Summer sizzles: New cooking competition turns up the heat

Lee Anne Wong with Mark Anderson, Ryan Fey, Jamika Pessoa, Damaris Phillips and Eddie Jackson in "Ultimate Summer Cook-Off"

Fired up: Annual summer 'Chopped' tournament gets regional

Geoffrey Zakarian, Amanda Freitag, Ted Allen and Moe Cason in "Chopped Grill Masters"

When it comes to cooking during the dog days of summer, the grill reigns supreme. Be it charcoal or propane, the king of outdoor cookers gives food that tasty char that just can't be replicated inside the kitchen. Plus, cooking outside doesn't heat up the house!

Cooking, country style: Cheese is king in 'Trisha's Southern Kitchen'

Trisha Yearwood as seen in "Trisha's Southern Kitchen"

Who doesn't love cheese? It's just such a rich, flavorful food with so many varieties to enjoy, whether it's made from the milk of a cow, goat or sheep -- or maybe even something more exotic. Even the vegan alternatives are tasty; trust me -- give them a try!

Coastal chow down: America's seasides sizzle in new Cooking Channel series

Sabin Lomac hosts "Seaside Snacks & Shacks"

The seaside is beautiful at any time of the year, but to most of us, the salty breezes and sandy shores are at their best right now, in the heat of summer. Not all of us live within easy reach of the seaside, but that just makes every visit all the more special.

Carnival throwdown: Culinary creativity is on full display in new Cooking Channel series

"Carnival Kings" host Richie Farina

Farm life: Celebrated lifestyle blogger Molly Yeh embraces country living

Molly Yeh hosts "Girl Meets Farm"

There are some big differences between country life and city life, that's for sure, and those differences are most obvious to the folks who've lived in both places. Bestselling cookbook author and food blogger Molly Yeh has discovered something that country folk and city folk have in common, though: a love of good food.

Special cake, special day: Bakers tackle wedding cakes in new Food Network competition

Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir host "Wedding Cake Championship"

Cakes are a food for some of life's most special occasions. Birthdays, baptisms, retirement parties, baby showers -- cakes have a place at all of them, and is it any wonder why? They're sweet, they're delicious and they can be shaped and decorated in so many delightful ways.

Dig in: Chefs show off their chops in 'Guy's Ranch Feast'

"Guy's Ranch Feast" host Guy Fieri as seen in "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives"

When stars align: 'Food Network Star' kicks off its latest season

"Food Network Star" hosts Giada De Laurentiis and Bobby Flay

A lot of people can cook well, but few have what it takes to effortlessly host a TV show. But to be a skilled chef who has the drive, camera presence and charisma to pull off a Food Network series? Well, that kind of combination only belongs to a real Food Network star.

Seaside cravings: Katie Lee hunts down the tastiest beach grub

Katie Lee in "Beach Bites with Katie Lee"

OK, so summer may not officially start for a couple of weeks yet, but let's face it, the sizzling season is unofficially here. With the sun high in the sky and the mercury rising, nothing says "summer" better than a day at the beach.