All About Melissa

Get a behind-the-scenes look at Melissa d'Arabian on the set of her Food Network show, Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d'Arabian.

Photo By: David Lang ©2011, Television Food Network, G.P.

Photo By: David Lang ©2011, Television Food Network, G.P.

Photo By: David Lang ©2011, Television Food Network, G.P.

Photo By: David Lang ©2011, Television Food Network, G.P.

Photo By: David Lang ©2011, Television Food Network, G.P.

Meet Melissa

Mom of four and winner of Food Network Star Season 5, Melissa d'Arabian is known for transforming everyday meals into budget-friendly dishes the whole family will enjoy on her show, Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d'Arabian.

Little Bites, Big Flavors

Instead of serving one big-batch main dish, Melissa makes several smaller appetizers to add variety to her meal. Here she rolls two-bite turkey meatballs that will be baked and dotted with a spicy raspberry topping.

Go Greek

Melissa mixes up a light but satisfying Greek-inspired salad, studded with crumbly feta cheese and finished with healthful salmon and a simple vinaigrette.

Empanadas Anytime

No longer a restaurant-only treat, empanadas are easy enough to make at home, especially when filled with sweet applesauce.

Sauce on the Side

Transform everyday dinners into flavor-packed meals by preparing a simple sauce or glaze to pair with them. Melissa blends a lime juice-laced tomatillo sauce to be served with her succulent roast chicken.

Double-Duty Ingredients

Melissa gets the most out of fine ingredients by putting them to work in multiple dishes. The sesame oil that she uses in her roast chicken is featured in the dressing for her Asian-style cabbage slaw.

Kitchen Helpers

Two of Melissa's daughters, Valentine and Charlotte, help their mom prepare a deliciously sweet breakfast of chocolate chip pancakes.

Thumbs Up

After tasting a green smoothie made with almond milk, both girls give signs of approval of the creamy treat.

Individual Servings

Baking eggs in pre-portioned ramekins allows each daughter to enjoy her own extra-special dish.

The d'Arabian Ladies

Melissa's youngest daughters, twins Margaux and Océane, join their mom and sisters in the kitchen for a girls-only afternoon.

At Home on Set

Complete with a rustic dining table, colorful dinnerware and homey accents like an adjacent living room, the Ten Dollar Dinners set is relaxed and comfortable.

A Spacious Setup

Multiple workstations and oversized kitchen islands give Melissa the freedom to move around during the various segments of her show.

Melissa's First Cookbook

Visit the Food Network Store to order your copy of Melissa's premiere cookbook.