Exciting News: I'm Going to Be Cooking on TV

Image courtesy of Virginia Dept. of Agriculture

Yes, it's true, and dang-it, I am so excited I'm about to blast-off. As some of you may know, I had a pretty big setback this past month when my cookbook proposal, which I spent many months working on, was rejected at the last minute. Since then, in addition to doing quite a bit of pouting and moping around, I've been keeping my eyes peeled for interesting opportunities because I refuse to give up on the dream.

Well, someone upstairs must have be looking out for me, because about a week ago an email arrived in my inbox from a producer asking me if I was interesting in coming on to host a few cooking segments for "The Heart of the Home" which is part of the show, "Real Virginia" created by the The Virginia Farm Bureau which profiles local farmers, foods and purveyor's all across the Commonwealth. In a nutshell, this is a program that is all about Virginia grown, buying local and supporting Virginia's farmers. What could be cooler?

Currently, "Real Virginia" airs on Dish, DirectTV, and many independent cable operators throughout the state. It's a show that has been in production for over ten years with Sherri McKinney as lead host, Mark Viette as the garden expert, and one of my favorite people, Chef John Maxwell (a.k.a. Chef Maxwell's Kitchen), serving as culinary expert and cooking segment host. However, Chef Maxwell has since taken a position at a culinary school in Florida.

Words cannot express how excited I am about this opportunity, not only because it will get me out of my rejection rut, but because I'll have the opportunity to actively promote and support Virginia growers and purveyors.

Keep an eye out here for more...much, much more. I'll be sharing great recipes that celebrate local food, wine, cheeses and other Virginia products. I'll also be posting links to view the show online (along with my cooking segments). Shooting begins next week, and the first episode should be up and running in March.

I hope you'll watch!