PrintCook the Book: The Oprah Magazine Cookbook
Oprah Winfrey probably isn't the first name you think of when you reach for a recipe or cookbook, and the omnipresent TV show host would be the first to tell you, in the intro to her new cookbook, that she's not the best in the kitchen ("Though I do a pretty mean corn fritter," she says). Still, one thing that Oprah knows exceedingly well is how to surround herself with talented folks who can deliver the goods to her audience. Since 2000, she's been doing just that with her magazine, O, which features recipes from top-name chefs and food writers. In The Oprah Magazine Cookbook, she's collected many of those recipes—from the likes of Marcus Samuelsson, Leah Chase, April Bloomfield, and 60-some others. We're featuring it as our Cook the Book entry this week, and we'll be highlighting one recipe a day from it until Friday. The first one will be up shortly, but let's take care of some business here:
Win The Oprah Magazine Cookbook
All you have to do to win is tell us in the comments section of this post—oh, I don't know ... tell us what TV talk show host you'd most like to break bread with and what meal you'd share with him or her.
Three (3) people will be chosen at random from among eligble comments below. Comments will close Monday, April 28 at noon ET. The standard Serious Eats contest rules apply.
Comments are closed: 258 Comments:
Ironically being fitting for the topic; I would most likely like to dine with Oprah.
I've watched her show for years and wish I was still home for daytime television.
Not only is she warm, intelligent, and tasteful; but I would have a lot of great things to talk with her about. I. E. Topics of conversation: Feminism, DAMN good food (I like corn fritters too), fashion, world issues, and success.
Because this dinner would be the highlight of my LIFE; I would like the meal to be important to my guest/whom I am dining with. I would let her choose the meal--because she has good taste!
And if it were something of my choice: A classic spaghetti with Bolognaise and meatballs. A playful meal that would last a long time so we could chat forever!
hungrychristel at 3:40PM on 04/21/08
I would like to dine with...wait for it...Jerry Springer! And the reason why: I listened a couple weeks ago to a piece on This American Life about Jerry Springer, and how before the tv thang, he was a John Kennedy-esque politician who truly believed in fighting for the rights of the unheard, giving voice to those who have none. He was incredibly idealistic and very effective; was elected 3 times (the 3rd after a scandal during which he resigned and then was talked into running again) for Chicago government and has considered running for national office. His peeps actually floated his name out there for the last election period, and his speeches convinced all who heard him that he should run. He couldn't get out of his tv contract however, so he did not run.
Anyhoo...I found the whole story fascinating, and that's why I would love to sit down to dinner with Jerry Springer and find out how he got from where he was to where he is and what he wants to do now.
For the meal...it should be something incidiary...pasta diablo?
kdjmom3 at 3:50PM on 04/21/08
Because it's food related I think I would have to go with Rachael Ray. She has a massive amount of energy and she laughs at her own jokes.
What would we eat? Well I'd let her handle the entree and I'd do desert since she doesn't bake!
angfarrell at 4:02PM on 04/21/08
Rachel Ray! I know a lot of ppl don't like her but I think she seems so friendly, open, and would be easy and fun to talk to and dine with.
mrsbao at 4:15PM on 04/21/08
Probably Ellen, she'd be cracking jokes and make me forget to be starstruck and hopefully save me from embarrassing myself. Hmm, over a Southern style brunch. Good food - not trendy - and filling.
jeejouis at 4:20PM on 04/21/08
Hmmm - depends on your definition of 'talk show host'...
t I would probably enjoy a meal with Rachel Ray (even thought I can't stand her television personality) but I would most like to share a meal with Stephen Colbert.
I think I'd be too intimidated by Oprah to enjoy myself.
provey at 4:26PM on 04/21/08
I don't know if this counts, but I think it would be awesome to have burgers and brew with stephen colbert. then we could talk about hippies and americone dream and all american food... hehe.
chlamers at 4:26PM on 04/21/08
I would like to have a late-night veggie pizza with Phil Donahue while discussing politics and the state of the world.
Brownie at 4:33PM on 04/21/08
Dick Cavett... he was my favorite growing up!
Or, Dennis Miller...
Fried green tomatoes, butter beans, corn bread, etc...
onrushpam at 4:39PM on 04/21/08
I'm not sure whether this counts but I'd love to share a 12 pack of Budweiser with Dr. Steve Brule (not sure because he's more of a segment host than a show host and I suppose Bud is technically a drink even though it provides sustenance).
sloppy at 4:40PM on 04/21/08
Jack Paar
bessfour at 4:43PM on 04/21/08
Jerry Springer is a nice & open-minded fellow.
salty at 4:45PM on 04/21/08
I think I'd like to eat a meal with Oprah. She is intimidating, but also an amazing woman, and I would love the opportunity to talk with her.
ScienceandtheCity at 4:56PM on 04/21/08
Ellen. We'd go to a local diner and eat whatever the special was for that day.
RedSquirrel at 4:57PM on 04/21/08
Jerry Springer -- and I, too, was intrigued by the This American Life on NPR.
scaevola at 5:02PM on 04/21/08
Can I choose a meal with Jon Stewart AND Stephen Colbert? I think we'd just enjoy some good NY pizza and beers, the laughs would be too much for fine dining!
bobcatsteph3 at 5:06PM on 04/21/08
Ellen is one of the few who I would be willing to stick around past dinner and actually have dessert with! Talk show hosts tend to be rather annoying.
blgrimes at 5:10PM on 04/21/08
Craig Ferguson--I think he'd just be normal, not manically funny--so it'd be OK. I'd want to invite him to a family barbecue because he would get a kick out of my mom and maybe he could help her study for the citizenship test.
bluebird at 5:11PM on 04/21/08
Jon Stewart. I love him. He brings the hotness everynight!
jenjw4 at 5:20PM on 04/21/08
Crap, I forgot to put what food I'd share with Jon Stewart. FIsh tacos. Fresh gaucamole, Strawberry shortcake with whipped cream.
jenjw4 at 5:21PM on 04/21/08
Ellen! and I feel we'd eat tasty sandwiches and lots of desserts - easy/cheerful food!
krispychikin at 5:24PM on 04/21/08
Ellen Degeneres. We'd eat fried chicken, or maybe corn dogs. Something fun and casual. I don't see Ellen as the haute cuisine type!
cochon at 5:24PM on 04/21/08
Dinner with Dr. Phil (and Robin of course).
We would start off with some stuffed mushrooms followed by a wilted spinach salad, then possibly Cornish game hens with Cheesy/mushroom rice stuffing, sauteed asparagus and Walla Walla Sweet onions and bread with COLD butter.
Dessert: Angel food cake with a warm huckleberry sauce.
And of course I would want them to fix my life.........
Hunnyoil at 5:34PM on 04/21/08
Definitely Ellen. I'd let her decide the cuisine, but I'd bring dessert........Red Velvet Cake........her "favorite".
Boscompb at 5:36PM on 04/21/08
macaroni and cheese with Ellen
musicalpandibear at 5:41PM on 04/21/08
Absolutely Ellen. She seems so real!
Fiksu at 5:52PM on 04/21/08
Jon Stewart or Oprah. If my husband were attending too, it would definitely be Jon. Menu - something tasty but simple in both cases, nothing too stuffy.
jmoilanen at 6:10PM on 04/21/08
Stephen Colbert's not exactly a talk-show host, but he's who I'd like to have a pizza with from Regina's in Boston's North End. I would love to talk to him about the current pope, Hillary Clinton, and what basketball team he likes for the championship.
dksbook at 6:10PM on 04/21/08
I would most like to break bread with Ellen. She seems like she would be a great dinner companion, funny and talkative.
rffoodie at 6:15PM on 04/21/08
I would like to break bread with Oprah. And since I am not sure if she's eaten much Korean food, perhaps we would eat some of that for dinner.
PattyCho at 6:20PM on 04/21/08
Ellen. I like her sense of humor and I'd let her order for both of us. Maybe she'd teach me some dance moves!
PerkyMac at 6:24PM on 04/21/08
wings and beer with Conan
PoignantTuna at 6:32PM on 04/21/08
Soul food with Oprah. Mmmhhmmm.
happybites at 6:39PM on 04/21/08
Jon Stewart. Because I love him.
Yogamum at 6:47PM on 04/21/08
I would love to dine with Kelly Ripa. She's so funny and down to earth.
We would eat some healthy, tropical, sort of nouvelle cuisine-type dish, like fish steamed in a banana leaf with interesting vegetables. And dessert would be mini lemon tarts or something like that! :D
merav13 at 7:08PM on 04/21/08
Jon Stewart, and anything he'd want to eat would be fine by me! (I suspect beer and streetcart hot dogs.)
onalark at 7:21PM on 04/21/08
jon stewart and pizza. i imagine he likes pizza.
anado at 7:25PM on 04/21/08
Stephen Colbert. We will feast on spicy sweet chilli doritos.
miamia at 7:47PM on 04/21/08
Oh no! I don't know anything about talk show hosts. The best I can do is: lunch with Barbara Walters at one of those swanky NYC restaurants she frequents. I'm sure she would be polite, very well dressed and very very interesting. She would order our lunch and it would be excellent. Go Barbara!
elaine nan at 7:51PM on 04/21/08
Jon Stewart. He could eat whatever tickled his fancy. I don't think I would be eating for fear that I would start laughing while chewing or drinking and wind up spraying something all over the table (or Jon). Not a pretty picture but it could happen.
MelsDiner at 8:09PM on 04/21/08
I would love to dine with Ellen. Not sure what meal I would want to share with her. I guess I will just eat whatever she wants.
Laura78 at 8:18PM on 04/21/08
Ellen would be my pick to dine with. Being she is from New Orleans, I feel southern food would strike her fancy. I feel sure conversation would not be an issue as she does a talk show and is talented as a comedian. Being we both are from the south sure helps.
msbooch75 at 8:25PM on 04/21/08
I think it'd be Jon Stewart as well. Something like a huge breakfast or a 11 course dinner
zekks at 8:30PM on 04/21/08
I would most like to share Saturday brunch in a Mom and Pop diner with Stephen Colbert. Brunch is the best time to mix serious topics with silly conversation, and everything's better with a stack of blueberry pancakes.
poke87 at 8:35PM on 04/21/08
I had a dream once that Stephen Colbert was my high school boyfriend. I'd go for a burger and milkshake with him, maybe a movie, too...
piepie at 8:38PM on 04/21/08
I have always wanted to have lunch with Oprah!!! I would eat anything to have lunch with Oprah! Having a tea party with her would be fun!
mommyof2k at 8:41PM on 04/21/08
Bring on Emeril!
LINDALSHOT at 8:43PM on 04/21/08
Would like to have lunch with Jay Leno. Would like to have a shrimp alfredo with him.
steadier571 at 8:59PM on 04/21/08
Jon Stewart... and we'd break bagels not bread... with lox.
caviarandcodfish at 8:59PM on 04/21/08
Jon Stewart--I'd love to talk politics with him!
louiseb130 at 8:59PM on 04/21/08
I would love to sit down with Martha Stewart and have one of her fabulous dishes fall outdoor feasts.
kris_1492 at 9:01PM on 04/21/08
Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa... we would have an arugula salad and and lemon chicken.. hopefully she would cook it!
Thanks for the contest!
cadmar at 9:05PM on 04/21/08
I would love to share a meal with Rachael Ray. Actually, I would like to cook the meal with her, because she is such a good instructor. I'd leave the choice up to her, but we would have to include some good wine. She is such a down to earth person, that having a meal with her would be like chatting with an old friend.
tdark27 at 9:14PM on 04/21/08
Oprah for lunch, Rachael Ray for dinner, Ina Garten for breakfast.
CarolHarrity at 9:35PM on 04/21/08
Alton Brown. OK, he's not exactly a talk show host, but he talks a lot on Good Eats, and hosts Iron Chef. He's funny, smart, and makes good food. We'd eat whatever he'd like to cook with me. Thanks for the offer!
geekbearinggifts at 9:40PM on 04/21/08
Believe it or not, Bill Moyers. Since he is from Texas, I imagine we would have some great barbecue and endless conversation from Kennedy to Bush and everyone inbetween.
Teri at 9:44PM on 04/21/08
Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart, or Conan O'Brien. They are all smart and funny - it might be entertaining to share a meal with one of them.
edinat at 9:50PM on 04/21/08
Probably Rachael Ray, she is the only talk show I watch. She seems very approachable and if I goofed on the meal, I don't think she'd hold it against me. I'd probably serve some sort of pasta.
cslagg at 9:51PM on 04/21/08
Gee, with all the food shows on TV, I have no time for talk shows. But I'd be amused to have dinner with Johnny Carson, if you could get me a way-back machine to when he was in his prime.
Caesar salads would be on the menu. On a terrace somewhere outdoors. I have no idea why, but it just seems right.
dbcurrie at 10:01PM on 04/21/08
Dining with Oprah would be such a treat, but like the others I might feel intimidated. (Her accomplishments compared to mine, for example...) Jon Stewart would be fun, and I imagine dinner could be as casual as a great burger or more upscale like seafood or a steakhouse. But if Alton Brown counts as a host, I would definitely pick him!
woodenspoon at 10:01PM on 04/21/08
Jon Stewart for bagels (with cream cheese and the likes). Or, a totally girly brunch with Tyra Banks - brunch drinks included.
piccola at 10:22PM on 04/21/08
ellen, she's great!! i eat anything! hah
nat85 at 10:31PM on 04/21/08
I'd like to share a box of Lucky Charms with Stephen Colbert. What a funny meal that would be.
fangirl at 10:40PM on 04/21/08
Strangely enough, I want to back up the vote for brunch with Tyra.
Actually, I'd really like to be weird (as usual) & eat with Tom Green or Space Ghost (yes, those are both considered talk shows - check wikipedia). Or maybe Chelsea Hammond from Chelsea Lately (on E, god help me, I watch it) - though with any of these options I'm not sure we would eat as much as laugh our asses off.
graciecat at 10:56PM on 04/21/08
Hands down...Joel McHale from "The Soup" for dinner. That man brings me joy and laughter every Friday night. Plus, he's cute as a button!
Oprah for lunch
John Stewart & Conan O'Brian for drinks
Erinay77 at 11:02PM on 04/21/08
Hands down...Joel McHale from "The Soup" for dinner. That man brings me joy and laughter every Friday night. Plus, he's cute as a button!
We would jave to have some sort of Chat Stew....(Inside joke if you watch the show)
Oprah for lunch, at her Chef Art Smith's restaurant. All types of southern cuisine.
John Stewart & Conan O'Brian for drinks
Erinay77 at 11:04PM on 04/21/08
It would have to be ELLEN, and I think we probably would have a big double burger, tater tots, and a greyhound.
TxBubba at 11:15PM on 04/21/08
I would love to have lunch with Ellen. She has so much energy and I absolutely love her sense of humor. The reason that I chose lunch is because she has daily pictures of her lunch on her website. I think she needs to be rescued and taken somewhere nice for lunch instead.
debralu at 11:20PM on 04/21/08
Space Ghost, for cocktails and a light dinner. Very light. Mostly just alcohol.
Or, if this needs to be in realm of reality, Bill Maher. Preferably for a long dinner in some dimly lit restaurant, where no one cares if we argue politics for hours. I've been watching him since the days of PI, and I've always thought he would be an interesting person to meet.
jenilowrance at 11:22PM on 04/21/08
rachel ray and a nice ziti
chromiumman at 11:39PM on 04/21/08
The talk show host, got to be Jay Leno. The meal; a dive with some great burgers and onion rings. Shoot the S#!T and talk about cars, solar power, and what is quite arguably one of the best jobs on the planet. Life is good.
RobertL at 11:43PM on 04/21/08
Hmmm, I think even with all the hype and overkill, I'd like to sit and talk with Oprah, because I feel that she is a real person under the celebrity.
outinwoods at 12:04AM on 04/22/08
Jon Stewart. That would be a fun meal, doesn't matter what we eat.
Ellie22 at 12:33AM on 04/22/08
Oprah - mac and cheese, for sure! The gourmet kind! And Jon Stewart - well, I would be just too nervous to eat with him!
angkjohnson at 12:47AM on 04/22/08
Donahue. He's a cool dude.
humbleh at 12:50AM on 04/22/08
Joel McHale. We'd have latkes and brisket, because his name reminds me of a Jewish Irishman.
madball911 at 1:28AM on 04/22/08
I'd meet Al Roker somewhere in the South, let him pick the soul food shack and choose off of the menu. It would no doubt be good food and perhaps not deadly. His transformation is an inspiration and would make for a great mealtime topic... 'Got a contageous smile/laugh too...
czken at 3:52AM on 04/22/08
Jon Stewart, and I'd make my famous Spaghetti Sauce, Meatballs, and Braciole.
cdziuba at 5:11AM on 04/22/08
No question about it. Deep fried butter from Paula Deen's cookbook with Ms. Dean herself. She's a hoot and a holler.
ky2here at 5:19AM on 04/22/08
I'd love to eat fried chicken, fried green tomatoes and all that southern food with Oprah. She rocks. I loved her show that just ended for the season. The Big Give
pcbdolphins at 5:29AM on 04/22/08
what TV talk show host you'd most like to break bread with and what meal you'd share with him or her-ELLEN FOR SURE!!!!!! A great pizza, bit salad and a glass of wine. THANKS
mama43 at 6:16AM on 04/22/08
jerry springer, we could have an old fashioned bbq
agordon10 at 6:18AM on 04/22/08
Steve Carrell would be my guest....we might not have enough time to eat as he would be making me laugh throughout the night.....but I think I would choose a light pasta dish with shrimp.....tossed salad and lots of wine.
Teeeveee at 7:17AM on 04/22/08
I'd love to have a barbeque with Sean Hannity!
Darlene at 7:20AM on 04/22/08
I would love to win this cookbook! My choice would have to be Ellen (who I recently just started joking) because she cracks me up Not exactly sure what we would have, but I would like to cook some family favorite for her. Pasta and meatballs, maybe?
msvandy at 7:50AM on 04/22/08
Phil Donahue
schnitzel at 8:07AM on 04/22/08
I would have to say Ellen, although Rachael Ray would be just as exciting. I would love to share some pasta and enjoy the company of either one of those two.
trippyjanet at 8:08AM on 04/22/08
Definitely Ellen. We'd eat vegetarian and talk about no kill shelters.
daisy at 8:11AM on 04/22/08
I would also have to say Ellen, she seems the most approachable, down to earth and she is funny. I think dinner, fondue because you can socialise so nicely and it takes a long time. If she doesn't eat meat then a late brunch.
nicnac at 8:25AM on 04/22/08
Ellen is my choice, she seems so open, friendly and easy to talk with. I would chose a liquid lunch. She is so funny sober, if she would be a little tipsy I would be rolling on the floor.
inkypleez at 8:25AM on 04/22/08
I'm so sorry Oprah, but I'd really love to sit down with Ellen Degeneres. She's funny and sweet and so compassionate. Not to mention adorable and huggable. I think she'd make the meal something to remember. I'd also serve her my famous Chicken Enchiladas!
cre8tveminde at 8:41AM on 04/22/08
Ellen. I'd probably make something southern, chicken, ribs something in that line.
mnsteph at 8:45AM on 04/22/08
lunch with arthur godfrey
misternat1 at 8:59AM on 04/22/08
Jerry Jerry Jerry Springer he seems to enjoy life he doesnt put on any front about his show like Maury and others
Jaleigh78 at 9:00AM on 04/22/08
jon stewart
hedgehog at 9:02AM on 04/22/08
I'd like to sit and eat with REEGE ..............I think he'd be a HOOT ! And because he has to watch his diet and I have to watch mine ........we could commiserate together . Guess we'd have a nice filet of fish , some brown rice and steamed veggies .
haagenfreak at 9:32AM on 04/22/08
Stephen Colbert. It doesn't matter what the meal is, I'd just love spending time with him.
clc408 at 9:41AM on 04/22/08
Burger and fries with Oprah.
deedleweedle at 9:42AM on 04/22/08
Ellen of course-let's have pizza!
dglitter at 9:45AM on 04/22/08
I'd like to have dinner with Phil Donahue.
greenwolf at 9:49AM on 04/22/08
Mine would have to be Dr. Phil. I'd want a good ol' southern meal with him and Robin of course. I LOVE her.
sonyasparks at 9:57AM on 04/22/08
I would like to share a meal with Opera. She likes eating healthy and my husband and I like cooking healthy meals. It would be a perfect match!
sbbuckley at 10:04AM on 04/22/08
I think Ellen. She is funny but still has wonderful messages.
idahomom at 10:12AM on 04/22/08
Well I've always been a super fan of David Letterman, and i bet he would know just where to go in NYC to get a great steak.
monmon16 at 10:14AM on 04/22/08
Okay, it's a Canadian answer, but George Stroumboulopoulos. He does this show at 11 every night, and he has the best guests, and he actually TALKS to them. Michael Pollan was on a few months ago, and he actually asked interesting questions that I wanted to know the answer to. Plus, his is, after all, my boyfriend. (Part of his shtick - "I'm George Stroumboulopoulos, your boyfriend.")
Peasantwench at 10:19AM on 04/22/08
I'd most like to break bread with Ellen DeGeneres. We'd have a simple salad luncheon and enjoy alot of laughs :) *Thanks* for the giveaway!
MoonMaiden at 10:46AM on 04/22/08
Grilled Cheese with Ellen.
shannons at 11:00AM on 04/22/08
John Stewart or Steven Cobert, and I'd let them pick the meal.
mhgatti at 11:21AM on 04/22/08
I would love to break bread with Oprah. I would love to share with her, my favorite dish, Erica's Delight, from the best local italian restaurant. Thanks
kinchst at 11:42AM on 04/22/08
I'd invite Craig Ferguson. He's darn funny and pretty spot on with most of his political commentary, and he also seems like a down to earth person. I'd enjoy listening to his perspective of America today. I'd probably invite him to an all-day BBQ/picnic. Why? I don't know, I just think he'd enjoy it, and it'd be a lot less pressure for me.
AsTheNight at 12:02PM on 04/22/08
I'd sit down with Conan O'Brian, and eat something not-saucy so that I wouldn't get it on my shirt every time I laughed.
raych at 12:21PM on 04/22/08
Jimmy Kimmel, we'd share pizza and talk about how things are going with him and Ben Affleck.
cj7412 at 12:21PM on 04/22/08
Dr. Phil...ONLY because I've written several emails to him regarding a problem I have, and he's NEVER responded...I don't wanna be on the show, I just want advice as to which direction I need to head...
rachelfox1981 at 12:34PM on 04/22/08
Maybe Oprah even though it would be very intimidating. I would have the best champagne and truffle soemthing.... or maybe just good BBQ.
sln123 at 12:38PM on 04/22/08
Probably Ellen Degeneres, I could always use a good laugh and she seems to be the one that would be the most entertaining.
Sunnyvale at 12:54PM on 04/22/08
I'd love to eat a lunch with Ellen Degeneres. She puts her lunches on the web and I love reading about them! http://ellen.warnerbros.com/ellens_lunch/
raspberryberet at 12:57PM on 04/22/08
Rachael Ray...and anything she wanted to cook would be just fine.
dwarzel at 1:33PM on 04/22/08
i think ellen..but im not sure what we'd eat...burgers and sweet potato fries maybe.. =P
sassysprite at 1:34PM on 04/22/08
David Letterman.........something with pie for dessert........
starsmom at 1:37PM on 04/22/08
I'd choose dinner with Rachael Ray. Dinner with Jay Leno would be a close second.
cher48603 at 2:12PM on 04/22/08
Dinner with Ellen. Great company and good food.
miriama59 at 2:15PM on 04/22/08
Ellen & spinach dip.
sillelin at 2:15PM on 04/22/08
Graham Norton for a pre-theatre nosh of shepard's pie and a pint.
kevlney at 2:38PM on 04/22/08
It would be Paula Deen ya'll, and we'd eat a good ole home cooked meal.
Gracie at 2:50PM on 04/22/08
Bill Mahr veggie stir fry
deckit at 2:51PM on 04/22/08
I would love to meet and share a meal with Ellen. I would make my homemade meatballs and pasta.
amylou61 at 2:51PM on 04/22/08
...Rachel Ray....something very healthy
pjlein at 2:55PM on 04/22/08
jay leno maine lobster
mverno at 3:16PM on 04/22/08
Oprah would be my choice. I really do love her; she seems to have opinions and values very similar to mine, and I admire that she tries to do a lot of good in the world, and we definitely could use more of that. I would make a good old WV traditional dinner for her (WV is where I was born and raised). If she would prefer, I'm also pretty good with seafood after living in South Carolina and now Florida!
guysrose at 3:57PM on 04/22/08
Italian with Rachel Ray.
cherierj at 3:59PM on 04/22/08
Ina Garten for breakfast lunch and dinner, she is such a lady, I love her program
cindyb at 4:05PM on 04/22/08
Happy Earth Day! I think I would choose Tyra Banks! She has come a long way since her modeling days and isn't afraid to be herself! I would ask her what some of her favorite foods are and eat accordingly. Pasta, salad
and a wonderful bread sounds great to me. Please enter me in your drawing. Thanks,Cindi
windycindy at 4:24PM on 04/22/08
An evening meal with Ellen in the park.
jrosek at 4:50PM on 04/22/08
I would choose Rachael Ray. It would be wonderful to share some of her cooking. I would bring dessert since she does not bake much.
drala625 at 5:01PM on 04/22/08
I would have Ellen over for a little dinner party with a few choice friends. The food would be basic and tasty, pasta and salad with ice cream sundaes for dessert. And lots of good wine...
PeanutButter at 5:06PM on 04/22/08
Rachael Ray. I could pick up some cooking tips from her.
maweisberg at 5:23PM on 04/22/08
Oh, no doubt in my mind, Paula Deen! Real food for real people!
LIDARKSIDE at 6:43PM on 04/22/08
I think I'd like to sit down with Tyler Florence and eat a meal comprised of his Ultimate dishes. Especially the cheesecake... mmm...
threedogkitchen at 6:55PM on 04/22/08
If I could go back in time, I would choose Julia Child. The meal would be simple, maybe a nice kir followed by a roasted chicken with a potato gratin and some properly cooked haricots verts, a cheese course, and a tarte tatin. Preferably on the patio at La Pitchoune, her house in Provence.
Mizbee at 6:57PM on 04/22/08
Bill Moyers. Because I think he would be terribly interesting to have a conversation with, the subject matter could go in any direction, and I could see just having a relaxed, real chat with him. I could see the meal taking place somewhere wherever he is on location, in between shoots of whatever he is filming, and the meal being a simple turkey sandwich on 12 grain bread, with lettuce, mayo, and mustard.
Elise Bauer at 8:51PM on 04/22/08
I would love to have a roast chicken dinner with Ellen
janetfaye at 9:04PM on 04/22/08
Ellen
DePro at 9:25PM on 04/22/08
I'd have brunch with Oprah!
sheri8259 at 9:36PM on 04/22/08
keith olberman would be pretty cool
uninorth at 10:47PM on 04/22/08
Guy Fieri! I'd love to share any meal with him at one of the hole in the wall places he visits on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.
chaffner at 11:24PM on 04/22/08
Ellen for some soup dumplings. hopefully she won't burn herself. eeek!
maomau at 11:32PM on 04/22/08
Definitely Rachael Ray, she's so fun and upbeat and I love how easy she makes everything look!
Jessilyn24 at 2:12AM on 04/23/08
While not a tv talk show host per se, I would want to sit down to a meal of real British fish and chips with Paula Deen. She is the only other person I've seen that eats fries with mayo like I do, and the fish and chips she was eating while on her trip to England looked delish
mkboldin at 9:12AM on 04/23/08
I would love to have a big dinner party with several of food network stars. Having Ellen and Oprah there would make it the ultimate party... imagine the food and conversation. It would be thrilling!
kimberly joe at 9:58AM on 04/23/08
I would like to dine with Oprah. I would like to eat anything Oprah would choose but if I would have to pick I would go with soul food because it is my favorite comfort food. I have followed oprah throughout her career and I think she would be an interesting person to have dinner with.
bbmuzzy at 10:13AM on 04/23/08
Rachael Ray for dinner. (And I know we could get the meal on in 30 minutes, right?)
lisaray at 10:25AM on 04/23/08
i'd like to eat with oprah and do a korean bbq night .. somehow i can't imagine her smelling like meat like many of us do after a good bbq meal..
chon76 at 11:13AM on 04/23/08
Oprah would be my choice of talk-show host to dine with. I'd love to hear about her philanthropy and all she's seen and done. I'd typically pick lunch, but since I'd want it to last I'll choose a fine dinner (maybe one by Bobby Flay?).
pancak at 12:07PM on 04/23/08
Rachel Ray. She is down to earth and doesn't take herself too seriously. I would make my alfredo chicken casserole (chicken, onions, garlic, mushrooms, red pepper, broccoli, half and half, parmesan cheese, egg noodles, topped with bread crumbs.
hungrylikethewolf at 12:20PM on 04/23/08
Ina Garten, because I'd like to cook in her fabulous kitchen and see her ridiculously beautiful Hamptons home and garden.
foodiegirl at 12:58PM on 04/23/08
I would choose rachel ray because she seems so nice and friendly, and the food, hm something italian!
krystal82107 at 2:17PM on 04/23/08
Rachael Ray or Ellen - both would have me laughing all through dinner! Sushi of course - my favorite!
Tarah716 at 2:29PM on 04/23/08
It would have to be Oprah because she loves Nando's Chicken, of course we would have to leave the country for that. If not South Africa then we can settle for Canada, eh. or she could come to my house and enjoy a nice peri peri chicken!
But I think that with Ellen it might be a more relaxing, enjoyable time. Oprah would definitely be intense.
sel123 at 2:34PM on 04/23/08
I'd have to pick Oprah - she's such a force of nature and like it or not, has a huge impact on our society (think book club!). I think she's been around enough cooks that she'd be able to pick out something delicious.
sharsd at 2:50PM on 04/23/08
As long as she's not dieting, I'd dine with Oprah at her Santa Barbara estate. The meal: tomato & basil (grown on her property?) w/ mozzarella, mac & cheese, fried chicken and a cobbler for dessert. Whew! I'm full just thinking about it!
basilmakesitbetter at 3:00PM on 04/23/08
Glen beck Leg of lamb
phoney2 at 3:39PM on 04/23/08
Ellen Degeneres-I'd make it casual, fried chicken, potato salad, vegetable platter and some good crusty bread. tiramisu for dessert
bison61 at 3:47PM on 04/23/08
i'm die hard oprah girl. come on by girl we're having a good old time in georgia
teechbiz at 8:19PM on 04/23/08
Doritos with Stephen Colbert!
ricedream24 at 9:44PM on 04/23/08
I'd love to share a meal with Oprah - she is one of the few people I truly admire. I think it would be fun to introduce her to a few of our classic Oregon foods - we have salmon, raspberries, hazelnuts, fabulous wines, and my husband and I would love to cook dinner for her. I really believe that hers is one of the few television programs which makes a genuine effort to improve the lives of her viewers, and truly appreciate her contribution.
renewbee at 3:13AM on 04/24/08
This is easy. I pick Conan O'Brien. I'd want to do foods shaped like other things type of deal..like a bread that's shaped like his head. I think it'd be a great show.
fritesandfries at 9:20AM on 04/24/08
Oprah
lfosses at 9:22AM on 04/24/08
I'd be willing to eat week-old McDonald's if I got to sit around w/ Ellen DeGeneres!
amwhiteh at 1:05PM on 04/24/08
I would like to eat with Kelly Ripa. She is so spunky. I would hope some of her energy would rub off on me. I would like to have french toast breakfast with her to see how she starts her day!
egreca at 4:20PM on 04/24/08
Steak dinner with Sean Hannity and Alan Colmes.
turtle33 at 5:03PM on 04/24/08
Al Roker and BBQ. Because some of the food shows he's done looks mighty tasty and I think he'd be pretty funny. And BBQ because it's been so long since I've had any that was any good and it's getting to be that time for some good stuff.
Dibranchia at 5:15PM on 04/24/08
i hope i win
tiacarter at 7:14PM on 04/24/08
Oprah. I admire her so much and I think I'd like to eat some sort of decadent, indulgent dessert.
joanne117 at 7:27PM on 04/24/08
Conan O'Brian. We would dine on baked ziti, grilled veggies and lemon mousse.
bogie at 8:08PM on 04/24/08
Of course, I'd love to have dinner with Oprah. Since I'm an English teacher, I'd love to talk about books with her. I make a really great chicken with tomato cream sauce I think she'd love
fairydancer at 9:08PM on 04/24/08
i would love to dine with Rachel Ray as long as we get to cook together... It would be a hoot in my teeny-tiny kitchen
Colengal at 9:24PM on 04/24/08
I'd love to eat with Conan O'Brien. No one has a sense of humor anything like his. I think I'd want to have something like sandwiches for lunch with him. He doesn't seem fancy.
sbshortie at 10:31PM on 04/24/08
I would LOVE to have dinner with Oprah. She comes across as so warm, wise and fun on her show. She has an earth mother quality about her. I'd love to cook in her kitchen and eat a big ol' meal with her and drink expensive wonderful wines.
toots at 10:43PM on 04/24/08
Does Keith Olbermann count as a talk show host? We love him!
HSlater351 at 10:53PM on 04/24/08
Ellen Degeneres! She'd make me laugh so hard, I'd snort a green bean thru my nose ;)
freakdujour at 3:54AM on 04/25/08
Stephen Colbert, I think he's so cute!
jpark107 at 7:10AM on 04/25/08
That would be Ellen! I would love to have gigantic hot fudge sundae's with her. She just brightens my day when I watch her show. A truly funny and caring lady!
mgster at 7:20AM on 04/25/08
Definitely Ellen- I would eat breakfast with her. It would start your day out with a laugh and the rest of the day would be just great!
BevDav at 9:23AM on 04/25/08
Another dash of Canadian content (I'm totally inspired by peasantwench with her George Strombolopolous suggestion-he's amazing!) I would like to hang wtih Jian Gomeshi. He's the host of Q, a talk show about arts and culture on CBC Radio 1. He used to be in Moxy Fruvous, one of my fave bands in my younger days, and he is funny, intelligent and cool on Q. (If you want to check it out, its available on itunes as a podcast). But I digress... I think Jian and I should do a long lunch involving lots of sushi.
psychsarah at 10:18AM on 04/25/08
I would like to eat dinner with ellen. She and I are both from New Orleans. I think I would have chicken satay and cucumber salad, she seems a bit adventurous
gladstone7272 at 1:08PM on 04/25/08
Jon Stewart hands down. He is just so funny. I would cook him some "california cuisine" and open a great bottle of wine.
BorderMommy at 2:23PM on 04/25/08
Jon Stewart because he is a handsome, progressive and Jewish. Roast chicken, asparagus, green salad and something homey for dessert like a fruit crumble. Graham Norton (BBC) although I think he just drinks and i'd be afraid to be the butt of one of his jokes. He is funny, though.
Lauren B at 4:42PM on 04/25/08
i'd probably eat at Pink's Hot Dog with Ellen Degeneres
samanthapayntr at 8:43PM on 04/25/08
Oprah would be a great person to dine with.
silverbele at 8:54PM on 04/25/08
Jon Stewart
hmmmmmmmmmmmm
Indigo608 at 11:31PM on 04/25/08
I'd love to have dinner with Dr. Phil and discuss the latest theories in the field of psychology!
laralin2266 at 1:45AM on 04/26/08
If I could get him, I'd like Phil Donohue because I find him bright and generally likable. I'd like to invite Maury Povitch, too, just so Phil and I could ask the man why the h&^) he can only do three show subjects: Make Over My Ugly _Blank_, I Cheated on You With Your _Blank_, and Who My Baby-Daddy Is? Maybe Martha Stewart could come so she could give Maury a sharp slap!
Calichef at 6:51AM on 04/26/08
I would love to meet and eat with Oprah!
nhmomjcd at 8:24AM on 04/26/08
I would love to eat with Oprah!
nhmomjcd at 8:26AM on 04/26/08
Jon Stewart.
danwalk at 11:36AM on 04/26/08
I would love to meet and eat with Oprah... she is so classy
joni514 at 11:37AM on 04/26/08
Ellen because she seems the most fun. To eat, I would love a good mexican meal with some Tamales.
ksh123 at 1:08PM on 04/26/08
Ellen would be the most fun - actually I would like her as a best friend - Also John Stewart would be a hoot as well - can I have two???!!!!! - I would have a Chesapeake Seafood feast - great crab cakes and crab casserole and steamed crabs and clams and stuffed ham and traditional salads and chichen salad in pototoe rolls! Real down home!!!
cdrury at 2:29PM on 04/26/08
Dinner with Jon Stewart at a neighborhood Jewish deli.