Her specialty is appys, but Walnut Grove's Laurie Belle will be whipping up all manner of food on Get Cooking with the Stars.

A resident of Langley for five years, she hosts the cooking show on Shaw, bringing together a local celebrity with staff from top Lower Mainland restaurants.

"We like to present exciting dishes that our audience will enjoy to cook with us," she explained.

So far on the show, she's had people such as torch singer Sara Lynn who explained about the difficulty of eating out with celiac disease, BC Lion Geroy Simon, and actress Amanda Tapping. The show relies on publicist Lesley Diana to help round up talent that is living in the Lower Mainland (such as actors filming here) and other guests are found through networking.

Well-known chef Tojo introduced her to Gene Simmons and his wife Shannon Tweed, who gave an exclusive interview.

"Also, the fans write in with their ideas," Belle said.

So far, the show has used Vancouver eateries, but Belle said it's open to other communities, as well.

"We hope to travel with it," she said. An admitted foodie, Belle eventually got around to hosting a show about food after stints in television shows and movies, as well as modelling.

"I have always loved cooking and entertaining. My inspiration comes from my mom, the nutrition she taught me and preparing food for those you love. This is where I fashioned my great love for hosting dinner parties," she said.

The show airs on Shaw Channel 4 in Vancouver and Victoria. International distribution is in the works.

Belle has always been a fan of TV cooking shows, even when they were considered passé. Specialty channels have helped fuel a resurgence in TV shows based around food, nutrition, and cooking.

"I've always watched cooking shows featured on entertainment shows like ET so I know this is precisely where I'm supposed to be," she said.

hcolpitts@langleyadvance.com