A semi-mean rant for which I'll take 100% of the credit

As a kid, you probably heard the same lectures I did: "If you don't anything nice to say, keep quiet." My parents taught me well. But you know what? My parents don't "get" blogs, so they probably aren't reading this right now! So the lesson for today is "If you don't have anything nice to say, come sit by me!" (That's one of the many memorable lines in "Steel Magnolias". But you knew that, right? Don't make me sic Ouiser Boudreaux on you...)

I saw some of the most hilarious blog entries today. Although many were older, they were all about Sandra Lee's "70% store-bought/ready-made products accompanied by 30% fresh and creative touches that allows anyone to take 100% of the credit" approach to "cooking," if you want to call it that. This recent entry posted on one of my favorite food blogs makes some valid points about the general state of things over at The Food Network. But this older blog had me in tears, I was laughing so hard.

It's nice to know I'm not alone in my disdain for headbands that match plastic placemats and "tablescapes" laden with dollar store finds and semi-edible "food." Sandra Lee is without shame in the way she "cuts corners" in the kitchen. Why not call it what it is? "Cooking Like A 7-Year-Old"? Open some boxes, add water, some fake flowers and tacky napkin rings and you have a "beeeeeeeeee-utiful" dinner. Um, how about not? Thanks.

I mean, I'm not unreasonable. I don't expect anyone to make a rack of lamb and a port-fig reduction after being at the office and/or chasing the kiddies around all day. Most nights, I barely feel like grilling chicken breasts when I get home. But, c'mon people! Where is our foodie integrity? Or maybe I'm just blind with jealousy because she has published cookbooks and has her own show on The Food Network. Hmm... That's definitely it...