I love interacting with my fans on my Facebook page and on Twitter. I try to answer as many questions as possible, but sometimes can’t get to them all (sorry!). I thought it might be helpful to list out some of the most asked questions – and to answer them, of course!
Melissa, I loved that one episode where you made …(fill in name of recipe)! Where can I find your recipe for…(fill in recipe description here)?
Great news, now you can find them all right here in the Recipes section of my site. You can search them in a variety of ways. Share your photos and thoughts on my Facebook page and on Twitter.
I have printed all your recipes and cook them all the time! Are you ever going to release a cookbook? And, will you be going on book tour?
My first cookbook ‘Ten Dollar Dinners” debuted in August 2012. Click here to learn more about it, watch an intro video, get a sneak peek at recipes, and find out how to buy it. I went on a cross-country book tour when the book debuted. Any upcoming book signings as well as other appearances will be listed in the Events calendar and also announced on Facebook page and on Twitter.
When and where can I watch you on TV?
Please check the TV section for up to date information about my shows.
Is that your house we see you cook in on Ten Dollar Dinners? Where and when do you film the show? Who eats all the food you make on set?
While I absolutely adore my beautiful “Ten Dollar Dinners” home – it is in fact only my TV home. It’s a gorgeous set (thanks to the amazing set/prop designers!), and I was floored when I first walked on it for season 2 of “Ten Dollar Dinners.” Yes, the appliances are real and I’m actually cooking. I film one season (13 episodes) at a time in New York City over a 2-3 week timeframe, and I usually do that twice a year. This isn’t unique to me. Most of my Food Network (and Cooking Channel) colleagues do the same. The staff and crew eat the leftover food as long as it is still safe (meaning it hasn’t sat out too long). Also, some of it gets sent over to do “beauty shots” which are the pretty images you see online and at the beginning of the show when I am describing what I will make in that episode. Leftover ingredients will get used up in the massive Food Network Kitchens – whether for other events, shoots, recipe testing or just for the kitchen staff meal. Additionally, Food Network donates as much as possible to City Harvest – not just from my show, but from all the food coming into their kitchen every day.
Wait, but don’t you miss your family?
Yes, of course I miss my family. I miss them whether I’m away for one day or 20 days, but I’m a working mom (like many of you out there!) and every job comes with its challenges. I am so grateful for my husband, Philippe, who wears all hats while I am away. And then there are the times when he travels for work and I’m at home with the four girls while also trying to balance work. We support each other in our personal and professional goals, and for that I am so grateful.
Do you live in Texas, Seattle or San Diego?
Great question! We lived in Keller, Texas when I competed on “The Next Food Network Star” and then moved to Seattle for my husband’s job. Now, we live just outside of San Diego, which is closer to family for us. I actually spent part of my childhood here, so it’s great to be back.
Look forward to chatting soon!
Melissa