Allen says Grandma’s Cheesy Potatoes take ‘cake’

At the age of 8, California native Christa B. Allen, the star of the new CBS-TV children’s series “Cake,” already knew she wanted to pursue a career in acting.

Before most kids even finished third grade, she began to focus on her chosen path, getting parts in commercials, independent films and even a lead role in the hit movie “13 Going on 30” as Jennifer Garner’s younger self. You can see Allen, now 14, every Saturday morning playing a teenage girl who hosts a cable-access TV show with the help of her best friends. Get more information about “Cake” at www.secretslumberparty.com.

Speaking of “Cake,” what’s your favorite flavor?

Favorite is chocolate. Definitely! Or ice-cream cake. I could live on that stuff.

With eight older brothers, is there any fighting over food at the dinner table?

Only on fried chicken night. Mom’s fried chicken is the stuff of legends.

Name a few stars you’d like to have lunch with, and where you would dine.

Natalie Portman, Elton John, Dustin Hoffman, Johnny Depp and Robert Plant. I’d want to go somewhere quiet, so I could hear every word of the conversation. These people are brilliant! Or if they’ve got any off-beat favorite places where I could try something new, that would be fun.

Secret snacks you really shouldn’t be eating but still do.

Skittles. Can we say addicted?! You know what, I should try putting Skittles on a cake. Has anyone done that before?

Grandma’s Cheesy Potatoes

2 pounds frozen diced potatoes

1 cup sour cream

1 can cream of chicken soup

1/2 cup diced onions

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Mix all ingredients and pour into greased 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with additional cheddar cheese to taste. Cover with foil and bake at 350 F for approximately 90-120 minutes. Potatoes will be lightly browned and bubbly when done.

Remove foil during last 15-20 minutes of baking for additional browning, if desired. (These are perfect with broiled chicken and a salad. Make sure you have cake for dessert!)