Like a pep rally in Hell, it features models (Cindy Margolis), actors (Tom Arnold), singers (Patti LaBelle) and chefs like (naturally) Wolfgang Puck wearing too much makeup and acting far too enthusiastic before a live studio audience whipped into something like a Ritalin frenzy. Produced in part by Sean "P. Diddy" (or is it just "Diddy" now?) Combs, "Cooking" ratchets up the volume and pours on the adrenaline in the struggle to mask its wafer-thin premise. The competition each night comes down to three celebrity chefs coaching a trio of semi-celebrities, culinary "boot camp"-style, launching a race against time to complete a fancy meal.

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