Tuesday, June 12, 2007

What I Would Have Done: The Bon Appétit Challenge

In the latest episode of “The Next Food Network Star,” the contestants competed for the chance to showcase their recipes on the July cover of Bon Appétit magazine. The theme was “a new way of grilling” and the winner was Rory and her baby back ribs. The editors of Bon Appétit says they’re always looking for recipes that are simple for the home cook, innovative and visually appetizing.

When I thought about what I would have done in the challenge (the contestants had 90 minutes to develop and cook their recipes), I thought about grilled salads because I think that’s a refreshing change from ribs (sorry Rory) and beef that’s typically slapped onto the summer grill. Grilled salads are also fast because it doesn’t take that long to cook. My favorite salad is the traditional Caesar salad, so that’s what I made for my make-believe presentation to the Bon Appétit editors. It’s simple and quick, and I added a twist with my anchovy-Parmesan crostinis instead of croutons. What do you think? Do you think it’s worthy of the July cover of Bon Appétit?

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great recipe, I can't wait to try it! And THANK YOU for noticing the part of the assignment that says "A NEW way to grill." What was new about the ribs? Or most of the other entries, for that matter?

Anonymous said...

Explain to me how cooking baby back ribs is a "new way to grill"? Heck this novice cooked ribs using a rub two weeks ago! But grilled salad? Now THAT is new and exciting!

Passionate Eater said...

Seriously, if they don't put you on next season, I will never watch Food Network again! They really need refreshing perspectives, especially like your's on grilled salads! Grilled ribs are so overdone--in terms of exposure, not cooking time.

Single Guy Ben said...

Thanks PE, that's so nice of you to say! But if you read my recap of Episode 3, you'll notice that I mention that they're already looking for contestants for Season 4 and I'm not going to reapply. If you were on the selection committee, or at least the screening committee, I would consider going through the ropes again, but nah.

You know, I have this same attitude with dating. No wonder I'm still single. ;-)