Michelle answers:

Hi Beignets!

That’s a classy name you’re using, and you’re making me hungry!

Those cake challenges are fun to watch, aren’t they? I suppose if you’re serious about being a guest on one of the Food Network shows, the first thing you’d want to do is to write them a letter. Address it to: Food Network Cake Challenge, Food Network, 75 Ninth Ave., New York, NY 10001. Their main telephone number is 212-398-8836. In your (typed) letter, tell them something about yourself, especially anything interesting or outstanding about yourself. Tell them why you want to be on the show, and tell them when your birthday is. They have a certain time of year when they tape those shows, so it probably wouldn’t be on your birthday. If you have a special reason for wanting to be on the show, such as your Sweet Sixteen birthday, tell them that, too. (Do you have a special interest in baking? In seeing how a television show is filmed?) I think, if I were you, I would mention briefly why you like the show. It would probably make them feel good and might help you. This sounds like a lot, but keep your letter down to one page because they get a lot of mail, and if they can’t read your letter pretty fast, they’ll throw it out. Also, since they tape in various locations, you could ask where they will be taping for the following year. Include a picture so they can see what you look like. Just as a suggestion, I’d be sure your spelling and grammar were checked and that you had no mistakes because this will be their first impression of you.

Save a copy of your letter because I have another idea. Let’s say that after six weeks, you still haven’t heard back from the Food Network, or let’s say their answer is no. You might try this:

Write to Kerry Vincent, the head judge on the challenges. First, check out her website at: http://www.oklahomasugarartists.com/kerr… You can contact her at this address:

Kerry Vincent, OSSAS Director
10530 S. Urbana Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74137
…
Phone: 918-299-7125
Fax: 918-745-0879
E-mail kvsugarart@aol.com.

Send her the same letter you sent to the Food Network, except change the wording so it’s to her. Tell her the same things you told the Food Network, and ask her whether she knows how you might be a guest on a show. Even though I’ve included her email for you, I don’t think I’d email her becausse that address is for her Oklahoma Sugar Art things. She’d be more impressed, I think, by a letter.

I thought of one other possibility, but you’ll have to do this on your own because I don’t have the information. You know how they show the name of the production company after the shows? You could watch one of the cake challenges, get the name of the production company that films the shows, and write to them. I think Google would probably list their name and address if you get the name. Then, you could write to them, too. However, if it’s entirely a Food Network production, then you’ve already written to them.

I think that about does it for my ideas. That would be so exciting if you actually pulled it off and got to appear on one of their shows! Unless they get a ton of requests, I’d think they’d be glad to learn of your interest.

I’ll be thinking about you! Good luck!

Michelle answers:

… I think we ALL watch Food Network. It’s the “safe” channel you can show to any of your guests and have them say, “Oh! Food Network! Great channel…”

If you want the recipe, go to FoodNetwork.com for it.

Http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_32335,00.html

I think THAT’S the recipe you’re looking for. They put ALL their recipes online.

Michelle answers:

To be in the audience or a contestant?

Ace of Cakes is more like reality show – they don’t have an audience or contestants – so I don’t know what you mean for that show. The non-employees you see are part of the celebrations they are making cakes for – and the people making those cakes are real employees of CCC.

But Food Network Challenge is a contest and you can check this page on Food Network to see what opening, if any, they have coming up: http://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/be-on-food-network/index.html However I’m pretty sure that FNC is all by invitation.

As for audience members – I see in the local papers when they are looking for people to show up for an audience. If you are in a good sized town – you might see if there are any websites or message boards that cover the local food scene – and start reading them as FN often contacts them in order to get audience or restaurant recommendations when they are filming in the area.

Michelle answers:

I am a huge food network fan. This season on Next Food Network Star is interesting so far. I would have to say that my favorite so far Orchid. She has a great personality and always has a huge smile on her face. I could picture myself watching her show because she seems very down-to-earth and likable. I would say that in order for her to win, she needs to make sure all her dishes are on target, since sometimes the judges have not been a huge fan of her food. Overall though, I think she has what it takes to win this competition. I’m looking forward to see what happens! If you ever forget to watch an episode and want a good recap check out TheCelebrityCafe.com.