Cooking For Real

Sunny Anderson has a new show on the Food Network entitled "Cooking For Real". The first episode will air on Sunday, April 6th at 10:30 am EST/9:30 am CST. I love food and I love with the Food Network is doing these days by recognizing the diversity in food preparation. They truly have something for everyone now.

Cooking for Real will not be the first time Food Network audiences have seen Sunny Anderson. She debuted on the Network back in 2005 as a special guest on Emeril Live, cooking side by side Chef Emeril Lagasse — an appearance Sunny deemed as her greatest "foodie" moment ever. In 2007, Sunny co-hosted Food Network's series of specials, Gotta Get It, uncovering the latest and greatest food gadgets and gizmos on the market.

The newest edition is a young woman who was has served time in the United States Air Force. Sunny's passion for food paved the way for a passion with music. While growing up traveling the world as an Army brat, her parents always encouraged her to indulge in the local cuisine. When Sunny joined the Air Force, she continued her trek through the world for culinary finds and soon discovered she had a desire to explore music. Soon enough, she became an award-winning military radio host and news reporter.

Upon finishing her tour of duty with the Air Force, Sunny kept on her broadcast career playing radio host at stations in New Orleans, Montgomery, Detroit, and finally, in New York at hip hop radio powerhouse, HOT 97. Within a year, Vibe Magazine rated her show as one of the top 9 to listen to nationwide and crowned her, "Ruler of the Airwaves." Her radio success landed her guest hosting duties on MTV2, and voice over gigs on television and radio ads for Destiny's Child, LL Cool J, and John Legend.

Check out Ms. Anderson in this promo for a show she hosted on the network last year entitled "Gotta Get It".

The Food Networks Newest Addition - The Neelys

I am a fan of The Food Network. From Giada De laurentiis to Rachelle Ray to Bobby Flay, I watch in awe of their culinary skills. The closest an African American ever got to possibly hosting a show on the network was when Reggie Southerland was runner-up in the second season of “The Next Food Network Star”. Well that is all about to change with the introduction of the Neelys.

When it comes to food, few couples are more familiar around the kitchen that Patrick and Gina. This Memphis couple is co-owners of Neelys Bar-B-Q, one of the most successful restaurants in the South. Simply known as The Neelys, they have a long tradition of cooking on both sides of their family and integrate a variety of different and unique recipes in their menus.

These high school sweethearts share a remarkable chemistry in and out the kitchen which has translated into numerous television appearances. I first saw them on “Paula’s Party”, a show on the Food Network hosted by Paula Deen. On their show, 'Down Home with the Neelys' -- which premiered Feb. 2 on the Food Network -- the energetic duo plan to share many of their most delicious family recipes for viewing pleasure.

But they won't be alone as they will often feature different members of their large clan in what can be aptly titled a family affair. In a show full of family and laughter, the Neelys will make you feel right at home. The show airs on Saturday at 11:00 AM EST/PST and 10:00 AM CST.