Thanks to gems like Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook-Off, the Food Network reported the highest ratings in the network's history for January. Overall, the network was ranked seventh in cable primetime television, and its viewership was 40 percent higher than one year ago.

Celebrity Cook-Off premiered on New Year's Day and crowned its winner, Lou Diamond Phillips, on Jan. 29. Phillips beat out rapper Coolio to win $50,000 toward the charity of his choice. Who knew what greatness reality television would one day provide us with? And don't fret, Coolio won a $10,000 consolation prize for his chosen charity.

It seems that Rachael Ray and Guy Fieri, two of the most energetic people on the network, make for a winning — albeit obnoxious — duo.

The network also announced that country singer Trisha Yearwood, who is apparently a best-selling cookbook author, is filming her own cooking show for the Food Network.

Bob Tuschman, Food Network's general manager, said Yearwood's combination of interests and talents should make for a pleasant piece of Southern goodness.

“Fans know Trisha best as a music powerhouse, and through her new Food Network show audiences will learn first-hand what her friends and family already know — that Trisha is a talented, passionate rock-star cook, too,” Tuschman said.

Yearwood is set to film six daytime episodes of the currently untitled show.

Could this be the Food Network's answer to the Paula Deen diabetes debacle? Will Rachael and Guy return for another season of Celebrity Cook-Off? We can only hope for so much.


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