Giada De Laurentiis, the renowned chef and television personality, has sought culinary inspiration from her fellow chefs as she prepares for her debut on the popular dancing competition, *Dancing with the Stars*. The excitement builds as the 35th season of the show is set to premiere on Tuesday, September 15, and De Laurentiis, 56, is turning to a host of culinary experts for guidance on what to eat for energy and comfort during this new venture.
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In a recent five-minute video shared on Instagram, De Laurentiis featured advice from several prominent chefs, including Guy Fieri, Alex Guarnaschelli, Sunny Anderson, Katie Lee Biegel, Michael Symon, and Rocco DiSpirito. The advice ranged from practical food suggestions to words of encouragement, all aimed at helping her navigate the challenges of dancing under the spotlight.
Fieri, well-known not just for his culinary skills but also for his charismatic television presence, expressed his genuine concern for De Laurentiis in a light-hearted manner. “Can you imagine the amount of calories you’re just gonna be burning, sitting here stressing out?” he remarked, adding a note of humour to an otherwise nerve-wracking scenario. He also reflected on the culinary legacy they share, mentioning a past dish called Tequila Turkey Fettuccine Alfredo that De Laurentiis had inspired during their time together on *Food Network Star*.
Alex Guarnaschelli encouraged De Laurentiis to connect with her roots. Sharing a nostalgic tip, she suggested pan-frying leftover pasta to create the comforting dish known as fried spaghetti, a meal that has sentimental significance for both De Laurentiis and her daughter, Jade. “I would go straight to major emotional comfort food,” Guarnaschelli advised, emphasising the importance of comfort during what can be a stressful experience.
Anderson enthusiastically supported the idea of indulgent eating, advising De Laurentiis to “eat the burger.” She urged her to give in to her cravings, adding that it was a time to enjoy herself while also recognising the culinary delights that could fuel her for the challenges ahead. She recommended a mix of classic Italian favourites, like spaghetti and bruschetta, to ensure De Laurentiis has the necessary energy for her performances.
Katie Lee Biegel echoed similar sentiments, recommending a pasta dish adorned with either butter or olive oil for its comforting properties. She expressed her confidence in De Laurentiis’s abilities, assuring her that she would excel in the competition. “You are gonna be so good. You’re gonna rock this,” Biegel said, along with her promise to support De Laurentiis with her votes.
Former contestant Michael Symon contributed practical advice, suggesting that De Laurentiis focus on carbohydrates for energy. He proposed a simple but delicious spaghetti pomodoro garnished with fresh basil, alongside grilled escarole dressed with olive oil and lemon. His recommendations reflect a balance between comfort food and nutritional needs, vital for her stamina as she takes on the rigorous demands of dance rehearsals.
Rocco DiSpirito, who himself has danced on the show, offered insights from his own experience. He expressed a sense of camaraderie, admitting he felt “a little jealous” of De Laurentiis. However, he cautioned that the night before the first episode can be fraught with anxiety. DiSpirito highlighted the importance of carb-loading but also advised against overeating, a lesson he learned during his own time on the show. “You have to be really light on your feet,” he cautioned, underscoring the balance that needs to be struck between nourishment and performance.
De Laurentiis revealed that her decision to join the show was influenced significantly by her daughter, Jade, who is now embarking on her own journey at New York University. Reflecting on her motivations, the chef stated, “I think that this time I said yes because my daughter basically forced me to say yes.” This new chapter not only represents a professional challenge but also a personal journey, as De Laurentiis steps outside her comfort zone, driven by her daughter’s encouragement.
With the performance night approaching, De Laurentiis, partnered with dance pro Alan Bersten, is getting ready to showcase her talents on a national stage, supported by the culinary wisdom of her peers. As she prepares to dance, she can draw strength from the comforting flavours of Italian cooking that have shaped her culinary identity, along with the moral support of the food community cheering her on.