It’s Thursday, and while that means everyone is just one day away from the weekend, it also means it’s time to throw back — to an earlier period in Food Network’s history. Check back on FN Dish every Thursday to find the latest #tbt of your favorite chefs and get a retro look at their earliest days on TV.

Long before Melissa d'Arabian provided parents with a one-stop guide to combatting picky eating in kids or started writing for this very blog, she was a devoted Food Network fan looking to take her love of cooking to the next level. She ultimately earned the chance to do just that when she proved her commitment to the kitchen once and for all by getting cast on Food Network Star, Season 5 — and winning. This mom of four impressed the Selection Committee with her personable charm and family-friendly recipes so much so that she went on to star in her first-ever Food Network series, Ten Dollar Dinners.

No matter if she's writing her latest must-see post for FN Dish or sharing supermarket-shopping strategies on her show, Melissa manages to connect with fans in a flash, thanks to her easy-to-follow tips and recipes for kids and grownups alike. Some of Melissa's most-popular dishes include Orzo with Thyme and Lemon Zest and Beef and Black Bean Sliders, plus sweet treats like her Indoor S'more Sundae, each served up with a few suggestions on how to make the most of a family's budget.

Melissa's real-world tips proved especially important this year when she launched an exclusive Web series on FoodNetwork.com showcasing the eight-week project she began in the hopes of tackling picky eating among her daughters. With kid-tested recipes, and stories of personal success and struggle, plus parent-to-parent tips, Melissa and her family welcomed fans into their home in the videos, encouraging others to try out the simple plan for themselves..

Related Reading: