If you couldn’t already tell, I cooked on live television and lived to tell the tale! Whee! I’m still a little giggly thinking about it!
Ben, my trusty husband/the birthday boy, and I woke up in the wee hours of the morning to be at the news station in enough time to film our first segment at 5:40am. I think we were both so wired that we didn’t even feel tired, despite a 3:30am wake up call!
(sorry for the blurry iPhone photos!)
Ok, maybe Ben was a wee bit sleepy, but God bless his supportive little heart for being there for me anyways. I really needed him to calm my nerves. :)
The news room was already buzzing with news, weather and traffic reports by the time we arrived, so we setup shop in the studio kitchen as quickly and quietly as we could. I laid out all the ingredients, pots and pans necessary to whip up my French Onion Soup Sandwiches on air.
When there was nothing left to prep, I looked up at the clock and there it was – 5:40am. Show time. GULP. I started stirring my skillet full of caramelizing onions, and took a deep breath…
Mmmkay, the 5:40 run didn’t go so hot…! The 1:20 minute intro video that was supposed to run before the live segment accidentally cut out, and all of the sudden there was a giant camera with a blinking red light in my face. Ready or not, it was GO time and we were on LIVE! AHH!
Ben was watching from inside the control room, and when the video unexpectedly stopped playing he said the controllers, who have probably seen it all, very calmly adapted to the situation.
“Ahhh crap. Cut to onions…” ;)
I’m so glad we had the 5:40 segment to “practice” on though, because I felt a million times more prepared to repeat the segment for a second time at 6:40am.
The second time around, the intro video played without a hitch and, although the sandwich didn’t make it to the plate because we ran out of time (I felt like Bobby Flay was going to jump out at any moment and scream at me for not managing my time well, a la The Next Food Network Star!) I tried my very hardest. :)
I think most people are pretty critical of themselves when watching something they’ve done on tape or tv, so I’ll spare you what I thought, but I will say this – you’ve got to start somewhere!!
A million and one thank you’s to Katie Ward and Steve Karlin for giving me this amazing, unforgettable opportunity and experience I will not soon forget. And thank you to everyone who left sweet notes on Twitter & Facebook today. You are all so thoughtful! :)
Karla 10.07.2011
Kristin, you did A. May. Zing! What a rockstar. You should totally try out for Masterchef :)
Happy Birthday to Ben! Hope you both have a fun and restful weekend!
Erika 10.07.2011
Congrats, Kristin! You did an AWESOME job!!
Leslie Means @ Her View From Home 10.07.2011
You did a GREAT job! It’s tough at first – but it gets easier with practice – I promise!! Nice job and congrats on all your success! Seriously, if you’re ever in the central Nebraska area – let me know. I still work closely with the ladies on the talk show I use to co-host and they would LOVE to have you on!
debbie 10.07.2011
how exciting for you! Congrats!
Clare @ Fitting It All In 10.07.2011
AWESOME JOB Kristin! You were a total natural on TV!
Mari 10.07.2011
First time commenting and I just have to say that I found your blog long ago through some of the healthy living blogs I read, and yours has hands down become my favorite! The meals you plan are interesting, sound delicious, and seem easy, plus I love reading about your adventures as well! (I went to Italy this summer and loved looking back at your posts about it!) Great job on TV today!!
Amanda 10.07.2011
That’s so exciting!! Congratulations to you! I hope you guys have a fun filled night out!
Melissa 10.07.2011
You were so great, Kristin! Thanks for sharing–I LOVED watching this! :)
Happy Birthday, IBE! Hope you have a fantastic weekend celebrating your sweet, supportive hubby!
Manissa 10.07.2011
Congratulations, Kristin! Your blog is one of my favorites, and I’m a reader from The Netherlands – so yeah your blog is international indeed! ;) This might be a little random but your voice reminds me a little bit of Betty Draper from Mad Men!
Kerryne 10.07.2011
Congrats!!! That was a great segment. I have got to make that sandwich, looks heavenly! :)
denise 10.07.2011
What a great segment! Guess I’ll have to try a french onion soup sandwich this weekend… :) Congrats!
Lesley 10.07.2011
Congratulations Kristin! You did a great job! And Happy Birthday to Ben! I’m assuming pie is on the menu tonight. ;)
Courtney @ The Granola Chronicles 10.07.2011
Congrats! You rocked it! :)
Alexis 10.07.2011
you are adorable! you did a great job and it was fun to see you in action :)
Meghan 10.07.2011
Congratulations! You were great–I think you need a cooking show, I would for sure be watching!
Rhona 10.07.2011
Honestly, congrats! What a wonderful accomplishment. I mean, I don’t know you but have been reading this blog for about 2 years but I have to say, congrats again. To see a “normal” person make it so big out from a blog is really inspiring. You have some Canadian fans up here in the Great White North. I look forward to reading more about your life and being inspired by your recipes. I actually posted a few days ago and linked back to you on menu planning. Wow, good going.
Machelle 10.07.2011
darn! the video won’t play for me! i’ll try again later. i’m sure you did great! Steve looks as tho he is enjoying his french onion soup “breakfast” sandwich! =) Have a great evening!!
kayleigh 10.07.2011
i have never really commented on your blog before but have been reading for about a year now. but i wanted to tell you that you did an awesome job, i would never be brave enough to do something like that! that’s so exciting!
JennyV 10.07.2011
Great segment! You looked completely at ease!
That’s so nice that Ben got up early to provide you support — I guess you just wanted to make him enjoy as much of his birthday as possible :)
nicole 10.07.2011
congrats on being on TV!!! that is so damn exciting and you were great! I’m sure I would be a ball of nerves.