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Carson Kressley on How Food Network Boosted His Kitchen Confidence
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Carson Kressley talks about his favorite childhood food memories, including Pennsylvania Dutch traditions and his first word being “fries.” Carson reminisces on his first Food Network appearance on Worst Cooks in America, where he learned essential cooking techniques like cutting an onion and spatchcocking a chicken, and how his experiences there helped him grow more confident in the kitchen. He reflects on his evolving relationship with cooking, highlighting how Food Network shows have expanded his culinary knowledge and inspired his creative approach in the kitchen. Carson recounts hilarious behind-the-scenes stories, such as bonding with Bobby Flay over a dunking booth and enjoying mouthwatering meals at hidden gems during filming. He talks about his friendship with Bobby, which started two decades ago and has grown through shared experiences both on and off screen. Carson offers tips for hosting stylish yet stress-free holiday parties, recommending crowd-pleasing menus like KFC chicken tenders with homemade dipping sauces. He teases his upcoming appearance on Beat Bobby Flay: Holiday Throwdown, hinting at over-the-top festivities, surprise gifts, and plenty of holiday cheer.
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Frankie Gaw on Finding Identity Through Food
48:19|Frankie Gaw shares how his creations on Dig In With honor the rich traditions of his Taiwanese heritage while pushing the boundaries of culinary innovation. He reflects on family Lunar New Year celebrations, where steamed crab symbolizes joy and connection, and how these cherished moments shaped his culinary journey. Frankie details his process of blending nostalgic childhood flavors with inventive modern twists, such as his standout Cinnamon Toast Crunch Butter Mochi. Drawing inspiration from his grandmother's intuitive cooking style, he emphasizes the importance of trusting his instincts and preserving family recipes. Frankie explores the challenges of growing up between two cultures, a duality that now drives his mission to fuse them through food. He discusses his series, Turning American Classics Asian, which reimagines beloved staples, bridging tradition and modernity in meaningful ways. The chef teases his second cookbook and envisions a line of food products that celebrate cultural diversity while finding a place on mainstream grocery shelves. Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE Follow Frankie Gaw on Instagram: HERE Follow Frankie Gaw on TikTok: HERE Learn More About Dig In With: https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/dig-in-withBonnie Wright on Returning to Hogwarts
37:54|Bonnie Wright reflects on reuniting with her on-screen brothers, James and Oliver Phelps, for Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking, sharing memories of their sibling-like bond on and off set. She fondly recalls her early days growing up on the Harry Potter set, describing the camaraderie among the young cast and how simple moments, like playing games in the green room or catching up on schoolwork together, shaped her experience as much as the magical premieres and worldwide travel. She explores her approach to judging the baking competition, emphasizing creativity and storytelling, and reveals her favorite magical creatures and baked inspirations. Bonnie delves into her personal journey toward sustainability, the inspiration behind her book Go Gently, and her passion for incorporating eco-friendly habits into daily life. She shares tidbits from her life as a new mom, her favorite holiday traditions, and her love for baking, particularly muffins and chocolate treats. Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE Follow Bonnie Wright on Instagram: HERE Learn More About Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking: HEREU.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, on Recipes for Connection
32:03|U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy introduces his handbook, Recipes for Connection, designed to combat loneliness and foster connection through the power of food. Dr. Murthy shares personal memories of food gatherings from his upbringing, emphasizing the power of his mother’s comforting dishes, like lentil dal, in fostering community. He delves into why food is a universal connector, offering practical tips for hosting gatherings with minimal stress—be it potlucks or leftovers parties. Dr. Murthy highlights that the success of gatherings lies in the people present, not the perfection of the meal. He opens up about his own battles with loneliness and how regular, intentional connections, like monthly video calls with friends, have been a source of strength. Dr. Murthy underscores the profound impact of small, heartfelt interactions on mental and physical health, emphasizing that even simple efforts can rebuild relationships and combat isolation. Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE Follow Dr. Vivek Murthy on Instagram: HERE Learn More About Recipes for Connection: HEREJames and Oliver Phelps, Hosts of Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking
44:35|James and Oliver Phelps reflect on their journey to landing their iconic roles as Fred and George Weasley, sharing humorous stories about their audition, where they skipped school and traveled hours to join thousands of hopefuls. They reminisce about their on-set antics, from inventing ways to pass the time to unforgettable pranks with co-stars like Rupert Grint, where they’d crack up in scenes and create games to stay entertained. They discuss their excitement in blending the magical world with baking on Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking, describing the unique set with nods to the Great Hall and the awe-inspiring edible creations the contestants bring to life. James and Oliver express a deep appreciation for the bakers' artistic skills, recalling moments of pure wonder at seeing elaborate designs take shape under pressure. They describe how the show’s competitive yet community-driven atmosphere makes it accessible to audiences beyond the Harry Potter fanbase, creating a sense of connection across generations. Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE Follow James Phelps on Instagram: HERE Follow Oliver Phelps on Instagram: HERE Learn More About Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking: HERERenee Paquette and RJ City on Meal and a Match
41:51|AEW personalities, Renee Paquette and RJ City, dive into their unique show, Meal and a Match, which combines their passions for wrestling and food. In each episode, a wrestling guest joins them for a meal and a casual evening of watching wrestling highlights, blending commentary, humor, and relatable stories to celebrate the community spirit of wrestling. Renee shares her love for Taco Bell as her road-trip go-to, proudly calling herself a “taco aficionado,” while RJ describes his unconventional coffee ritual—drinking cold brew from a hot coffee cup to elevate his experience. They also spotlight some of their favorite underrated food cities: Renee praises Seattle for its fresh seafood, sushi, and Pike Place Market, while RJ describes Omaha as a hidden gem for those seeking authentic, local flavors. Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE Follow Renee Paquette on Instagram: HERE Follow Renee Paquette on X: HERE Follow RJ City on Instagram: HERE Follow RJ City on X: HERE Watch Episode One of Meal and a Match: HERECarla Hall on Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking
37:37|Carla Hall dishes on her role as a judge on the new baking competition, Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking. She shares her excitement for the show, from working on iconic sets like Platform 9 ¾ and the Great Hall to collaborating with hosts and former Harry Potter actors. She describes the high-energy atmosphere, where self-taught and professional bakers alike create awe-inspiring structures that embody the spirit of the wizarding world. Carla discusses the unique challenges, including balancing intricate visuals with delicious flavors, and shares her approach to judging with co-judge Jozef Youssef, whose shared life parallels fostered an instant bond. Alongside her tales of magical sets and wardrobe, Carla reveals her admiration for the incredible details of the sets and props, from enchanted forests to floating candles. She also reflects on embracing the unexpected in her own life, fueling her own magic and creativity. Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE Follow Carla Hall on Instagram: HERE Learn More About Halloween Baking Championship: HERE Learn More About Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking: HEREBobby Flay on the Dishes That Shaped His Career
44:36|Bobby Flay discusses how various forms of media, from films like The Color of Money to shows like Punk'd, have sparked creative ideas for his popular Food Network hit shows. He elaborates on his passion for French cuisine and how his experiences traveling through Europe, along with his New York roots, have shaped the menu and atmosphere of his latest restaurant, Brasserie B in Las Vegas. The iconic chef highlights his dedication to using only the freshest, high-quality ingredients, even dedicating an entire section of the kitchen solely to making the perfect French fries. Bobby shares how his deep connection with his daughter Sophie has influenced his approach to social media, and how working with younger influencers keeps him engaged with the fast-paced changes in the food industry. He shares details about his latest cookbook, Bobby Flay: Chapter One, a coffee table book featuring 100 of his most meaningful recipes. Bobby explains why this project is particularly special, detailing the careful curation of recipes and his collaboration with top-tier talent to bring this personal collection to life. Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE Follow Bobby Flay on Instagram: HERE Follow Bobby Flay on TikTok: HEREKatie Lee Biegel on Her Pizza Night Tradition
39:02|Katie Lee Biegel discusses her journey on The Kitchen, which is now on its 37th season, and how the show has shaped her both personally and professionally. She reflects on the deep connection with her co-hosts, describing the family-like atmosphere and chemistry that has contributed to the show's success. The chef explains her creative process for developing new recipes and dishes, particularly her focus on comfort food balanced with seasonal ingredients. Katie teases upcoming episodes of The Kitchen, revealing seasonal comfort foods and exciting new dishes like miso maple roasted cabbage and sweet tea-brined oven-fried chicken. She discusses her latest project, the podcast All on the Table, emphasizing her passion for connecting with people through food. Katie highlights a memorable interview with Bobby Flay, where they explored personal food memories and the role food plays in bringing people together. She dishes on how becoming a mom has influenced her approach to cooking, tailoring meals to her daughter’s tastes while keeping family traditions alive. Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE Follow Katie Lee Biegel on Instagram: HERE Learn More About The Kitchen: HERE