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Breaking News: Valerie Bertinelli Blasts Food Network Months After Departure from Kids Baking Championship

In an unexpected turn of events, Valerie Bertinelli, the former host of “Kids Baking Championship,” has taken a significant swipe at the Food Network months after she was let go from the popular reality cooking competition series. The 63-year-old star openly lamented the decline of instructional cooking shows and the rise of competition series in response to a social media post by cookbook author Marlynn Schotland.

“I fell in love with Food Network two decades ago because of all the amazing ITK [in the kitchen] shows,” Bertinelli wrote on the social media app Threads, applauding Rachael Ray’s “30-Minute Meals,” Ina Garten of “Barefoot Contessa,” and Giada De Laurentiis of “Giada at Home.” She continued: “I learned so much. It’s sad it’s not about cooking and learning any longer. Oh well, that’s just business, folks.”

This candid criticism comes after Bertinelli’s successful tenure as the host of “Valerie’s Home Kitchen” from 2015 until 2023, as well as her 12-season run on “Kids Baking Championship.” In January, she was unexpectedly not re-invited to continue hosting the show, and the snub “really hurt” her feelings.

In a lengthy video post following her departure, Bertinelli opened up about filming season 12 of the competition during her “apex year of hell,” when she was navigating a divorce from Tom Vitale. Despite her emotional turmoil, the show served as a lifeline for her during this challenging time.

“Working with all those really wonderful people and feeling productive and knowing I could spread some kindness and not just wallow in my hell and just try to keep my head above water, it helped me, it was like a flotation device,” Bertinelli stated.

As a heartfelt message to the incoming bakers for the new season—but without her presence—Bertinelli offered her support. “You are there for a reason. You’re some of the best bakers in America right now. And if you don’t make it to the next round, please always remember this, it’s not because you’re not a good baker, you just had a bad day,” she concluded.

Bertinelli’s bold critique of the Food Network’s programming direction highlights a growing discontent among fans and culinary professionals for the increasing emphasis on competitive spectacles rather than providing practical kitchen guidance. As the network departs further from its roots, it remains to be seen whether it can maintain its status as a premier destination for food-loving audiences.

In conclusion, Valerie Bertinelli’s poignant remarks serve as a stark reminder of the Food Network’s evolving priorities and the potential loss of true culinary education in favor of ratings-driven competition shows. At the heart of her revelations lies a call to action for the network to refocus on quality cooking content that empowers viewers to learn and grow in their own kitchen endeavors. Only time will tell if this impassioned plea will prompt a return to the programming that made Food Network the beloved institution it once was.