11/11/2012
Photo by: Miller Mobley
As the five hosts of The Chew prove, cooking up a hit talk show is like creating a memorable Thanksgiving: Take several cups of laughter, mix in a few spoonfuls of teasing, add a pinch of drama—and top with heaps of love.
When a TV show boasts a cast full of foodies and a lineup dedicated to the art of eating (family-style meals! potluck parties!), a deli salad for lunch or a sandwich from craft services simply won't do. And so on a recent fall day at the daytime talker The Chew, homemade lasagna is making the rounds backstage, whipped up by cohost Mario Batali, 52, he of orange Crocs–wearing, Gwyneth Paltrow–hanging, Italian cooking fame. "The first year, I didn't moderate my eating habits at all, just ate the entire plate of food," says Carla Hall, 48, a Top Chef finalist and The Chew's dessert diva. "I gained 20 pounds!"
Hall has since learned to stick to only a few bites of the dishes prepared on set and off, and she's not alone in making some adjustments. Meat lover Michael Symon, 43, a restaurateur and Iron Chef America star, credits healthy-eating author Daphne Oz, 26 (yes, the daughter of that Dr. Oz), for teaching him to put low-fat ingredients in his recipes; and fashion expert Clinton Kelly, 43, who also stars on What Not to Wear, has come to appreciate Batali's, uh, unique style sense, which usually includes a fleece vest and colorful socks. "It works for him," Kelly says.
The group's chemistry is working, too: The show's ratings are up in its second season, and a cookbook collaboration, The Chew: Food. Life. Fun., was an instant best seller. What do these kitchen gurus know that we don't about throwing the perfect holiday get-together? Read on to find out.
Shoot us your kitchen queries, share your opinions, or just come and say "Hi!" on Facebook and on Twitter @dashrecipes
When a TV show boasts a cast full of foodies and a lineup dedicated to the art of eating (family-style meals! potluck parties!), a deli salad for lunch or a sandwich from craft services simply won't do. And so on a recent fall day at the daytime talker The Chew, homemade lasagna is making the rounds backstage, whipped up by cohost Mario Batali, 52, he of orange Crocs–wearing, Gwyneth Paltrow–hanging, Italian cooking fame. "The first year, I didn't moderate my eating habits at all, just ate the entire plate of food," says Carla Hall, 48, a Top Chef finalist and The Chew's dessert diva. "I gained 20 pounds!"
Hall has since learned to stick to only a few bites of the dishes prepared on set and off, and she's not alone in making some adjustments. Meat lover Michael Symon, 43, a restaurateur and Iron Chef America star, credits healthy-eating author Daphne Oz, 26 (yes, the daughter of that Dr. Oz), for teaching him to put low-fat ingredients in his recipes; and fashion expert Clinton Kelly, 43, who also stars on What Not to Wear, has come to appreciate Batali's, uh, unique style sense, which usually includes a fleece vest and colorful socks. "It works for him," Kelly says.
The group's chemistry is working, too: The show's ratings are up in its second season, and a cookbook collaboration, The Chew: Food. Life. Fun., was an instant best seller. What do these kitchen gurus know that we don't about throwing the perfect holiday get-together? Read on to find out.
parade.com/chew
Shoot us your kitchen queries, share your opinions, or just come and say "Hi!" on Facebook and on Twitter @dashrecipesRELATED KEYWORDS:
