Just a couple things to stick in your craw today:

a) How can something that looks so delicious be made of these ingredients?

Coconut Crusted Chocolate Sticky Rice Ball Lechon Kawali Heart Attack Surprise

b) Michael Smith, the general manager of the new Cooking Channel (premieres May 31), imagines five food channels in the future.

...and so on and so on and so on...

There has been a fair amount of speculation about the soon-to-air Cooking Channel, the MTV2 of the Food Network and replacement for the Fine Living network. Yesterday’s piece in the NY Times by Allen Salkin gives us more of a glimpse into some of the actual programming and hosts. While some have been saying that the Cooking Channel might be stepping back into the more instructional realm and possibly a more authentic type of cooking program, it might be turn out to be something altogether different. While we will likely still see some familiar faces and conventions, it seems that unknown young Canadian people doing edgy things will be at least an early hallmark of the network. A video clip accompanying Salkin’s article shows some guys making a roaster from scratch. Now that’s authentic. I assume Martha Stewart smelts and molds metal to craft her own appliances, but I’ve never actually seen her do it. The overall vibe smacks of an “Ace of Cakes” sensibility (a show I have never been able to watch in its entirety) and is clearly targeting the youth market. But in youth there is hope.

Playing with fire on the Cooking Channel

What a fab time at the Emp State Book Fest!  I loved getting the chance to chat a bit before, during and after with Cathy, David, Gesine and Louisa. How often do you get to hang out with the authors of the books you’ve just read? In my experience, close to zero. And I finally had a good reason to use my NY State cookie cutter.

"Cooking the Books" in Albany (unfortunate panel title)

My Empire State Alfajore, complete with fictional fault line from Oswego to Binghamton

If you’re in the general area of New York State’s capital tomorrow, there’s no reason not to stop by the free, first annual Empire State Book Festival. I’ll be moderating a panel called “Cooking the Books” where Cathy Erway, David Sax, Louisa Shafia and Gesine Bullock-Prado will talk about their books.  See the program and author meet & greet schedule for details.