Chef Art Smith lands TLC series

TLCis expanding its culinary-themed programming with a new seriesstarring master chef Art Smith.

Smith ("Top Chef Masters") will host "Craving Comfort," where he'lltravel the country exploring variations of simple, popular dishes-- from fried chicken to apple pie.

"'Craving Comfort' celebrates the great personal stories behindAmerica’s classic comfort foods," said Nancy Daniels, senior vpproduction at TLC. "Art Smith’s passion for great food and thepersonal connections we form to these meals makes him the perfecthost for this journey."

The new series adds to TLC's lineup of food-related programmingthat includes the upcoming "BBQ Pitmasters" (debuting Dec. 3),"Ultimate Cake Off" and its highly rated "Cake Boss" -- which willinherit the Monday spot vacated by "Jon & Kate Plus 8" afterits series finale Monday night.

The award-winning Smith was Oprah Winfrey's personal chef for adecade and has made several TV appearances. TLC has ordered eighthalf-hour episodes of "Craving Comfort"  from TrueEntertainment, and the show will premiere late next year.