"NextFoodNetworkStar" news and stories

As The Next Food Network Star winds down its sixth season, we here at Slashfood are taking time to chat with the final contestants about their experience on the show.

Click through for our interview.

FoodNetwork.com

Sometimes you really do get a second shot at culinary stardom.

The Food Network has given Jeffrey Saad, the runner-up of this season's "The Next Food Network Star," a second chance on a slightly smaller screen. The network is airing a handful of Saad's "Spice Smuggler" show as Web shorts on FoodNetwork.com.

Along with Saad's "Ingredient Smuggler" pilot taped for "The Next Food Network Star," the site is featuring four "Spice Smuggler" shorts. In them, the real-estate agent and trained chef makes 5 Spice Stir-Fry Chicken Soup, Smoked Paprika Lasagna, Garam Masala Chicken Pot Pie and Tilapia Tacos with Anise Seed. Of course, for his pilot, he went crazy with harissa, doing his take on a steak sandwich.

"He may not have been declared the winner of 'The Next Food Network Star,' but Jeffrey won the hearts of a huge number of viewers," said Bob Tuschman, Food Network's senior vice president of programming, said in a statement issued by the network. "His food undoubtedly had a spicy elegance to it; one that I think will appeal to a broad range of chefs who love to experiment with unique ingredients and spice up their dishes."

Each Thursday or Friday (oops!), we round up a selection of scrumptious links from our friends over at YumSugar. Here's what they've got cooking this week.

• Competitive eating isn't for amateurs - an Indian man died after choking on a pastry at his company's eating contest.
• Who doesn't love a good holiday puree! Check this slide show for five varieties.
• Looking for a retro nibble for your Thanksgiving relish dish? Try these Chicken Salad Stuffed Celery Bits.
• An interview with Dale DeGroff, King of Cocktails.
• YumSugar wants to know - How are you cooking your turkey this year?
• Former Next Food Network Star cheftestant Kelsey Nixon is getting her own Food Network show.
• Still need help with your Thanksgiving plan? Download this dinner planner.
• An interview with Lauren, the first chef kicked off Top Chef.

Alanna is traveling for the next couple of weeks, and while you may see a post or two up from her appear on the site while she's away, she isn't near a TV and so can't watch The Next Food Network Star. I'm going to be subbing in for her in the recap department. So let's get started, shall we?

I warn you, after this point, there will be spoilers!

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