FOOD NETWORK STAR EPISODE 1: RECAP

EPISODE 1 of Food Network Star!

The first challenge was issued by Robert Irvine was to open our own restaurant in 24 hours to serve 150 diners and the executives from Food Network. Oh boy... here we go!

I made deviled eggs for our Southern-themed restaurant we decided to call Do South. The eggs had southern inspired toppings:

BBQ Beef Brisket with Mom's Coleslaw

Pork Cracklins with Creme Fraiche and Green Tomato Salsa

Fried Chicken Livers with Charred Onion Relish

I got my inspiration from the deviled egg bar I love to do for parties. Here's the how-to on my blog plus the recipe for Southern style deviled eggs.

I am obviously less than thrilled with the comments I got about my food and my presentation from Episode 1 but choose not to dwell on it. I live to cook another day. What did I learn from the experience? Duh- don't make eleven recipes for one dish. Don't make boiled eggs you have to peel for 150 people where there is no running water. Don't make things overly complicated. Simple, delicious food that is easy to make has always been my wheelhouse. I'm going to live there and not think I have to Iron Chef it up because I'm intimidated by some restaurant chefs who certainly should have won this challenge because we opened a restaurant. Don't worry- we're TEAM ALTON. We have some tricks up our sleeves, too. Stay tuned for Episode 2!  

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