Kardea Brown Reveals Valerie Bertinelli’s ‘Rite of Passage’ Before Taking Over as a Host on Kids Baking Championship (Exclusive)

Kardea Brown has completed her first season as co-host Children’s baking championship, but it started when Valerie Bertinelli hugged her.

Food Network stars united on The Drew Barrymore Show Nov. 4, but before the cameras rolled Delicious Miss Brown host and Hot in Cleveland the actress had an even sweeter exchange backstage.

“We saw each other backstage, and she was sitting in the hairdressing and make-up chair, and I was entering right behind her. And she turned around, she said, ‘Oh my God, you.’ And she gave me the biggest hug,” Brown recalled to PEOPLE. “She said, ‘The kids are wonderful. The staff is wonderful. You will have a great time. This show is definitely in capable hands.’ Those were her exact words.” The chef, born in the South, continued, describing the conversation as a “rite of passage.”

“She’s like, ‘It’s all you.’ [I have] nothing but great things to say,” she continued.

Hosted by Duff Goldman and Kardea Brown.

Food Network

It was announced that Brown will take over from Bertinelli as co-host of the Food Network series on October 2. Let yourself go the author of the cookbook was a co-host Children’s baking championship with Duff Goldman since its premiere in 2015.

Brown and Goldman shared the stage several times for Children’s baking championship specialties and other baking shows, such as Spring championship in bakingbut season 13, which is airing now, was their first time starring in an Emmy-nominated series.

Cardea Brown.

Food Network

When asked about working with Goldman, whom Brown called “a great teacher” and “a great friend,The way home the author recalled his words of wisdom: “’Just shut up the chatter. Just shut up everyone. Only you. You are so wonderful,’ she said. “For God’s sake, he was my champion and I really appreciate him.”

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The latest iteration of the youth-focused series, Children’s baking championship: amazing animals, invites some furry, feathered and finned friends into the kitchen who have brought their tricks to the series – Brown described the “type of panic attack” she had while holding a cockatoo named Pile. In addition to animal visitors in different episodes, 12 young bakers are tasked with animal-inspired challenges across 10 episodes. Similar to previous seasons, the crowned kid will receive $25,000 and a feature film Food Network Magazine.

Kardea Brown and Duff Goldman share a smile with the Season 13 contestants.

Food Network

Brown, who previously worked in social work and education, said working with the contestants was “great” but was brought to tears several times throughout the process.

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“I cried a lot this season,” she said with a laugh, explaining that it was usually when the kids were frustrated. “It brings me to tears, that they want to be good and want to impress everyone. It’s a lot, so it makes me emotional. Plus, I’m a crier anyway.”

But, of course, the season is more smiles than tears, explained Brown. “It’s all about the kids and encouraging their talents and dreams and giving them space to just be creative,” she said. “I’m really excited about this season.”

New episodes Children’s Baking Championship: Amazing Animals air Mondays at 8:00 PM ET on Food Network.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education