Food Network's Hit Series "Cupcake Wars" and "Aarti Party" Premiere Second Seasons

NEW YORK - November 29, 2010 - After successful first seasons earlier in 2010, two hit Food Network series - Cupcake Wars and Aarti Party - premiere new 13-episode second seasons this December. Super-sweet primetime competition, Cupcake Wars, returns Tuesday, December 7th at 10pm ET/PT with four cupcake bakers facing off in three elimination challenges each week. The winner's prize: $10,000 and the opportunity to showcase their cupcakes at a featured gig. Candace Nelson (Sprinkles Cupcakes) and Florian Bellanger (MadMac) return as judges, and Justin Willman hosts. On season two of Aarti Party, premiering Sunday, December 12th at 12pm ET/PT, Aarti Sequeira shares approachable ways to enhance American favorites with simple Indian influences and introduces viewers to some of her closest friends and family in new 'party' scenes. Thanks to her fans from The Next Food Network Star - who voted her as "Fan Favorite" on FoodNetwork.com - Aarti dishes out four online videos to complement her show and provide viewers great insights into Indian cuisine and flavors.

Cupcake Wars

Premieries Tuesday, December 7th at 10pm - SEASON 2 PREMIERE!
"Tree Lighting"
Four cupcake bakers compete to have their winter-wonderland treats featured at Hollywood's star-studded holiday tree lighting. Contestants include: Brenda DePonte of Sugar Bakery (East Haven, Conn.), Kyra Bussanich of web-based Crave Bakeshop (Portland, Ore.), Patty Fallahee of The Spot Gourmet (Glendale, Calif.), and Rachel Angeline of web-based Sweet Rachel Desserts (Los Angeles).

Premieres Tuesday, December 21st at 10pm
"LA Kings"
Four cupcake bakers battle to have their treats featured at a festival to celebrate the start of the hockey season. Contestants include: Brandon Arnovick of Mission Mini's (San Francisco, Calif.), Victoria Donnelly of web-based Cakeology (Boston, Mass.), Kasia Maslanka of Parties by Panache (Los Angeles), and Michelle Risucci of Auntie Em's Kitchen (Los Angeles).

Premieres Tuesday, December 28th at 10pm
"Hard Rock"
Four cupcake bakers vie to have their tasty creations on display at a concert featuring Melissa Etheridge. Contestants include: Bruce Zipes of Bruce's Bakery (Brooklyn, N.Y.), Dorithy Tong of web-based Cupcake and Cookie (Los Angeles), Christa Kelso of web-based Mini Baker (Los Angeles), and Allison Lubert of Sweet Freedom Bakery (Philadelphia, Pa.).

Aarti Party

Premieres Sunday, December 12th at 12pm - SEASON 2 PREMIERE!
"Fancy Pants"
Aarti prepares an elegant meal perfect for any special occasion. Her Vanilla and Black Pepper Pork Loin roasted with apples and celery root then topped with savory vanilla-scented gravy pairs perfectly with Crispy East-Side Mashed Potatoes infused with cumin, fennel, and mustard seed. She ends this feast with her creamy and rich Indian Rice Pudding topped with pistachios.

Premieres Sunday, December 19th at 12pm
"Down Home"
To keep warm as the weather cools down, Aarti puts her spin on American comfort-food favorites. First, she cooks up a fork-tender Beer, Ginger, and Garlic Braised Brisket with cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. For side dishes, Aarti prepares Thai Red Curry Mac 'n' Cheese with a crunchy crumb topping and creamy Broccoli Raita Slaw with dried cranberries and almonds.

Premieres Sunday, December 26th at 12pm
"Beer Snacks"
Aarti creates a beer tasting party menu with pairing suggestions too! She creates an addictive Indian Snack Mix, her version of Chewda, packed with cereals, pumpkin seeds, plantain chips and raisins toasted with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and turmeric. Then, Aarti makes Lebanese Meat-Stuffed Pitas, known as Arayes, with a beef and pine nut filling. Finally, she serves up mahi-mahi Fish Tacos spiced with ancho chile powder and coriander then served with garlic-mint mayo in warm tortillas.