Are you crazy about food as much as we are? Whoever who thought of producing cooking shows is a genius in our books and then came TV channels dedicated to food 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?
Our level of respect is on borderline worship but we’re absolutely sure we’re not alone in this because the success of these channels are thanks to the millions of food lovers or endearingly known as foodies around the world. Our favourite two channels dedicated to food available in Malaysia are the Asian Food Channel and Food Network Asia, and here we let you in on our favourite cooking shows.
30 Minute Meals with Rachael Ray on Food Network
Rachael is loud, bubbly and always on the go. This American television personality, businesswoman, celebrity chef and author has four television programmes under her belt: talk show “Rachael Ray”, “30 Minute Meals”, “Rachael Ray’s Tasty Travels” and “$40 a Day with 30 Minute Meals” being our absolute favourite. Rachael has written cookbooks based on the “30 Minute Meals” concept and if you’ve watched the show before you’d know why we love her.
Cooking healthy delicious meals can be quite a hassle so we, normal people, often resort to instant food or plain stir fried meals that are frankly as exciting as a piece of deep fried cardboard. We’re amazed at how much Rachael can achieve in 30 minutes even including preparation!
10 Dollar Dinners on Food Network
You know what they say about food, it’s cheaper to eat in than to eat out. The average family of four spends up to RM50 for a meal out in the Klang Valley and if you’re looking to save money and have your family consumer wholesome affordable meals, then here’s one show you don’t want to miss.
Hosted by Melissa d’ Arabian (yes that’s her name!), she shows you how you can prepare $10 meals for four people that are both creative and tasty. The show is in its fifth season already and you can also pick up tips to save while shopping. Each episode has its own theme and usually consists of an appetizer, main course, and dessert. Just like the shows tagline: “Four people, ten bucks, infinite possibilities”.
Unwrapped on Food Network
Just like its name suggests, host Marc Summers unwraps the secrets behind packed food from chips to bubblegum to peanut butter sandwiched in pretzels and wrapped in chocolate fudge. It’s a fun show that’ll give you renewed respect for the people behind the food industry. Behind-the-scenes shows will never be the same again, healthy or not, Unwrapped will help you judge that.
Fresh With Anna Olson on the Asian Food Channel
Recorded from her home in the Niagara region in Ontario, Anna Olson cooks three dishes in every episode either for a special occasion or community event in her little town. The show also sees her visiting her local grocer to pick out ingredients for the meals she’s preparing based on the mantra of “eat fresh, eat local” which of course, inspired the title of the show.
We love how colorful and homey the set of her show is and her recipes are relatively easy to make! All you need is a grill oven and a stove, with the proper utensils and pots of course. Olson also owns a shop called “Olson Foods + Bakery” which is an open kitchen concept that sells baked goods made fresh daily, artisanal cheeses and gourmet pantry items.
Good Chef, Bad Chef on Asian Food Channel
Good food and tasty food don’t often come hand in hand. Everyday we’re being told to pursue a healthier lifestyle by reducing fat, cholestrol and carbs while increasing our intake of vitamins, antioxidants and organic food but on the other hand, we’re also being bombarded with fast food ads.
In “Good Chef Bad Chef”, both Chef Adrian Richardson and nutritionist Janella Purcell battle it out for you and explore ingredients, recipes, cuisines and food themes that will tantalise and inspire home cooking while educating people on striking a healthy balanced diet.
Food Network (Channel 706) and Asian Food Channel (Channel 703) is available on Astro.
