Last time I checked, we're still in '09, so I thought I would give you all another top 9 list. In this edition, I'm talking about my favorite cooking shows of all time. Some of these go way back:
9. In Julia's Kitchen with Master Chefs (or any of her other shows, for that matter). How can Julia Child not make this list? After all, without her, TV cooking shows might never have taken off and there never would have been a Dan Akroyd spoof on SNL.
8. Lidia's Italy. I've mentioned before how I sometimes imagine I have a long lost Italian grandmother. This show allows me to indulge in that fantasy.
7. Everyday Italian (early episodes). In the early days of Giada De Laurentiis' career on Food Network, I really loved this show. However, when I started cooking many of her recipes, I realized that I had to add a lot to them to make them really shine. However, she does make for good television!
6. Rachael Ray's 30 Minute Meals. Okay, I understand that many of you might get mad at me for this one. Yes, Rachael is annoying. Yes, she makes a lot of burgers. But I still maintain that her 30 Minute Meals concept is one of the best innovations for home cooks ever. Do I make all her recipes? No, but you've got to give this woman her props.
5. Martha Stewart Living. Although this was really more of an overall lifestyle show, I always loved it and made a point to watch it on Sunday mornings. And nobody does Christmas cookies like Martha.
4. The Original Japanese Iron Chef. Masaharu Morimoto, Chen Kenichi, Hiroyuki Sakai, and Masahiko Kobe. The names are fun to say, the ingredients were outrageous, and the energy was insane. I like the American version, but nothing beats the original!
3. Nigella Bites. Nigella was the first cook who really made it okay to be imprecise and imperfect in the kitchen. Her food looked great, her friends had fun, and she always ended the show with a little late-night trip to the fridge.
2. The Barefoot Contessa. No surprise to find Ina on the list. I've said it before and I will say it again: I love her!
1. Yan Can Cook! Hands down the number one cooking show ever. I watched it when I was little and I still watch it now. I could just listen to recordings of him chopping things with that gigantic Chinese cleaver of his. As far as cooking show hosts go, Martin Yan is unsurpassed. Need a little convincing? Watch this!
Such a great list. I used to LOVE watching Yan Can Cook growing up... he's SUCH a personality. And while I do not have much love Rachael Ray one does have to acknowledge the impact she's made in the "culinary" world. She's also a great study in marketing.
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