews movies most of the episodes of “mutual aid” in the Twin Cities area. When not working, she is still active, especially during the summer months. Already this year, ran the Half Marathon in Minneapolis, attended the Life Time Fitness Triathlon and completed the Mississippi River Challenge. And, of course, has things to do at home in South Minneapolis. Last year, the basement was remodeled, which appeared in an episode of “mutual aid.” Your kitchen remodeling renovations made in 2007, Cooking Channel “show.

One of Matthews’ favorite things to show people on television is how to make simple, cheap fixes such as changing light bulbs or installing low-flow shower head. She says she has noticed a spike in HUM during the recession of the last to join a “do not move, improve” mentality.

“People say, ‘If I can do it myself, then I can save money,” because they have no extra money for someone else to come as they did before, “says Matthews.” There is also a pride that comes with it … (But) I joke that should be a marriage counselor and a contractor because sometimes I’m standing with two people and they can not see the forest through the trees. There is a sense of pride and ownership in your home, I think this country needs. No more disposable mentality we need that – I think we learned from the recession. Bigger not always better. We do not always have to update everything. ”

Another construction project near the heart of Matthews is his volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity, which has taken him all over the country, including post-Katrina rebuilding in New Orleans. She is excited to be part of the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Project, an important event for Habitat, through October.

When talking about the Habitat project in Thailand, revealed a tattoo on his left forearm inspired by the trip.

“This means that humanity,” Matthews said while looking at the characters of Thailand signed on the arm.

When asked what is the future, says Matthews a good year, in addition to his work yourself, include a triathlon, make a movie and some construction.

“I like to build a house,” says Matthews. “A place where I can live with some rescue dogs and horses. A place that looks old, but has state of the art technology. Any place where my family and friends can come and lovers of the nature of Minnesota. A peaceful and happy I can go with an airport, not far away. ”

Amy Carlson Gustafson can be reached at 651-228-5561.

DIY TIPS

We asked DIY host Amy Matthews simple tips to increase the value of the house. This is what he had to say:

Changing lamps low water flow. “You get an instant update to your look, and save you money on your water bill.”

Renew your kitchen for correction or replacement of cabinet doors. “You do not have the small space to make it look impressive.”

Add a rear wall of the kitchen. “Backsplashes and under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen go together perfectly because the under-cabinet lighting can be really cheap and it lights up your new board. Tile a backsplash can cost a couple hundred exceeding $ for all material, and is instantaneous transformation of space. ”

Landscape now. “Plant now because things are taken two or three years to find really good and look set. It is also the end of the season and can buy things on sale. Landscaping is all elbow grease, and most people have all the hand tools that need to make an impact.’s definitely going to pay in the long term. “

Hgtv

Hgtv, From May 1 to June 12, 2010, Cost Plus World Market and HGTV offered participants the chance to win a shopping spree and 10,000 and a consultation with Antonio HGTV Sweepstakes Antonio bellator in treatment. And now, today announced the lucky winner of this sweepstakes and 11,500.
According to a press release from Cost Plus World Market, the winner of the Sweepstakes treatment was Debra Casey Anthony Milton, Florida.

Debra Casey response to the news that his name was drawn from among thousands of winners? “I can not believe that someone in Milton, Florida won! I’m still imagining the look of astonishment on the faces of friends and family when I shared the news!”

Want your chance to win a great prize and surprise your friends and neighbors?

Food Network

Food Network, “The Big C” – Get ready for a provocative new series about finding the humor in cancer. The luminous Laura Linney plays Cathy Jamison, a repressed woman, play-IT-safe and a mother who receives a strong call for attention in the form of stage 4 melanoma. Initially, friends and family kept in the dark about fatal diagnosis, choosing instead to adopt an approach of go-for-the-taste for life has a way of acting in ways that baffle the known. The excellent cast also includes Oliver Platt and Gabourey Sidibe. 22:30 Monday, Showtime.

Other bets:

TONIGHT: In the 6th season finale of “The Next Food Network Star”, the other three contestants are in for a surprise as Rachael Ray joins them to direct their pilot episodes. Then a focus group is set to provide feedback 9 pm, Food Network.

TONIGHT: There are more problems for Jane (Brooke Elliott) on “Drop Dead Diva.” While attending an awards banquet that is stunned when a woman accused of stealing her husband. 9 p.m., for life.

TONIGHT: What happens when the trouble Hoff? Find out when David Hasselhoff receiving treatment in “The Comedy Central Roast.” Pamela Anderson, Hulk Hogan and Jerry Springer are among those turning up the heat. 10 pm, Comedy Central.

Monday: Mary-Louise Parker is still smokin hot, but “Weeds” remains

addictive? The comedy starts what will surely be another season of outrageous – and often ridiculed – stories. 10 p.m., Showtime.

Tuesday: Forget what you learned in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” A new documentary, “The Gates of Hell”, travels the world to explore six places, according to myths and religious beliefs, are the entrances to know where. Includes: a volcano in Iceland and a spooky cave in Central America. 8 pm, History Channel.

Tuesday: Two former child star – Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence – title of the new comedy “Melissa & Joey.” We can only hope the series plots have more imagination than its title. 20:30, ABC Family.

Wednesday: All we know tonight’s episode of “Plain Jane” is a woman who jumps into a tank of sharks, but that’s enough to grab our attention. Not that we are bloodthirsty or anything. 9 pm, Channels 31 and 44 (CW).

Wednesday: “Surviving the Cut” is a documentary series that chronicles the harsh demands and conditions facing the candidates for the elite combat units. But do not worry, you are entitled to see, even if you can not do a single pull-up. 10 p.m., the Discovery Channel.

Thursday: Season 2 of “Extreme Cuisine With Jeff Corwin” opens in New Zealand, where our host samples and Colonial Goose hunting fin eels and prawns green monster – all this while we eat our Hamburger Helper. 8 p.m., Food Network.

FRIDAY: “The Short List,” a new series countdown, rattles of the “10 most awkward celebrity moments.” Our first thought: How in the world can reduce the list to 10? 9 pm, VH1.

Saturday: In the news documentary “New Orleans Rising,” Soledad O’Brien reports on the reconstruction efforts taking place in Pontchartrain Park. The middle-class black neighborhood five years ago was devastated during Hurricane Katrina. 8 pm, CNN.