Damaris Phillips reflects on how her Southern and Midwestern roots shaped her culinary style, with family playing a key role in her passion for food. She reminisces about learning to cook biscuits with her grandmother, revealing why biscuits and gravy remain her ultimate comfort food. Damaris shares her creative approach to hosting Kentucky Derby events with fun, themed outfits, like "Clown Couture" and "Animal Print Power Clash." As a passionate advocate for female friendships, she opens up about the importance of girls' trips and how her bond with fellow Food Network Star contestant Nikki Dinki blossomed into a lifelong friendship. The chef discusses her husband’s influence on her vegetarian cookbook, Southern Girl Meets Vegetarian Boy, and shares stories from her time on Food Network Star, where Bobby Flay became a mentor and friend. She teases the new all-star season of Outrageous Pumpkins, where former contestants face off in intricate pumpkin carving challenges. Damaris touches on her love for fall traditions, including her tips for hosting the perfect autumn gathering.

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Damaris Phillips, Host of Outrageous Pumpkins