Paula Deen :: Food Network Celebrity Chef

Casting: Food Network Chefs Tackle your Video Grilling Questions!

Love to watch the Food Network but can't cook as well as your favorite star? Now's your chance to have your Grilling question answered, possibly even in-person! Inspired by letters from fans, Dear Food Network features top chefs answering your cooking concerns, problems and challenges.

Have a question about global grilling (Mexican, tandoori, Italian, Korean), improving an All-American dishes (hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken), seafood, or how to make a tasty dessert on the grill? Our Food Network stars are here to help improve your recipes and grilling skills!

We're looking for fun, creative 20-second videos (DVD or MiniDV) to incorporate into the show.

But First- For video guidelines please contact me at foodnetworkseries@gmail.com !
Also send us your stats (name, age, city/state, living situation, contact info) plus a recent photo, a little about yourself, and your cooking questions. Does your chicken always come out burnt, maybe you're a baker who wants to take it to the backyard, need an idea for a party?

The best questions/videos will be used on the show and some people will get to have their question answered in person by his or her favorite chef!

Please send your DVD or MiniDV to:

Embassy Row
Att: Dear Food Network
110 Leroy Street
7th Fl.
New York, NY 10014

All entries must be received no later than Monday December 8th.

Many Thanks!

Zandra Pernica
Casting Department
Embassy Row/Food Network
"Dear Food Network"
646.747.4730

2 pounds lean ground beef
2 large yellow onions, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
3 cups water
2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
3 bay leaves
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon House Seasoning, recipe follows
1 tablespoon seasoned salt
2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked

In a Dutch oven, saute the ground beef over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Break up the meat while sauteing. Spoon off any grease. Add the onions and garlic to the pot and saute until they are tender, about 5 minutes. Add 3 cups water, along with the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, soy sauce, House Seasoning, and seasoned salt. Stir well. Place a lid on the pot and allow this to cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Add the elbow macaroni, stir well, return the lid to the pot, and simmer for about 30 minutes. Turn off the heat, remove the bay leaves, and allow the mixture to sit about 30 minutes more before serving.
Serve with garlic bread and a salad.

House Seasoning:
1 cup salt
1/4 cup pepper
1/4 cup garlic powder
Mix the ingredients together and store in an air-tight container for up to 6 months. Use as a seasoning on meat and when cooking vegetables.