Cooking Shows Make For Good Entertainment

by Rachel Guard
For The Post

Cooking squid and African crocodile aren't usually the preferred pastime on a college campus.

But lately there has been a growing trend among college students to watch cooking shows on cable networks - even if they don't really cook.

On New Year's Day 2001, the Food Network had a 24-hour marathon of Iron Chef. This marathon was a worthy competition on television for those who were vegging out trying to recuperate from the night before.

This program features a cook-off between two chefs, one who has been deemed an "iron chef," and the other, a gourmet chef trying to acquire the iron chef status. The popular show contains all the components of a Monday night sports match: competition, suspense and humor.

The idea is for the competing chefs to use one key ingredient in each course of a five-course meal. The main ingredient is usually something different like sushi or quail. The toughest part of the competition is incorporating that ingredient in everything from the appetizer to the dessert, and make it look appetizing. Sushi coated with sugar and topped with ice cream doesn't usually appeal to all, but these chefs can pull it off.

Another show that has piqued the interest of many is The Naked Chef. Host Jamie Oliver is a good-looking Englishman who has something to offer to both men and women. Oliver's tousled hair is not the only bonus to his sex appeal; his sexy English accent and constant cooking with the aphrodisiac chocolate also woos people. Those not attracted to him can still enjoy the program by picking up methods of luring that special someone with sensual cooking ideas.

Essence of Emeril is the American Bandstand of cooking shows. This is the show that seemingly started the whole trend. Emeril Lagasse's personality keeps the audience captivated and laughing for a whole hour. His constant "BAM!" and cooking with alcohol riles people up week after week. Emeril's celebrity status was defined when he made an appearance on ABC's Who Wants to be a Millionaire?

The trend of watching these cooking shows is now extending into the kitchen and off of the couch. More and more college students are forgetting mac n' cheese or Ramen noodles and delving into veggies, tofu, tempeh and humus.

Add some spice to your life.