I am so hooked on the next Food Network Star

[Monique1]

that I won't miss a show. It is down to four with the disappointment that they blew off Brad last week. I tell ya, this Aria has to go, she reminds me of a Republican, she lies, degrades others and her cooking is nothing new. I hope my favorite doesn't go tonight. Arti does have a self confidence problem but I would love to watch her on the FN, she can get over it. I am beginning to buy spices that I didn't think I would like but I love them now - and my apartment smells refreshing. How about you?

I know I started a thread earlier on this but I do not know how bring that up to the top.

[madmax]

1. I think I saw that show once

I get too involved and feel badly when someone is 'kicked off or out'. Any type of show that does that bothers me, Lil. I want them all to win.

Was hooked on the Food Network for awhile but, then we move and life just got in the way ;) I'm back to it again, in smaller doses.

Would like to try new herbs and spices. My husband isn't too wild about Cilantro but, in moderation I think it has a nice flavor. Not too found of ginger but, saw a a recipe for a simple syrup of water, sugar, ginger and mint poured over watermelon. hmmmm, my mouth is watering, lol.

[Monique1]

4. I know what you mean

I'm going to be in tears if Aarti loses. I have this gut feeling they are wanting Aria to win - the liar in chief and underminer.

Indian food is not all cilantro - Mexican food often calls for cilantro. You could sub parsley for cilantro or another spice.

I wasn't fond of ginger either. I did find a recipe that required ginger but I cut the amount of ginger. Actually the dish was delcious.

You know, I just love food, I love to experiment and try different flavors. I live by myself so I am always inviting people for meals here so I can try everything out. No wonder I don't have money but on the other hand, I actually eat healthier this way. I would eat pinto beans and tacos otherwise (homemade of course).

[The empressof all]

2. I'm with you...

I started off being ok with Aria but each week she has become less likeable. I'm in on the Aarti Party for the win as well though I wouldn't cry if Tom slipped in there. I don't get the Herb love the judges seem to have. They slip him through every week.

Aarti will bring those Indian flavors into the network lineup which really needs to grow their Asian foods shows IMO. I'm loving the Spice Goddess on the Cooking Channel. I find the host a bit annoying but I'm enjoying seeing the Indian Spices and cooking methods.

I'd also love to see some more Vegetarian and/or Vegan shows. Sometimes it seems the shows are all pretty much doing variations on the same theme and it gets boring seeing 15 different ways to cook ribs. Though I would watch Anne Burrell boil water for a half an hour every day... Love her!

[Monique1]

3. I would love to see more cooking geared to

single people or cooking for two. Not everyone has a family - I feel like the lost American.

More vegan shows too. I am not a vegan but I really enjoy veggies. Many nights I open a package of frozen veggies and that is my dinner. I am tired of the 15 different ways to make mash potatoes etc is too much.

[elleng]

5. I'm with you! Meals for 1 or 2, and veggies.

A good friend is Pakistani, so does that 'naturally.'

[Warpy]

10. Jamie Oliver at Home

on the Cooking channel has a lot of stuff that's geared toward one or two people. He's especially good at coming up with a theme and variations, like grilled veggies and olive oil becoming a salad, a sandwich filling, and a pasta sauce with a few additions here and there.

I've always had a soft spot for him since his food is simple and he makes it look effortless to prepare, unlike the layered, complex stuff on all the other cooking shows that take a whole gourmet shop of stuff on hand at all times and a platoon of sous chefs off camera doing all the heavy lifting.

Aarti has that same gift, demystifying Indian cuisine by paring down a lot of the spice combinations and still knocking it out of the park. All she needs is a little coaching for the camera.

This has been a decent year for all the competition shows, the front runner appearing pretty early in the series and the annoying ones getting picked off just as quickly.

Aria was kept on for as long as she was because she had the best on camera persona, she was a natural. Unfortunately, she just couldn't cook.

[Duer 157099]

6. I feel pretty sure they have already picked Aarti to win

I personally liked Brad but he did have his issues with the camera.

I thought for sure they would have kicked Aria before Brad, but I guess when it comes down to it, they already know who is winning. I'd bet money it will be Aarti.

Same way I'd bet money that Miles will win the New Top Artist thing, and I've thought so since the beginning.

There's just a way that the judges behave that indicates who their choice is throughout the whole thing. But I could be wrong, of course.

[Monique1]

7. I also liked Brad

and I think he could have overcome his camera issues. Watch for him to have his own show too. It may take a few months. He will have his own show. I was reading the blogs, people were upset. All I can say is I am happy Aria is gone. It would be fun to have Aarti and Brad share a show. Aarti with Indian food and Brad with healthy food, combine those together and you have a huge winner.

[Monique1]

8. Tom was horrible with his pancakes and clams

I thought I would need to run to the bathroom

[The empressof all]

9. The thing is you never really know what kinds of weird combos will work

I think the combo of Chicken and Waffles on the surface sounds a bit sketchy yet folks love this dish.

The best French toast I've ever had though was Smores flavored. It was two lovely pieces of Cinnamon raisen bread sandwiched with Marshmallow Fluff and Nuttella. Dredged in egg then coated in Graham Cracker Crumbs. Pan fried in butter......It was perfection with a garnish of whipped cream and little ramekins of hot fudge sauce and raspberry coulis.

[pengillian101]

11. Just make a post to it :-) and that brings it to the top!

"I know I started a thread earlier on this but I do not know how bring that up to the top."

So is everyone happy that Aarti won? I think she'll do great and I hope they find something for Herb and Tom - they are fun to watch.

[tishaLA]

12. She's pleasant and lovely

I'd like to know more about cooking Indian-inspired foods and the fact that she isn't a size 4 will endear her to lots of Food Network viewers.

[Monique1]

13. I'm thrilled that Aarti won

I'm excited to learn a different way to cook using spices I never used before. Aarti has an interesting background.

[Duer 157099]

14. I have to ask: did Rachael Ray have cosmetic surgery?

Or is that a stupid question? I just noticed that her face looked VERY different last night and the first face that came to mind was Joan Rivers, so then I started wondering if she did. And she MUST have! Right? Wow, stupid.

[Monique1]

15. It could be that RR

just had throat surgery not long. I don't know the details on all that. It could be her medications.

[Monique1]

16. i am happy that AARTI won but

my gosh, I went to FB and other blogs and couldn't believe the hatred and racism.

I did respond to one idiot where he said he hopes she fails. My response back to him was well, how would you like it if I said, I hope you fail on your job and that you would get fired soon. Hmmmmmm? These people are ugly that does not like Indian food on the network. They really want fatty foods to be served.

[Monique1]

17. I am surprised

that my comment was just posted. When I posted there was a message said that I would need to post again