Melissa d'Arabian facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Melissa d'Arabian

d'Arabian in 2015
Born	Melissa Donovan Tucson, Arizona, U.S.
Cooking style	American French Low calorie
Spouse	Philippe d'Arabian
Television show(s) Ten Dollar Dinners Kitchen Survival Guide (pilot)

Melissa Donovan d'Arabian is an American cookbook author and television host. She became famous after winning the fifth season of Food Network Star in 2009. After her big win, she hosted her own show, Ten Dollar Dinners, on the Food Network.

Early Life and Education

Melissa d'Arabian was born in Anaheim, California. As a child, she moved around a lot, living in places like Tucson, Arizona, and San Diego, California. She and her sister were raised by their mother after her parents divorced.

Her mother was studying to become a doctor, which meant money was often tight. This taught Melissa how to cook delicious meals on a budget from a young age. She once said that cooking was her way of showing people she cared about them. After high school, Melissa went to the University of Vermont. She earned a bachelor's degree in Political Science. Later, she got her MBA from Georgetown University.

Television and Professional Career

d'Arabian at the 2013 LA Times Festival of Books

After winning Food Network Star, Melissa d'Arabian started her show, Ten Dollar Dinners, in 2010. The show taught viewers how to make tasty and affordable meals for ten dollars or less. It was very popular and ran for three seasons.

In 2012, she released her first cookbook, Ten Dollar Dinners: 140 Recipes and Tips to Elevate Simple, Fresh Meals Any Night of the Week. This book became a New York Times best seller. That same year, d'Arabian also hosted a show called Drop 5 Lbs. with Good Housekeeping on the Cooking Channel. This show shared recipes that were low in calories and gave tips for losing weight.

Melissa d'Arabian often appears as a judge on the show Guy's Grocery Games. She has also been on other Food Network shows like The Best Thing I Ever Ate and Chopped. Her recipes and money-saving cooking tips have been shared in magazines and on TV shows like the Today Show.

About Ten Dollar Dinners

Ten Dollar Dinners is a cooking show hosted by Melissa d'Arabian. It first aired on August 9, 2009. The show became popular after Melissa won The Next Food Network Star.

The show's second season started in January 2010, and the third season followed in July 2010. In each episode, Melissa teaches viewers how to prepare a full dinner for four people, all for a budget of $10 USD.

Personal Life

Melissa d'Arabian met her husband, Philippe, while she was working at Euro Disney. Today, they live near San Diego, California, with their four daughters. Melissa is a Christian and attends church in San Diego.

Advocacy for Mental Health

When Melissa was younger, her mother passed away. This was a very difficult time for her. Because of this experience, Melissa became very involved in helping others with mental health and suicide prevention. She believes it's important to talk openly about these topics to reduce any shame or stigma. She encourages people to seek help if they are struggling.

Since 2009, Melissa has worked with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). She has participated in walks to raise awareness and has donated money from her cookbook sales to the organization. In 2013, the AFSP recognized her efforts with an award. She has also competed on cooking shows like Guy's Grocery Games and Chopped to raise money for the AFSP.

Melissa also volunteers with other charities. She has taught cooking classes for families and supported breast cancer awareness.

Television Appearances