Subbing for Bruce, Sunny Anderson gets the behind-the-scenes dish from the “Dessert” episode of Ultimate Recipe Showdown.

Anticipa-a-ation. How does the song go? That’s what I’m feeling today as I’m about to meet Sunny Anderson. Interesting, huh?

I’m nervous to meet the Comfort Food Queen. Particularly after I just watched her Burger and Cakes viewing parties.

Yippee. Yikes. What to wear? Should I bring a gift — her Grammy’s red velvet cake, perhaps? Oy vey. My attempt might prove to be offensive. I don’t want to pry, but of course I want the dish!

I’ve heard she has led a CRAZY life so far, which I can’t wait to share with you. To tide you over, check out Sunny’s cool personal site and blog for a quick taste.

Wish me luck on bringing out my inner Barbara Walters.

Truly,
Secretary Confidential

Subbing for Bruce, Sunny Anderson gets the behind-the-scenes dish from the “Hot & Spicy” episode of Ultimate Recipe Showdown.

Subbing for Bruce, Sunny Anderson gets the behind-the-scenes dish from the “Cakes” episode of Ultimate Recipe Showdown.

What do you get when you mix breakfast cereal, a passion for food and a keen ability to multi-task? Rob Bleifer, the executive chef who manages 15 different Food Network shows. I caught up with Rob for a rapid-fire round:
Read more about this passionate, cereal-loving multi-tasker here.

Subbing for Bruce, Sunny Anderson hosts a viewing party for the first episode of Ultimate Recipe Showdown – Comfort Food.

That’s what we should call Sunny‘s episode “First Down, Ten to Feed”; airing on January 24th . Sunny’s baking her beloved Grandma’s red velvet cake. Yummy.

She’s a natural storyteller, and her tales are NOT scripted. As she spoke about her Grammy baking this cake for church or for her high school graduation, I thought she might cry. So sweet! Her approach is fun to contrast with Anne Burrell who talks of her recipes as if she were talking about her best girlfriends.

Sunny also embraces some cake curveballs like white vinegar or whipping up the icing on the stove. I don’t cook, but that seems unusual. Our dear Sunny can be prone to belches in the right conditions. That was kind of comical to watch. She burps between takes and is fine with this. A woman who is comfortable in her skin — I love that.

Happy New Year FN Dishers!
~ Secretary Confidential

Since we’re all home enjoying the holidays, we wanted to share some holiday memories from your favorite Food Network stars…

Tyler Florence: Best gift — moped as a ten-year old…and then, “…whatever my wife got me last Christmas. Thanks, honey!”

Sandra Lee: Best gift — a love letter from her honey.

Guy Fieri: Best gift — His horse, Rebel was his first thought. However, he changed his answer to his two sons instead.

Alton Brown: A jet from his wife. That’s right, a REAL jet.

Sunny Anderson: Beebee bear from her mom.

Danny Boome: Skiing lessons. Worst gift: Hospital bills after the skiing lessons.

Watch all the holiday memories from your favorite FN stars.

Here’s a toast to all of the FN Dish’ers!
And if your glass needs a great companion…
try Paula‘s Mama’s Eggnog. YUM!

Happy Holidays!
~ The FN Dish Staff

Sunny Anderson takes a break from filming new episodes to give The FN Dish a behind the scenes peek at her Cooking for Real set!

FN Dish recently posted about the secret storage room that houses Food Network’s props, flatware and goodies from the last fifteen years. FN Set Decorator Wendy and her colleague Jamie curate the entire collection.

FN Fan, Robin, recently asked an excellent question: “When a show is introduced with a new on-air personality, how are props selected? Is a collaborative process between you and the on-air personality?”

Here’s the scoop from Wendy… “I really like to blend new, used and vintage elements to create intriguing backgrounds and tabletop designs… Most people live among newly-acquired purchases or gifts, heirlooms, impulse items, and hand-me-downs. This is the same for sets at Food Network, except with attention paid to camera angles, color, which foods will be featured, etc.”

As Robin guessed, Wendy does meet with each chef, along with key members of the Food Network production team before a show commences shooting. This helps her translate their vibe, energy and personality into the artistic choices seen on air. Have a question for Wendy? Post below and let her know.

Recognize these bold pieces from Sunny Anderson‘s set?