Justin Wilson I gar-on-tee! I really enjoyed this "half blood cajun" for his wit, open, and real type of show. And he could speak with a drawl and not be obnoxious about it. He was an inspiration to me since he'd say if you don't have one thing, use something else or leave it out. It's not gonna make that big a difference. Although there really wasn't a lot of his recipes I made, he got me to use black pepper on garlic bread, Louisiana Hot Sauce, and more. Plus one thing that sticks in my mind is that he would never cut his garlic bread all the way through. He made a big point that you should "broke bread" with people as a sign of friendship and the like. That hit home with me. I remember one time I did this with some friends over and one couldn't quite understand the break bread part of the meal. He really inspired me to try different things and do more cooking, not just heating up.

Jeff Smith, the Frugal Gourmet The controversial part of his life aside, I did enjoy his show for the history of food and different cultures yet combining into some things. He also would go for just one take in a show and if he goofed up he said something like SEE?? things like this happen all the time in the kitchen! Don't let it upset you! And of course "hot pan - cold oil - food won't stick". He did inspire me to start cooking more.

Nathalie Dupree - New Southern Cooking I jotted down a lot of her recipes and liked the way she'd talk about this is a variation of _____, or the like. Essentially she was saying modify it to your liking.

Franco Palumbo - We're Cooking Now Lots of his recipes were converted, adapted and are in my recipe books.

All of these were older, quite basic shows. But had a lot of great info in them. Wish they'd bring them back on the air.

And of course, my mother. Wish she'd have been around longer to teach me more. She was a great cook.

I never got much of a thrill from Julia Child or the Galloping Gourmet. Both were just a little too goofy for me. I would watch them occasionally since there wasn't much else on but both just a little too froo-froo for me.

One other that I enjoy watching, but don't get much out of is Alton Brown. I did get a chuckle when the church ladies held his dog hostage. And I enjoy some of the chemistry part of his show. And his dry sense of humor. But without cable or satellite, I rarely see him.

Can't think of any others offhand. Might think of some more later.

I learned so much from Julia.

I love watching cooking shows. One I don't like is Ask Aida.
I like the big guy in the kitchen.....I think he won a Top Chef contest or something. He's a black guy, looks like a football player, and I like his down-to-earth cooking. I like Tyler's Ultimate but I don't know when he's on anymore.

Another weirdo is a tough-looking blonde. Her nickname is "Girl Fierra" cause her hair looks just like Guy's.

Trish

And I always enjoyed Nathalie, Justin, of course. There was a show on years ago, that was done by a local woman--wish I could remember her name, but it was short-lived, but one of the very best for accurate information.

But what show inspired me? I'd have to put the annual/semi-annual live Bake-Off Awards Show right near the top of the list. From the time I first became aware of the Bake-Off, I followed it. I loved watching the shows back when Willard Scott used to host--he was great with the contestants. I was so entranced by the whole concept and the shows, that I always thought it would be the best thing in the world to get to compete at the Bake-Off. I did--no once, but 3 times. It's a fabulous experience, you make wonderful friends, and you feel like a celebrity yourself for the months leading up to the contest. Unfortunately, WS was no longer hosting when I got to go--got stuck with a horrible, host who showed up drunk at breakfast the day of the competition, had no sense of humor, and no real interest in the contestants.

Now days, Ina Garten, Throwdown with Bobby Flay, Dinner Impossible.

Can do WITHOUT the gushy mushy couple from Memphis, The Neeley's. ugh

I don't care for the Neely's lovey-dovey carp, but the make some awesome food. I made their creamed spinach last week and I'm making it again tomorrow. I made something else from their recipes but I can't remember what it was. But man, that spinach is great!

Julia was a stitch! My daughter and I used to watch her together. DD was about 13 at the time and would actually roll on the floor laughing at some of the things Julia would say. Fun times!

There is no real mystery to being a good cook if you know the science behind it. You don't need that special pot or utensil. What you need is technique and an understanding of the science behind it.

Sue

Another show was on our PBS station. It was two middle aged "regular Joes" who made really homey food. They'd wear their plaid shirts and Wrangler jeans and just seemed to enjoy the heck out of cooking. I cannot remember their names, but since I was a beginner cook back then, I learned a lot from them. Basic stuff, like mac & cheese and spaghetti sauce. Anyone remember this show?

I used to tape Justin Wilson's shows when I first got a VCR so I could watch it when I got home from work. I had several tapes filled with his shows. Then I loaned the tapes to a "friend" and never got them back. Then of course denied they got them from me. I could just scream. I learned so much from him. Went to a Sportsman's show once and he was there. Wanted to wait to see him but he had just finished his early show and wouldn't be back for about 6 hours. Waited a long time then found out it was going to be delayed. Dang! Would have enjoyed seeing him in person and hopefully be able to meet him. Not many celebrities that I'd care to meet but he was one.

Now Lidia, I do like. Her son is one I can't stand. Too arrogant. Seems like she's grooming her kids to take over the show but I don't think it'll work.

Sara Moulton is another one I like. There's an old lady that she had on her shows a few times and I can't remember her name. I think she called her Aunt something. The one time she was making a "gravy" and she set Sara straight when she accidently called it a sauce. "NO NO NO NO NO NO NO! its GRAVY!!" and I remember she used a mix of ground meats and Sara said if you don't have a mix, just use one and uh-oh.... "NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!" She was so funny.

And Rocco DiSpirito. Boy, his mama keeps him in line! Of today's shows America's Test Kitchen and Cook's Country are interesting too. They go into the science of cooking and looking for the "perfect" whatever recipe.

I still laugh thinking about Dan Akroyd doing Julia Child.... Save the liver!