Americans love food. Perhaps the most convincing evidence of this fact — besides our expanding waistlines — is our devotion of an entire television channel to everything food. Even for those of us who don't spend much time in the kitchen, some of the Food Network's most popular shows still offer enough entertainment to make even the most mundane details of food preparation palatable. Here are a few of the Food Network's best:

• Emeril Live — This show features Emeril Lagasse, a chef whose delicious Cajun cooking and boisterous style landed him a short-lived NBC sitcom entitled Emeril. Lagasse is also featured in another Food Network show, The Essence of Emeril. His catch phrase "kick it up a notch" is already on its way into the pop culture hall of fame.

• The Naked Chef — Contrary to his nickname, The Naked Chef, AKA hip Londoner Jamie Oliver, does keep his clothes on in the kitchen. What is "naked" about his style is that he simplifies gourmet cooking to the bare essentials. However, Oliver's good looks and his generous use of British slang give the show a broad appeal. You can also catch Oliver on the companion show to The Naked Chef, Pukka Tukka.

• From Martha's Kitchen — Goddess of the home and hearth, Martha Stewart highlights her cooking talents with the help of various guests in this half-hour show. The cooking segments originally aired as part of Stewart's popular show Martha Stewart Living. Her knowledgeable experts and do-it-yourself approach make From Martha's Kitchen a learning experience.

• Iron Chef — Master chefs of Japanese, Chinese, French, and Italian cuisine gather together in a timed, intense battle to defend the title of Iron Chef. This Japanese import features a host with a flair for Liberace-style drama, stadium seating, moment by moment commentary, and food that will make your stomach turn. Eel spines, tuna eyes, and lobster liver are all fair game for these competitive culinary artists.

Written by Christina Locke

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