If you’ve got a sweet tooth, chances are you’re a fan of Sweet Genius, now in its second season. Back with more whimsy and wonder, each episode has four of America’s premier pastry chefs competing against one another through three rounds of challenges judged by Master Pastry Chef Ron Ben-Israel, testing their creativity, ingenuity and imagination. The chefs are given surprise ingredients, inspiration and a limited amount of time; with those three elements as a guide, they must create a delectable chocolate, candy and cake dessert. The winners from each round advance for a final test, with Ron crowning the remaining chef Sweet Genius and awarding them a $10,000 cash prize.
Now we need your help and inspiration for the third season. Have you thought of a surprise ingredient or challenge that would be perfect for Sweet Genius?
Get creative: We’re hoping to see suggestions that include live animals, colorful objects, items with moving parts (think the robot from this season or our bubble machine) or wacky things like a baby doll or ventriloquist’s dummy. Tell us your suggestions in the comments below and they may be featured in the upcoming season.
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The Salt: Is black pepper the secret ingredient to weight loss? A recent study claims yes, but actual benefits may be minimal.
Tree Hugger: There is one shark you don’t have to be afraid of in the water. Six-foot Florence is the world’s first vegetarian shark.
New York Times: Need incentive for improving your eating habits? A new invention promises cash rewards for healthy eating.
LA Weekly: The new scrapbook-esque children’s book, The Delicious Life of Julia Child, is a quirky and fun read for kids and adults.
Slate: Is there such a thing as the “best beer in the world?” Russian River Brewing Company’s Pliny the Younger has taken the title according to BeerAdvocate.com.
Light and refreshing yet filling and satisfying, cucumber salads are easy-to-prepare, quick-cooking side dishes that complement any spring menu. The key to crafting a cucumber salad is to start with fresh, firm cucumbers — like those pictured above from Food Network Magazine — and add simple, clean flavors. Check out Food Network’s top five cucumber salad recipes below to find a mix of creative and traditional takes on this classic spring dish.
5. Grilled Red Onion and Cucumber Salad With Yogurt-Mint Dressing — Bobby completes his 20-minute side by sprinkling tangy feta cheese on top.
4. Fresh Cucumber Salad — Made with English cucumber, cool honeydew and jalapeno, Claire Robinson creates a no-fuss salad that is both sweet and a bit spicy.
Get the top three recipes
Fourteen finalists remain in contention to become the next Food Network Star. This Sunday night, when the three teams board buses to lead New York food tours, which two will end up on the bottom? Who will get a second chance after the Producers̵...
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In Aptos, Calif., Robert and the Restaurant: Impossible team faced the daunting task of turning things around at Ristorante Barolo. Owners Giovanni Guerisoli and Cristina Locke struggled with the changing economy as well as family health problems, and could barely keep their 10-year-old business afloat. We checked in with the couple to see how things were going after Restaurant: Impossible.
Three months later, sales at Ristorante Barolo have increased by 37%. “The new decor and also all the publicity because of the show have brought new customers,” says Cristina. “People watch and really like Restaurant: Impossible.” Read more »
The eighth season of Food Network Star may have only just begun, but it is already off to an intense start. We know that you all had a lot to say about the jam-packed premiere episode, particularly in regards to the new style of Star and this se...
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Chicken Vegetable Braciola photo by: Stephen Scott Gross
Sometimes, things happen for a reason. This was the case for an unsuspecting box of rice cereal I had ready and waiting in the cupboard for my son Isaiah’s morning breakfast routine. I had be...
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Mix up your breakfast routine and stay fueled all day long with Simply Suzanne’s Apple Pecan Rosemary Granola. High in both fiber and protein, this savory granola contains only five ingredients. Apples, pecans, granola and raisins are tossed w...
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Each month, Food Network Magazine puts chefs from Food Network Kitchens to the test: Create recipes that put a new spin on a pantry staple like chocolate syrup or instant coffee.
This month, Morgan Hass, Sarah Copeland and Rob Bleifer infuse cupcakes, cocktails and even ribs with subtle notes of black tea.
Recipe: Tea Cakes With Earl Grey Icing (pictured above)
Sarah says: “These tiny, rich chocolate cakes come alive with a playful puff of Earl Grey meringue.”
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Iron Chef Michael Symon — the unofficial mayor of Cleveland — tells Food Network Magazine what to eat in his hometown.
Roasted Pig Head from The Greenhouse Tavern
Michael is known for his love of unusual cuts of meat, so it’s no surprise that he digs into half a pig’s head at least once a week. “It’s a lot of pig face,” he admits. The pig is seasoned with a spicy Southeast Asian style barbecue sauce and served with lettuce cups. Michael often stops at this spot after work: It’s next to his restaurant Lola, and the chef, Jonathon Sawyer, is an old friend. $31; 2038 East 4th St.; thegreenhousetavern.com
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Want Better Biscuits? Alton to the Rescue
