Trisha's Two Sides

Trisha Yearwood dishes on her double life as a music star and a food star.

mp-yarwood102.jpg

Photo by: Mark Peterson ©Mark Peterson 2014

Mark Peterson, Mark Peterson 2014

On Stage

  • My first time: I probably didn't say two words to the audience — because I just didn't know what to say. And I didn't know how to move around on stage. I just stood there. Now I always tell people, "If you came to see me when I first started, thanks for coming back."
  • My inspiration: Linda Ronstadt. She is a painfully shy performer. She doesn't say much to the audience. But musically, I just love the power in her voice — I love the emotion in every word that she sings.
  • My right hand: My lead guitar player, Johnny Garcia. He's been my guitarist and band leader since my first show [in 1990]. It's comforting for me to turn to my right and see him there. I can't imagine doing a show without him.
  • Pre-performance prep: There's not a lot of pressure. If you know the song, you don't have to worry about anything. And the songs are always in there.
  • Best advice I ever got: "Be true to yourself." I learned early on to not let somebody else tell me what songs to record, how to dress, what to say. When I look back on my career, whatever choices I've made have been my choices.
Trisha Yearwood, as seen on Food Network's Trisha's Southern Kitchen, Season 4.

Lakeside Campout

Trisha Yearwood, as seen on Food Network's Trisha's Southern Kitchen, Season 4.

Photo by: Ray Kachatorian ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Ray Kachatorian, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Trisha Yearwood, as seen on Food Network's Trisha's Southern Kitchen, Season 4.

On Set

  • My first time: I was the cameraman's nightmare. I'd shoot everything and think we were done, and they'd go, "Now we're going to do all the close-ups of your hands. Did you have the knife in the right hand? Which way did you put the mixer?" I didn't know we were supposed to remember that stuff!
  • My inspiration: My mom. She taught me to never be afraid in the kitchen. She was not a chef. But she never stressed — ever. If something wasn't perfect, she always knew how to fix it.
  • My right hand: My producer Juliet D'Annibale. We collaborate 24–7, and she's got a really great sense of humor. If you watch the show and listen to the outtakes and ever hear cackling, it's her.
  • Pre-performance prep: There's studying involved. Even if I know the recipe by heart, I still have to look at it. I don't have a cheat sheet somewhere.
  • Best advice I ever got: "Don't tape the show in your own house." We shoot 12-hour days with a 30-person crew — you need personal space. We use a house down the road with a big kitchen, so I can come home and just be home.

Next Up

20 Healthy Easter Side Dishes

Find healthy spring side dish recipes for serving at your Easter celebration.

Eat Your Spinach Sides — Fall Fest

This season, grab baby or big-leaf spinach by the handful, for more reason than the ample health benefits. Whether you disguise spinach or make it the star of your dish, this recipe roundup will give you — and, hey, maybe even the kids — reason to love it.

Easy Go-To Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Dial back the Thanksgiving meal-prep stress with these side dishes that are a snap to make.

Chill Out with These Cold Thanksgiving Sides

They'll get a warm reception from your guests.

Orange Delights: 6 Carrot-Centered Side Dishes

Let carrots play the star in stellar side dishes, prepared simply to enhance their sweet, earthy flavor. Here are 6 of our favorite Food Network recipes.

Latest Stories