Allen Salkin is an American journalist and author. His most recent book, "From Scratch: The Uncensored History of The Food Network", gives a behind-the-scenes look at the history and personalities that have made Food Network what it is today. He is also the author of the book Festivus: The Holiday for the Rest of Us about Festivus. Salkin also spent three years as a staff reporter at The New York Times, hosted a video series on AOL's former blog Slashfood, and appeared on a reality TV series. Published in hardcover on October 1, 2013 by Putnam/Penguin and in paperback on October 7, 2014 by Berkley Books with a new afterword and subtitle, "From Scratch" is based upon extensive inside access, documents, and interviews with executives, stars, and employees new and old of Food Network. Salkin interviewed over 200 people who have been involved with the network's history. Salkin also takes an in-depth look at the business side of how early executives managed to create a television network out of an idea that some called "the worst idea ever"."From Scratch" was named by NPR as one of the best books of 2013.