Chatting With the Latest Celebrity Cook-Off Exile

By: Sarah De Heer
(L-R) Contestants Summer Sanders, Taylor Dayne and Lou Diamond Phillips from Host Rachael Ray's team start working on their dishes for the Lunch Carts challenge as seen on Episode 4 of Food Network's Rachael Vs. Guy Season 1

(L-R) Contestants Summer Sanders, Taylor Dayne and Lou Diamond Phillips from Host Rachael Ray's team start working on their dishes for the Lunch Carts challenge as seen on Episode 4 of Food Network's Rachael Vs. Guy Season 1

Photo by: Jason DeCrow ©2011, Television Food Network, G.P.

Jason DeCrow, 2011, Television Food Network, G.P.

Every Sunday, two of Food Network’s most popular personalities, Rachael Ray and Guy Fieri, go head-to-head in Rachael vs. Guy Celebrity Cook-Off. Divided into Team Rachael and Team Guy, the celebrity contestants face intense weekly challenges that have them racing against the clock to prepare elaborate meals for up to 150 guests. The winning and losing teams are chosen by guest diners and after six episodes, the last celebrity standing will win a cash donation to his or her favorite charity.

Every week, FN Dish brings you exclusive exit interviews with the latest Celebrity Cook-Off exile to get the boot.

This week, gold-medal winner Summer Sanders said goodbye.

Even though many people said the sausage wrap was bland, since the beginning of the competition, your plating skills have really improved. Do you agree that you eat with your eyes first?

SS: I love a colorful plate because it means a healthy plate. I eat more for fuel than pure pleasure. But, as a cook, it is fun to see your food presented with style.

Out of the four challenges, which one was your favorite and why?

SS: The one-on-one challenge was so intense and incredible and, therefore, is the one I remember the most. I loved it because I was able to talk about my family. Cooking, to me is about friends and family.

The team really stayed calm, cool and collected throughout the competition. Was it the same behind-the-scenes?

SS: Even more so. We were each so focused on our charities — mine being Right To Play — that it made every drop of sweat worth it.

Taylor is the last girl represented in the competition. Any words of wisdom for her?

SS: Taylor needs to continue doing what she's been doing since the beginning: cooking what makes her taste buds happy. She is calm, cool and has a killer palate.

How will this competition change the way you cook at home for your family?

SS: I have certainly tried new recipes and been a bit more adventurous in the kitchen. My husband loves it, but the kids get a little freaked. Oh, and I have been using "grown-up knives," thanks to Rachael and Guy.

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