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August 14, 2006
NO LOAFING AROUND
We buy more than just food here at the Food Network. Finding the right equipment for a show is a key aspect of our job, because the cookware can make or break a particular dish. And whatever pot or pan a show calls for has to be available in multiples, so that our food stylists have enough pans to make “swaps.” (A swap is a dish or a part of a dish that the food stylists prepare if it is not possible for the chef to complete it in real time.)
These loaf pans are for a mushroom loaf Dan and Steve made on Party Line with the Hearty Boys. In this case, we needed 1 pan for Dan and Steve to fill on set, and 4 swaps: One cooked loaf for Dan and Steve to take out of the oven, 2 more swaps, slightly cooled, for them to unmold (we always have a back up), and 1 more to shoot separately at the end of the day. The last swap has to be timed perfectly so that is looks fresh and hot when the crew is ready to shoot it. That shot will be used to promote the episode, or at the opening of the show when Dan and Steve introduce the episode’s recipes.
So when you see our chefs put a dish in the oven before a commercial break, it’s very likely that a swap from the production kitchen is waiting in the wings. (Unless you are watching 30 Minute Meals--Rachael cooks everything in real time!)
Jacob Schiffman, Purchasing Assistant, Food Network Kithens
Posted by Food Network at August 14, 2006 10:42 AM
Comments
Swaps! WOW! I can't believe it. What do you do with all the special dishes that are for custom shaped bake goods?
Posted by: Jon at August 15, 2006 1:59 PM
I always see new Pots and Pants being used, what are you doing with the old ones? Send them my way, I could use a few more and new to me.
Posted by: Roswitha Schmeil-Isham at August 16, 2006 8:01 PM
One of the most interesting parts of the "Behind the Scenes of Good Eats" show was how many different preparations are necessary for the finished product to appear just right. Watching Rachael is EXHAUSTING, but I find myself trying a lot of her recipes because she makes them look so easy!
Posted by: Carole at August 21, 2006 5:34 PM
Just curious what happens with all of the food that y'll have created in the course of one episode. Five meatloafs for one show? Please tell me that it is not wasted!
Posted by: Rita at August 21, 2006 11:45 PM
oh my god! tell me how much that burger is and were i can buy it my mouth is watering just thinking about it! :-P
Posted by: joe at September 11, 2006 7:41 AM