NFNS Alum Jeffrey Saad Lands Food Network Series

It didn't take long for "Next Food Network Star" runner-up Jeffrey Saad to find his next career move. Even though winner Melissa d'Arabian landed her own Food Network series "10 Dollar Dinners," Jeffrey was able to land a deal with the network as well.

He's now starring in his own Food Network-exclusive Webisode series called "The Spice Smuggler." Remember when Alton Brown suggested his series be called The Ingredient Smuggler? Looks like he didn't venture too far from the original idea -- and it works.

In an interview with the Examiner this morning, Jeffrey was asked about the show's concept:  would he ever run out of ideas for spices to "smuggle?"  He agreed that when he first thought about it, it was "overwhelming... but I don’t think one could ever run out of spices. You have to be careful to choose ones that people are comfortable with and that are attainable. However, I love the idea of mixing and matching spices, especially Indian spices. There are so many delicious combinations to put together and get something totally different!"

The Food Network taped four episodes of "The Spice Smuggler" which are all available to be viewed today.  At this time, the network has no future plans to film any additional episodes.  But for now, fans of Jeffrey Saad will just have to be content with seeing him make Tiliapia Fish Tacos with Anise, Five Spice Chinese Stir Fry Chicken Soup, No-Bake Lasagna with Smoked Paprika, and Chicken Pot Pie with Garam Masala.

And when asked what his all-time favorite spice is, Jeffrey nearly had a loss for words -- he said there are just so many to choose from!  But he eventually chose "the Chinese Five Spice.  It is so dynamic and versatile. I actually encourage people to blend their own if they have the time. A coffee grinder works great. You wouldn’t believe the difference in the aroma and flavor."

Source: The Examiner