For this week’s Table Conversations podcast, I chatted with Cat Cora, co-star and master chef on the Food Network gladiator cooking show “Iron Chef: America.” We had a great conversation that ranged from to her new cookbook “Cooking From The Hip; Fast, Easy, Phenomenal Meals,” to her work on behalf of Hurricane Katrina victims in her native Mississippi to her sexy and salacious photo spread in FHM magazine. To listen to the podcast, click here. Speaking of the new cookbook, the cover is much more restrained than the convenience store getup she had on in the FHM layout.
Plunging V-neck? Yes. Can you count the freckles on her chest Yes. (You might want to bump up the SPF, Cat.) But her long-sleeve chartreuse top is tastefully done. She looks every bit like the late 30s long-distance runner/suburban mom/insanely talented cook that she is. The photo says, “I just finished helping the kdis with their homework. I think I’ll go get a mocha latte at ‘bucks and work on our quarterly income taxes.” But where does it rank in comparison to other cookbooks out now by female authors? Here’s a quick dissection:
Book: “Elsie’s Turkey Tacos and Arroz con Pollo: More than 100 Latin-Flavored, Great-Tasting Recipes for Working Moms” Author: Elsie Ramos Typical recipe: Relleno de Papa (Beef-Stuffed Potatoes) Skank Factor: 1 out of 10 Fashion statement: A former contestant on the first season of Fox TV’s “Hell’s Kitchen,” Ramos - who didn’t win - clearly survived with her dignity intact. The high collar on her purple blouse looks like it could have come from Prince’s wardrobe, but the neckline on the black shirt underneath sends the message: “I’ve got six boys in my household. I don’t need another.”
Book: “Holly Clegg’s Trim & Terrific Diabetic Cooking” Author: Holly Clegg Typical recipe:Raspberry Surprise Bran Muffins Skank factor: 5 out of 10 Fashion Statement: Already way heavy on the eyeliner and rouge, Clegg nonetheless goes for the plunging scoop neckline that shows off her “trim & terrific” attributes. She’s every suburban husband’s dream neighbor. To quote the sage words of Fountains of Wayne, “Stacy’s mom has got it goin’ on.” Especially with the blinds open. This one should sell well during bike night signings at the Harley dealership.
Book:”The Raw 50: 10 Amazing Breakfasts, Lunches, Dinners, Snacks, and Drinks for Your Raw Food Lifestyle”
Author: Carol Alt with David Roth.
Typical recipe:Raw Burgers
Skank factor:8 out of 10
Fashion Statement:Doesn’t everyone sit with their legs propped up at home on their bleach-denim-covered easy chair in a pleated eggplant strapless dress while scooping through a big bowl of ice cream and flowers?
It isn’t until page 185 that you find out that it took 26 - twenty six! - friends and chefs to help her collect these recipes.
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