So who goes next? Jamica or Debbie? It will probably be one of them, I think.

I'm watching it too. My pick for the winner is Melissa.

Michael - he was good in a crowd but clammed up in front of the camera? Why did he try out for this tv show? Didn't he know there'd be cameras? Not crazy about any of his dishes. And each time he yelled out Who Loves You - I found myself yelling to the tv - "Not me!!"

I'm not feeling "trust" for Debbie; she's lied twice now. I dont think she has a good enough personality for a tv show.

Jamica - love her smile and personality. I could watch her if there was nothing else on.

Jeffrey - he was my favortie in the beginning but as time goes on his personality is rather boring to me.

On another note, did you all hear that Rachel Ray had surgery to remove a cyst from her vocal chords? I wonder if that's why she had such a raspy voice?

I've been watching, but none of them really do anything for me. I'm with you all that Melissa and Jeffrey are the best of the lot. I keep comparing the contestants from this season and last season to Guy Fieri. Could they do what he did? So far none of them have lived up to his talent. Each year the contestants get weaker and weaker. But yet, I still watch.

Sally

I also think Melissa is the winner. I wonder though, how she could juggle the job with having four small children. I am surprised she hasn't had the "break-down" yet -- where she cries that she misses her kids(many contestants do).

I think Debbie has a good shot at winning because they consistently like her food (Suzie is her biggest fan). I am sure her food is great but do I see myself making it? No. I am not Korean and would probably only eat that kind of food once a month.

Having two kids, I'd like to see more of how Melissa cooks for her family. Most current Food Network personalities do not have young children and don't understand the challenges we face trying to make food that we like but that our kids will eat.

I think Jamika will be next to go. She just hasn't impressed anyone enough.

Debbie will be safe one more week if they do an individual challenge, not another group one where she can screw over her teammates. I don't think she'll win, though, since the judges were clearly not pleased with her selfishness this week. They've got to know that audiences don't like her and wont watch her show.

I was just watching Sandra Lee. She topped a lovely filet mignon with a bunch of black and blue berries -- who would want to eat berries with their steak????

The fact that she is on the network makes me question the judges expertise on picking talent.

I like Jeffrey and Melissa, but I think Melissa will win. She just has such a likeable personality and her food has been good.

Katie and Michael both got on my nerves. As did Teddy, talk about dishonest.

Debbie's recipes have been good, but her honesty is questionable also.

Jamica, I just don't see her winning.

I don't watch much television but I love watching these series and I can't imagine how hard it must be to come up with a recipe using certain ingredients in a short amount of time.

I just became hooked on this show a few weeks ago.

After the last episode, I cannot wait for Debbie to go. Again, the judges made their call based on the quality of the food, but this time I think Debbie's total lack of team contribution coupled with her dishonesty should have taken precedence over food quality, since Michael has made just as many great dishes over the course of the competition. I know he shot himself with his anti-camera comments (and most likely his "hostess" behavior), but I really hate that the judges gave Debbie still another pass after claiming that honesty & integrity are so important--this makes them look like such hypocrites.

Not only did Debbie devote her entire time to her dishes alone, apparently she made sure to grab the best & most expensive ingredients for them during the shopping trip. No wonder her appetizers were the best! Then she lied to the judges about how she alone did most of the work in the kitchen. Thankfully Melissa was brave enough to reveal the truth & the judges listened to her, although they turned on an earlier whistleblower contestant.

With Debbie still in the running, I'm afraid that the remaining challenges will play to her strength of performing. However, the preview did show her losing her Asian seasonings--this should be interesting.

I'd be happy with Melissa, Jeffrey, or Jamika winning, although I've been rooting for Melissa.

Stir Fry - I'm with you on that comment you made about Melissa.

"Having two kids, I'd like to see more of how Melissa cooks for her family. Most current Food Network personalities do not have young children and don't understand the challenges we face trying to make food that we like but that our kids will eat."

Yup yup.

I am watching, have no idea who will win...

Well, what do you think? I was sure it would be caper-less Debbie this time!

I like Melissa more and more.

Melissa has the broadest appeal by far. Debbie may cook well, but who wants to watch Korean cooking week after week???

HA! THat Debbie lied again saying those capers were in the dressing when she didnt even use them at all! She finds it easier to lie than tell the truth. If she wins this I wont watch her show - ever.

Melissa will appeal to a pretty large audience I think. She should win.

Yick, I hate all these people.

Debbie? She's not Korean. She's Korean ethnicity but she says she was raised here, so she either came as a very young child or is an adoptee. I think the "I'm Korean" "I cook Korean" schtick is just a way of separating herself from the crown and marketing herself.

I do like to watch these things but NFNS in general chooses the group of contestants based on some demographic they are trying desperately to fill. This season they seem to be trying for a woman, and an Asian or Black woman would be icing on Food Network's cake.

If they want a really good Asian cook, they should give Ming Tsai his own show again. Instead he is stuck on PBS at some terrible time slot. Dude can cook and cook Asian and for reals!

As far as Sandra Lee, most of the popular shows in the network are third-party productions that are sold to the network. They are trying hard to produce their own successful shows - if they own it, they make all the money on it.

I'm a Melissa fan. She reminds me of Sara Moulton, who used to bring the young mother and (excellent) home cook's viewpoint to the Food Network in a live show during the dinner hour. Sara was and still is the Executive Chef of Gourmet Magazine, so she definitely came with some great credentials.

Jeffrey is okay, I'd probably look for his show if he had one. I want to believe Debbie's capers caper wasn't really a lie. I think she intended to use the capers, thought she had used the capers, and thus said she had used them and then got caught. There may be more to the story that the editors didn't include in the program, though.

I finally got to watch the episode I taped last night, so I can come back to comment. I could possibly watch either Melissa or Jeffrey. I don't always understand where the judges are coming from. They complained that Jeffrey was too low key, and Melissa was too frantic. Well, You can't get much more low key than Ina Garten, and she's by far my favorite person on Food Network. I like that she's low key. And don't they have other people that are sort of frantic, like the Neeleys? (sp?) There's also a health conscious show, too, that focuses on healthy eating and cooking, but they criticized that one contestant for constantly talking about healthy eating. It doesn't entirely make sense that they criticize the contestants for doing the same kind of things their current show hosts do. All I can think of is that they don't want more of the same.

Oh, one of the reasons I'm rooting for Melissa is she's a Texan, and is from a town just up the road from me. But I like Jeffrey, too.

Sally

Oh, Sally, there's one thing to emphasis healthy food, but the contestant that went home was beyond that.... she was a lecture in every episode, and besides, her dishes were the pits. Yeah, healthy is fine, but no one wants a lecture!

Melissa is capable of learning how to key herself down. I think she'd have a more lasting career than Jeffrey. Neither is up to Guy Fieri standards, but Melissa has a future, I think.

Tomorrow night, we'll say good-bye to Debbie. That's the most predictable show!

Yeah, you're right, Sushipup, she did lecture, didn't she.

They really did hit a gold mine with Guy Fieri. It'll be hard for anyone to live up to him.

Sally

I hope Debbie goes. She thinks only about herself.

I hope Debbie goes too. When you think about it Guy is the only winner that has been successful with his shows on foodnetwork.

No surprises this week - y'all nailed your predictions. I was glad it was Debbie they eliminated, but I also found it interesting to learn how to roll up an egg roll. I've never seen that done.

What a shock about Melissa's mother. How sad.

I sure wouldn't have wanted to cook for that crowd - and do a demo. Just cooking for Morimoto would terrify me. I'm not as familiar with some of the other chefs they cooked for, but they sure didn't hold any punches in critiquing the food.

Sally

I actually thought that Jeffrey was in trouble. But they weren't going into a finale with Debbie and Michelle.

I think Michelle has been amazing, because she has gotten stronger every single week, without a single pout. Next week's finale will be interesting, the premise of shooting a pilot for their own show.

I am happy with the results so far....and I enjoyed Guy for awhile but his same old ...same old is getting tiring...And he seems to get sillier and sillier every show.

Gina, I agree, I didn't like any of them very much and I haven't watched the show after I decided from the beginning that I didn't like any of them very much!

I also agree that they ought to put Ming Tsai on, I watch his show at Elery's, my PBS doesn't carry it.

As far as I'm concerned they can do away with NFNS entirely and I wouldn't miss it at all. Ditto all the cake challenges and Ace of Cakes. I can only watch so many cakes being decorated, in spite of the fact that Courtney owns Cake Nouveau, a place here in Michigan in Ann Arbor and she's friends with Elery's son. I wrote an email to Food Network telling them that if I saw one more Ace of Cakes I was gonna barf. They haven't written back.

Annie

Annie, I'm with you on Ace of Cakes. I have tried multiple times to watch that show, because so many people supposedly love it. I've never made it more than a few minutes before changing the channel. I don't know what it is, but I find the people arrogant and uninteresting. I do enjoy the challenge show, because I'm amazed at what artists some of the people are. However, I wouldn't want to eat any of their creations.

Sally

It's all over, and I am pleased. Love the chicken concept.

Yep its over. I hadn't watched any of it until today, and they ran that marathon of the alst several episodes. I kept checking in to see who was cooking what and who was gone. I do think they picked the right person in the end, but as far as her "inventing" 4 step chicken, I beg to disagree. I have had the following in my files since Aug 2007....... does the concept sound familiar?

NINE 30 MINUTE CHICKEN DINNERS
Before cooking, pound each cutlet between sheets of waxed paper until l/4-inch thick. Each recipe serves two.
THE TECHNIQUE:
Dredge one whole chicken breast, skinned, boned, split in half and pounded, in 2 T. flour. * In medium skillet over medium-high heat, cook 1 T. oil and 1 T. butter or margarine until hot and foamy. Add chicken and saute until golden brown on both sides. Add the flavor makers. Cover and simmer until fork-tender, about 10 minutes. Remove chicken to plate and keep warm. Over medium-high heat, boil sauce in skillet rapidly until slightly thickened. Add finishing touches and heat through. Spoon sauce over chicken and add garnishes.

To make Chicken Marsala
Flavor Makers - 3/4 c. sliced mushrooms, 3/4 c. Marsala wine,
Finishing Touch - 2 T. chopped parsley
Garnish - Additional parsley

To make California Chicken
Flavor Makers - 1 c. sliced mushrooms, 3/4 c. dry white wine
Finishing Touch - 1/2 avocado, sliced
Garnish - chopped parsley

To make Chicken Milanese - * Instead of flour, dredge in seasoned breadcrumbs
Flavor Makers - 1 garlic clove, minced; 1/2 c. chicken broth; 1/4 c. white wine
Finishing Touch - 2 T. chopped Parsley
Garnsih - additional Parsley

To make Chicken Picatta
Flavor Makers - 1 garlic clove, minced; 1/2 c. white wine; 2 T. lemon juice
Finishing Touch - 2 T. chopped Parsley
Garnish - Lemon slices

To make Yucatan Chicken
Flavor Makers - 1/2 c. lemon juice; 3 T. raisins; 2 T. canned chopped hot chilies
Finishing Touch - 1 T. chopped fresh cilantro
Garnish - toasted pine nuts

To make Sante Fe Chicken
Flavor Makers - 1/2 c. red wine; 1/4 c. tomato puree; 3/4 tsp. dried oregano; 1/2 tsp. chili powder
Garnish - Lime wedges and Sour Cream

To make Provencal Chicken
Flavor Makers - 1/3 c. chopped onion; 1 tsp. Dried basil, 3/4 c. white wine
Finishing Touch - 1/2 c. chopped, canned tomatoes; 1/4 c. black olives, chopped
Garnish - Chopped parsley or fresh basil

To make Sesame Chicken - Mix 1 egg with 2 T. milk. After dredging in flour, dip chicken into egg mixture, then coat with 3 T. sesame seeds.
Flavor Makers - 3/4 c. chicken broth; 1/2 tsp. soy sauce; 1/2 tsp. grated fresh ginger; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1/4 tsp. sesame oil; 1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
Garnish - Chopped parsley or cilantro

To make Chicken with Peppers
Flavor Makers - 1/4 c. diced, cooked ham; 1/4 c. chopped onion; 1/2 c. white wine; 1/4 red pepper, cut into slivers; 1/4 green pepper, cut into slivers; 1/4 tsp. dried thyme leaves
Garnish - Chopped parsley

Alexa, I thought that method sounded familiar! I've got the same formulas on file at my work computer.

I guess possibly in her mind she invented it because she's the only one she knows that uses that method? Maybe she's the only one that cooks? I thought it seemed pretty ordinary, myself, (and like a whole lot of lemon juice) but the judges loved it. Her increased comfort level and personality in front of the camera won the show for her. I really like her, except for her voice. She sounds a little too much like a Texas version of Rachel Ray - sort of the shouty, brassy way of talking. That gets on my nerves.

I felt sorry for Jeffrey, though, (and his family, for that matter) when he said that winning the show was what his whole life was all about. How sad. Surely there are other things he can do with his life, with his talent. I actually thought his concept was a good one, and his sandwich looked good, but I kept wanting him to tell us where to get the Harissa, or whatever ingredient he chooses to use that week. I also wanted him to tell us more about his particular ingredient he chose to highlight. I guess in this trial pilot, there wasn't time for that. In any case, one of last years finalists got his own show on a different (I think) channel. Maybe someone will pick up Jeffrey for a show.

All that being said, I'm glad Melissa won.

Sally

I was rooting for Jeffery he seemed more knowledgeable,edgey and polished....that said Im glad for Melissa its nice to see someone with 4 kids hit paydirt...but I wonder how a TV schedule that demanding and 4 kids will work...hmmm...I find her very ordinary and that chicken recipe was so 101..I think they have enough shows like that on the food network. Jefferys show idea I was excited about...thought it would be great to feature a different unknown ingredient weekly. Oh well...Best of Luck Melissa!

Wow, what a great show! I am so happy Melissa won though I think they were both deserving.

The pilots were both great. I just see myself relating to Melissa's "culinary point of view" more then Jeffreys. His sandwich looked great -- but what the heck is Harissa and does my local Kroger carry it (I doubt it -- and I am not going to Africa to buy it). His theme is interesting but if he is going to be using exotic ingredients every week, I will tune out because I can't find those things here and don't want to spend the $$ on yet another seasoning I will use one time.

Melissa's chicken was sort of simple -- but you'd be surprised how many people aren't familiar with cooking a dish like that. Did anyone find it strange that she used the juice of THREE lemons??? That was probably some zingy sauce!!

I was surprised that Melissa never "the breakdown" that most contestants have that have children --- ie: I miss my family, I've never been away this long....

The more I reflect on Melissa, I think she is more the cool calculating business woman (a la Martha Stewart) than the swwet stay at home mom of 4 that she presented on the show. Remember her mentioning 10 years climbing the corporate ladder? I bet she was an absolute barracuda in the board room and I would be interested to hear exactly what sort of corporate experience she has. I bet her DH has huge deep pockets and this is just another "calculated business risk" for them (says the cynical one here *wink*).

Alexa

The chicken concept wasn't new, but it was well-explained for the audience, which is what worked. I'd like to have known a little about Harissa, like what is it? Jeffrey was too low-key for his own good.

Another of Melissa's talents is the way she absolutely bloomed in front of the camera.

I probably only watched one episode or so before last night, but I'm with sushipup: What is harissa? Can I find it anywhere?

On the other hand, with Melissa I could not get past the feeling that we really don't need another Rachel Ray. I would have preferred to see Jeff win.

Of course this is based just on the couple shows I watched.

I was hoping Jeff would have been the winner, he had the more interesting dishes. I guess Melissa will fit in much more with the type of viewers the Food Network has, though.

Harissa is a hot chili paste used in/with lots of Moroccan food......I use it to marinate shrimp sometimes instead of red curry paste.

I agree with you Caliloo...The Dallas Morning News didn't give a hint of what Malissa's husband did for a living. Her background was really varied, but seemed very afluent even though her mother died. I would have much rather learned about new ingredients from Jeffery. Although, my DH didn't like either of the contestants.

I'm not watching much Food Network lately. Like many of you commented, whenever I tune in there always seems to be some over-the-top cake decorating show on..But this post got me interested, and I caught the 2 final shows last night.

Based on what I saw, I really liked both finalists and would have watched both shows, as represented by the pilots.

Jeffrey's show reminded me a little of Alton Brown's show's premise. I know Alton explains the the science aspect, but he often sticks to one ingredient "theme." I wonder if not too far down the line Jeffrey's ingredients would have become too exotic for most home cooks to track down and people would have lost interest. And how many of us want multiple jars of half-used ingredients in the back of the fridge that we only need for one or two recipes?

I think caliloo is spot on in pointing out that Melissa is being very savvy in playing up the "everymom" aspect of her background. I think she'll appeal to lots of younger viewers w/ young kids the way that Ina appeals to empty nesters. There did seem to be an opening in FN's lineup for someone like her.

I found her to be very watchable and she reminds me, in appearance, of a younger, glossier version of Sara Moulton, whose show I miss.

I still love Ina, and some rainy Saturdays I catch the "Secrets of a Restaurant Chef." I can't recall her name, but that is one show where I learn something new every time and always want to try the recipes.

Really, really wish they'd cut back on the cake shows and rerun some of the episodes of shows people want that are broadcast at times we can't watch.

Harissa is a middle eastern red pepper paste/sauce. I used to be able to buy it at World Market (Mustafa's Moroccan brand) but they no longer carry it. I'll look in the local Persian markets.

It's very hot - combining red pepper paste with lemon and salt. Great on eggs.

I had it on yesterday while canning and doing chores. Didn't watch every minute of it. I liked Melissa too. She did remind me of Moulten....one of my faves when the FN offered better cooking shows. A contest or cake decorating show is cool but I miss the REAL cooking shows. Thankfully my cable has three PBS channels that carry some of the good ones. I'll check out her show if it's in the right time slot. I really liked the guy with red splash in his hair when he was off came the few time I caught him...a great bartender and pary favor on the beach. LOL! Not really watching I guess this is based on personality rather than cooking. For me that is the downfall of the FN for me.

David

David

I was rooting for Melissa but would have been OK with Jeffrey. I hope he gets a show soon, but call it Key Ingredient, not that silly Smuggler business. I also wish FN did not saddle Melissa with the $10 dinner concept -- it's much too limiting given her creativity.

Melissa no longer lives in Texas. She & her family lived here 2 years, and her husband was a consultant. Recently they moved to Kirkland, WA, & her husband is now with Microsoft. As for the young children, her show tapings will take weeks, not months, making it far more convenient for her family than the usual demands of a job.

I think Rachael Ray tapes 6 shows or more in one day. They had a special behind-the-scenes at FoodTV special where I learned that. Rachael was chugging Starbucks coffee - now I see why!

I like the key ingredient concept too. It could be about mundane ingredients too, not just exotic ones. Like "everything about eggs." For the more advanced home cooks.

I don't often watch FN, but I've never missed this show. And this time around, I felt torn between the last two standing, Jeffrey and Melissa.

When Jeffrey lost, minutes after having described winning as 'his dream in life,' melted my heart into a puddle.

But regardless of the outcome I'm willing to bet they'll offer him his own show on the Food Network. Just watch.

Sol

My DH was watching and I finally got sucked in for the last few episodes -- so I didn't watch all the lead-ups.

One thing that occurred to me . . . until recently, and for the last 32 years, I lived in a small resort town. We had one grocery store, except for a glorious 2-year period with a real supermarket, with specialty foods -- it closed.

So if my one store didn't carry an ingredient, or was out, I faced a 40 minute trip to find it, or change my menu -- which in reality, is what I did. For out-of-the-ordinary ingredients, I just had to plan ahead -- for my out of town shopping trips.

Harissa -- not a chance! I wonder how many other fans live in areas where Jeffrey's exotic ingredients would be difficult to obtain.

Incidentally, I'm now in a town with 4 (count 'em!!) supermarkets, the smallest of which is larger than my former one!! Oh, my!!!

Well I finally got a chance to sit down and watch the final episode last night. My husband was so impressed with Melissa's chicken recipe that he felt even *he* could make it the way she explained it. I roared laughing at him. It was so cute!

She also reminds me of Sara Moulten, who I enjoyed watching.

I liked the individual potato gratins in the muffin tins too - cute.

Gina, me too - wonder what the recipe is? Just potatoes, swiss cheese and cream was it? I can't remember.

I found her recipe and it has lots of good reviews. Here it is:

Vegetable spray
2 large russet potatoes, roughly peeled and thinly sliced
1/2 cup grated Swiss cheese
2 green onions, finely chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup heavy cream

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Spray 8 muffin tins with vegetable spray. Layer potato slices, cheese, and onions into each muffin cup. Season with salt and pepper and top each gratin with 1 or 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Cover with foil and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, removing the foil halfway through cooking time. Invert gratins onto plate and serve.

*The Food Network Kitchens chefs have not tested this recipe and therefore, we cannot make representation as to the results.

Can't wait to try the potato gratin recipe! One reviewer said they kept fine in the fridge for a few days which was a question I had. I might even freeze one just to see what the results are. They sell scalloped potatoes in the frozen foods section at the store, don't they?

I wonder how hard they are to get out of the muffin tins? It does sound good, and so simple! Potatoes, cheese and cream - how could you go wrong with that?

Sally

I made them the night after the show aired, and mine came out too soupy. I wonder if she used over sized muffin tins since my standard sized ones would not hold a whole potato slice, so I ended up quartering them. Also I think I may have done closer to 2 TBSP cream which in the smaller cups made them wet.

Anyway, DH liked them enough that I will continue to play with them and see if I can get it right.