Rachael Ray Fans

[Lizard]

Has anyone found the magazine in a store? I went out to a few grocery stores last night and looked for it, but couldn't find it. Maybe it's too new to be carried by anyone yet...

[Aug2002Bride]

Ive only seen it at Barnes and Noble myself, but Ive heard that Kroger carries it.

[EmilyZA]

I haven't seen it at any grocery stores either. I got mine at the airport.

[Lizard]

Thanks, I'll check B&N tonight. One of the stores I checked last night was a Kroger (called Bakers out here), they didn't have it. :(

[Katy]

I found my first one at the grocery store (I think it was Ralph's - Kroger out here). I think I had to go to the stands to get it though, not the aisle endcaps.

[LeslieR]

Just wanted to post that I made the 5 Minute Fudge last night. I can't wait to try it! I did a little variation of my own by pouring the batter into a greased bundt pan. I thought it would make a prettier "wreath". I sprinkled some red and green candy decorations in there after I greased the pan and before I poured the batter in. I left it in the fridge over night and took it out today and let it sit for about an hour or so before I popped it out onto a platter. It looks so pretty! I did have to dig at the sides a bit with a knife to get it out, though.

[Brady]

Has anyone found the magazine in a store? I went out to a few grocery stores last night and looked for it, but couldn't find it. Maybe it's too new to be carried by anyone yet...

What's funny is I actually saw it yesterday in Blockbuster. Never expected to see it there!

[lauren f s]

I've seen her magazine at Blockbuster and Kroger.

I just made her Instant Pesto Torta with Bread & Vegetables. It was really easy to make and looks beautiful. I'm just serving it with a sliced baguette tonight, not the veggies. The ingredients were expensive, but for a Christmas Eve party it was well worth it. (Plus, it looks like it took me ages to make it!)

[elissa]

subscribing, I think her energy is great and can't wait to read what you all have made!

[jarm]

I made her fudge, but I would make it without the currants next time. I don't like nuts so I left those out this time. My question is, do you think I could susbstitute peanut butter chips for the chocolate chips and white chocolate chips for the butterscotch chips?

[JNN]

I made the fudge too....I liked the consistancy, but didn't like the butterscotch flavor (I left out all of the dried fruit and nuts). I think next time I would make it with either all chocolate or a mixture of chocolate and peanut butter chips.

I got her 365 No Repeats cookbook for Christmas and last night we made the "Simply Delicious Chicken with Potatoes and Asparagus" (I think that's the name of it). It was excellent! Can't wait to try more of her recipes.

[Kristy]

Got the new cookbook for Christmas, very excited to try the recipes out. I also have a garlic press now, so I won't have to chop forever to get it to the fineness I like lol.

[ksull17]

I saw her on that show Isaac on the style network and she was talking about how she was going to be doing a talk show. Has anyone else heard this? She didn't mention any details, just that she was working with Oprah's company on it.

[Katy]

I got the 365 cookbook for Christmas too, but I have to say, I'm a bit overwhelmed by it. Since there's very limited pictures or descriptions, I have to read each recipe to decide if I like the way it sounds or not. Maybe I'm just not in the right frame of mind yet, as I can't seem to get through more than 5 recipes each time I pick it up :shrug:

[Brady]

Just wanted to report that the Fake Bake Ziti was a Christmas party success! Also, being a big geek, received three of her cookbooks for Christmas and have already bookmarked a ton of recipes.

Now to just go food shopping! :)

[EmilyZA]

Just wanted to report that the Fake Bake Ziti was a Christmas party success! Also, being a big geek, received three of her cookbooks for Christmas and have already bookmarked a ton of recipes.

Now to just go food shopping! :)
That sounds good! Would you mind posting the recipe?

[BethElena]

I got the 365 cookbook for Christmas too, but I have to say, I'm a bit overwhelmed by it. Since there's very limited pictures or descriptions, I have to read each recipe to decide if I like the way it sounds or not. Maybe I'm just not in the right frame of mind yet, as I can't seem to get through more than 5 recipes each time I pick it up :shrug:

This is why I didn't ask for it for christmas! I picked it up and couldn't pay attention. I felt like I had ADD or something. I need lots of pictures to help me out, and I couldn't follow the typesetting like I normally can, KWIM??

[Katy]

BethElena, I know exactly what you mean. I'll keep poking around in it and see what I come away with. I like her 30 Min Meals II book just fine. Then again, that has pictures and descriptions/stories and whatnot

[Brady]

Fake Bake Ziti
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 3 turns of the pan
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes (recommended: San Marzano)
1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, (recommended: San Marzano)* If San Marzanos are not available, add a teaspoon sugar to your sauce, optional
Coarse salt
A handful fresh basil leaves, torn
1 pound ziti rigate, with ridges
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Freshly ground black pepper
A generous grating nutmeg
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup shredded asiago cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano
1 cup sliced fresh mozzarella
Crusty bread, to pass at table

Put pasta water on to boil.
In a medium sauce pot over medium heat, saute garlic in extra-virgin olive oil. Chop whole tomatoes and add them to the pan. Add crushed tomatoes and salt and simmer 10 minutes, add basil and simmer over low heat 10 minutes more.

Add salt and pasta to boiling water and cook 6 minutes, leaving pasta a little chewy.
While pasta cooks, melt butter in a small pot over medium heat. Whisk in flour, then cook 1 minute, adding salt and pepper and nutmeg to flour. Add milk and bring sauce to a bubble. Reduce 5 minutes.

Drain pasta and transfer to a large casserole dish. Pour the tomato and basil sauce over the pasta and turn to coat the pasta. Pour the bechamel over the already coated pasta. Cover the top of the pasta with Asiago, Parmesan and mozzarella. Place the casserole under hot broiler and melt the 3 cheeses until brown and bubbly, 3 to 5 minutes.

-- the only things I did differently was I used all crushed tomatoes, forgot the nutmeg and ended up baking it at 400° for about 20 minutes as I had made it ahead of time.--

[EmilyZA]

Thanks!!

[cela-bela]

Hmmmm, I got a couple of her cookbooks for Christmas and was also surprised there weren't that many pics in it. I use the pictures to help me decide if something is worth making it or not :p.

[Katy]

Marcela, that avatar is freakin' me out. That's some scary, possesed looking first lady.

and putting on my admin hat here - would you mind adjusting your signature to remove that extra line space when you get a moment (we only allow for three lines total in siggies) Thanks :)

[mortiz]

I got her 365 no repeats book for christmas as well. I did have a hard time with the no picture thing too, but there are so many recipes with such variety that I am over it. :) Last night I made the mac 'n cheese with broccoli and it was so yummy......it was a bit spicy for my younger daughter though so I will leave out the cheyan pepper next time. We are going to try one of her burgers later this week, but I can't remember which one.

[Asha]

got the 365 cookbook for Christmas too, but I have to say, I'm a bit overwhelmed by it. Since there's very limited pictures or descriptions, I have to read each recipe to decide if I like the way it sounds or not. Maybe I'm just not in the right frame of mind yet, as I can't seem to get through more than 5 recipes each time I pick it up :shrug:

i got it too. i love that the recipes are so easy. i already made the white pizza in it, and i was so yummy!!

[Oakley]

I also got the 365 book for Christmas (guess RR had a nice Christmas because of US ;) ). I wish there were more pics also. I think every recipe should have a picture!

I made the Italian sub stoup (#11) and it was GREAT. My husband usually hates sausage, but he loved this. He even ate the leftovers, which is saying a LOT.

[Katy]

I always thought her Stoups sounded pretty good. I think I'll try one next week, thanks Oakley for the recommendation. And I agree, all recipes should have pictures, or at least a good description.

[mortiz]

I was going through the 365 no repeats book last night and the nov/dec eddition of her mag and I guess I just realized that most of her recipes are pretty darn spicy. I never really noticed that watching 30 min meals. I made the mac n cheese and that had a bit of a kick and I am planning on making one of her burgers and it calls for red pepper flakes and hot sauce. I love her recipes, but I am definately leaving out some of the spice, my three year old ate a bit of the mac n' cheese and then I guess it hit her because she was not happy with her hot mouth. :) I'm still going to love that cookbook though, even if I have to adjust a little for the younger pallets in our family. :)

[Brady]

Finally tried the chicken piccata pasta toss last night... my DH gave it a "YUM-O"! (he can't stand RR ;) ). But, it was really good.

I am going to try the buffalo turkey burgers and oven steak fries tomorrow. Has anyone tried those before? I believe I found them in the 30 minute meals 2 book.

[eli1126]

Tonight I will be making Rachel's sloppy joes with oinion rings! I'm not a huge sloppy joe fan, but my sister made Rachel's and said it's nothing like the can mix. If anyone has made this before, do you have any advice or tips? I'll come back and give a review....if I haven't burned my kitchen down :p

Beth

[Aug2002Bride]

I love the sloppy joes...and I hate that Manwich stuff out of a can (that I used to be forced to eat)! I dont usually use the tomato paste when I make it...Let us know how you like it.

[eli1126]

The sloppy joes were very good! The oinion rings were gross. I don't know if it was something I did (probably :o ) I actually made them twice thinking I had done something really wrong. The taste was overwhelmingly all flour. I always add ingrediants according to the instructions the first time I make something, and it said 1 cup of flour :confused: I made sure the oinions and milk were cold, so I really don't know what happened. Anyway, we would definitely do the sloppy joes again.

Beth

[Hula1974]

Another great review for the Sloppy Joes. I've been making them for a few years now. LOVE EM! Who woulda thunk it?

[myshel]

So, I made RR's Long Live the Chicken a la King last night for company. The recipe comes from her Cooking "Round the Clockbook. It was actually quite tasty and looked a heck of a lot fancier than what it really was.

Because I always monkey with recipes a little, I did with this one and it was for the best (subbed green beans for peas, doubled recipe, added some Emeril's Essence, use a lite sour scream and flour/water mixture to thicken the sauce). The guests liked it and so did DH.

[Asha]

from her 365 cookbook, i made the garlic and dill french fries that called for frozen fries, and i never knew frozen fries could taste so good. though, it was definitely not healthy considering that you add butter on the already fried fries.

[janders6]

Which book is the chicken picatta pasta toss recipe in? I can't seem to find it.

Thanks!

[meganth]

Has anybody tried her Green Minestrone recipe?

[Aug2002Bride]

Has anyone seen the second issue of her magazine? I cant find it anywhere!

[Missy2U]

So, I made RR's Long Live the Chicken a la King last night for company. The recipe comes from her Cooking "Round the Clockbook. It was actually quite tasty and looked a heck of a lot fancier than what it really was.

Because I always monkey with recipes a little, I did with this one and it was for the best (subbed green beans for peas, doubled recipe, added some Emeril's Essence, use a lite sour scream and flour/water mixture to thicken the sauce). The guests liked it and so did DH.

Could you post that recipe? It sounds wonderful.

[Brady]

Which book is the chicken picatta pasta toss recipe in? I can't seem to find it.

Thanks!

It's in 30 Minute Meals 2. I just emailed it to my mother from foodnetwork.com too..

[Oakley]

I made the Nacho Bread Pizza last night from the 365 book. It was good- but not the most healthy.

[myshel]

Long Live the Chicken a la King from Cooking "Round the Clock

1 tube jumbo bake-off biscuits (recommended: Pillsbury brand "Grands"), available on dairy aisle
A sprinkle cayenne (spicy) or sweet paprika (mild)
1 cup dry white wine
2 cups chicken broth
1 bay leaf
4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon vegetable oil or extra-virgin olive oil, 1 turn of the pan
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 pound small white mushrooms, sliced
1/2 small white onion, chopped
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons chopped pimentos
1 cup frozen green peas
2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf or curly parsley

Preheat oven according to package directions for biscuits. Arrange biscuits on nonstick baking sheet and sprinkle with a little ground cayenne pepper or sweet paprika then place biscuits into a preheated oven. Bake until golden, remove biscuits from oven and then cool.

In a medium skillet, bring 1 cup white wine and 2 cups chicken broth and 1 bay leaf to a boil. Slide in chicken breasts and gently poach them in simmering broth and wine for 10 to 12 minutes.

Preheat a second skillet over medium heat. Add oil and butter. When butter melts into oil, add mushrooms and onion and cook 5 minutes until tender. Add flour and cook another minute.

Pull chicken from broth and set on cutting board. Ladle cooking liquid into the mushrooms, whisking it in. Add 2 to 2 1/2 cups of liquid and discard the bay leaf. Add pimentos and peas to the sauce. Dice chicken into bite-size pieces and slide into bubbling sauce.

Split the biscuits, place bottoms on dinner plates and cover with ladles of Chicken a la King. Cap with biscuit tops and garnish with chopped parsley.

A couple of notes:
* I doubled the recipe.
* I used Pinot Grigio.
* I omitted the pimentos.
* I substituted thawed green beans for peas.
* I actually added the mushrooms and onions to the wine/broth mix.
* To thicken the broth/wine/mushroom mix, I used 2 tablespoons of flour and mixed it with warm water and lite sour cream. I repeated this until the sauce thickened to the consistency I wanted.

[Katy]

Has anyone seen the second issue of her magazine? I cant find it anywhere!I haven't seen it in stores, or book stores, or streetside magazine racks (and I've looked!) and I also haven't received my issue yet.

[Missy2U]

myshel, Thanks so much!

[Aug2002Bride]

Ive looked everywhere for the magazine and cannot find it. I havent gotten my issue yet either and the website for the mag hasnt been updated either.

I bought the stuff to make her Chinese Chicken Lettuce Wraps today, so Im going to try it out tomorrow.

[houseblend]

I bought the stuff to make her Chinese Chicken Lettuce Wraps today, so Im going to try it out tomorrow.

That's one of my absolute favorite recipes! I make that regularly!

[Aug2002Bride]

Is the hoisin sauce spicy or hot?

[jarm]

Hoisin is just like a barbecue sauce. I don't think it's spicy.

[bookworm]

I don't think hoisin is spicy, either. It's more sweet.

[BethS0103]

Hey all!

I too have RR's newest cookbook and I LOVE IT! I've been making meals from it at least three times a week since I got it for Christmas and we've definitely had some keepers.

The best meal we've made BY FAR was the Mega Meatball Pizza with Zippy Italian Popcorn. Oh. My. God. Heaven, thy name is pizza.

I also love the Italian Sub Stoup but I actually made that before I had her cookbook because I saw her make it on her show. That one is definitely going in the arsenal too. :)

[jarm]

Oooh! That pizza sounds yummy! Definitely need to find the new cookbook. I bought it, looked at it and then it got lost.

[Aug2002Bride]

I loved the Chinese Chicken!!!!!!!!!!!! It was sooooooo Yummy!!!! We ate it in Pitas though instead of the lettuce. I thought I had a head of lettuce so I didnt get any, and turned out we had none! But it was still really good in the pitas.

Ive been wanting to try the Italian Sub Stoup.

Tomorrow for dinner Im going to make the Grilled Chicken Parmesan

[Oakley]

BethS0103- you saw RR make the Italian sub stoup? I'm wondering if it looked ANYTHING like what I made! :p Mmm..now I'm craving it again!

My husband made the German potato salad w/ kielbasa. It was good, but not like the German potato salad I'm used to. He also didn't cut up the potatoes. Hee. But at least he tried! :D

I want to try the lettuce wraps! I love lettuce wraps!

[EmilyZA]

I've made two recipes out of her new cookbook, so far...

Mega Meatball Pizza: This was really good, but really fattening, yikes!

Steak with Killa Chimicurri Sauce: I thought this was a great Chimichurri, but my husband thought it had two many onions.

[houseblend]

I want to try the lettuce wraps! I love lettuce wraps!

She has a recipe for some Thai Glazed Chicken Wraps as well. It's just as good (if not even better!) than the Chinese Chicken Lettuce wraps. I highly recommend them both.

[Katy]

I've reached the "photo" section of the cookbook, marking recipes I'd like to try. Hopefully, I'll start cooking from it in the next week or so - especially some of her stoups.

[Katy]

woohoo! I just got the new RR magazine in the mail today!!

[Brady]

I made the Southwest Pasta Bake from her 365 cookbook last night. Sort of. I realized I forgot to buy a jalapeno, and I also didn't have coriander or chili powder (or fresh parsley or cilantro, for that matter), so it was okay. My husband liked it, but I like more of a kick and I could tell I was def. missing some things. I might give it a try again when I have all the ingredients next time... :rolleyes: I also had a few kitchen/cooking mishaps, so was not one of my finer nights in the kitchen.

I'll also say though, does anyone else make a cheese sauce using skim milk? You can really tell the difference in taste and texture. I think I'll get 2% next time, that's what I usually use for recipes. Skim milk is def. not made for cooking!

[katmg]

I made the Chicken with Apricots and Raisins over Toasted Almond Couscous from her 365 cookbook last night. While it certainly took me more than 30 minutes, it was fairly quick and tasty. The sauce for the chicken didn't thicken as much as I might have liked, but it was still good. A little bit salty - I might use low-sodium chicken broth next time - but very good over the couscous.

[TerpsFan]

I made the T2 burgers (Turkey chili topped turkey burgers) with red pepper slaw and funky fries last night. It took me 30 mins (after the chopping prepwork and such). They were DELICIOUS.

[myshel]

I made the Turkey Paprikash Goulash last night. I would honestly have to say that it was just okay. It was almost like a glorified hamburger helper.

I was thinking of trying to do a stoup later this week as we'll be having a cold snap.. Anyone have a favorite?

[Katy]

I made the Chicken with Apricots and Raisins over Toasted Almond Couscous from her 365 cookbook last night. While it certainly took me more than 30 minutes, it was fairly quick and tasty. The sauce for the chicken didn't thicken as much as I might have liked, but it was still good. A little bit salty - I might use low-sodium chicken broth next time - but very good over the couscous.I marked this one to try when flipping through the book. Thanks for the review.

[katmg]

Katy - I made it with glazed carrots b/c I didn't think just the chicken would be enough for dinner. The carrots were a nice accompaniment but a salad would also work. :)

[Kristy]

I'm looking to cook a nice dinner at home for DH for Valentine's Day instead of trying to get a reservation somewhere. What would be some good RR recipes for a V-Day dinner and possibly dessert (I'm undecided if I should just go to the bakery for this)?

[Katy]

RR is not known for her desserts (although she has some yummy sounding stuff in her lastest magazine issue). And speaking of Val Day, I think it's time to start the thred...

[jarm]

I have a great recipe for molten chocolate cake, but it's not from RR.

[Katy]

`I just now created the Valentine's Menu thread (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?p=476218#post476218), so post away! :D

[TazLuv]

subscribing

I got the 365 book for Christmas and I'm always looking for recipes that other people have liked.

[houseblend]

I made the Saucy BBQ Chicken Sammies from her book last week. It was actually very good! I didn't care so much for the potatoes that went along with it, but the sandwiches were great!

[jellybeany]

Dh has been keeping an eye out for the new mag for me and he found it at Walmart yesterday! :) I'm about 1/2 way through it - There are even some of her wedding pics in it.

[Katy]

there are more wedding pictures on her website (http://www.rachaelraymag.com/)

[Lizard]

Her husband is such a hottie. :D

[Sare79]

I made the Chicken Cacciatore Stoup tonight and it was excellent. It was a perfect filling, healthy dinner!

[mortiz]

Has anyone made her Maracco Lamb with the pine nut cous cous? I saw her make it two different times this weekend on 30 min meals and it looks really good. Was thinking of doing a special dinner with DH with that.

[Kristy]

I made the Shepherd's Pie and Croque Monsieurs from 365. Both very good. I had to substitute instant potatoes for real ones in the Shepherd's Pie because I was out, but it still turned out pretty good. And the croque monsieurs were excellent, just like the ones I've had in France. Great with tomato soup.

[Oakley]

Last night I made the salsa stoup w/ baked quesadillas from the 365 book. Very good!

[myshel]

I made the Taco Stoup and Meatball and Sausage Pizza Stoup for our Super Bowl party tomorrow. The Taco Stoup is pretty mild, even after I added some salsa to the mix. The Pizza Stoup tastes wonderful. Hopefully, both go over well tomorrow.

[Adaya]

I've made quite a few of her 30 Minute Meals:

Clam Chowda-delish, cheap and really easy to make
BBQ Meatball Muffins-divine!!
Italian Mac and Cheese-fattening, but so so good
BBQ Pork Tenderloin-quick and really really good
Steak and Shrimp-I loved this one b/c it was an upscale meal but it was inexpensive and really really tasty.

I know I've made more, but those are my favs...

[Mr. Right]

This is not a recipe, but I dined at a restaurant in Sienna, Italy, where, unbeknownest to me, was the same restaurant that Rachel Ray shot her $40 a Day show. She had a dessert. How I discoverd this was due to a motley group of American women, I think about 5, entered the restaurant and asked the waiter, "May we sit where Rachel Ray sat?"

Besides looking like complete tourist tools, the waiter led them to the rear of the restaurant, but the ladies were unhappy, so they sat in the more open area on the main floor. Through there constant jabbering, I learned of this little Rachel Ray tidbit, and now I share it with you.

Feel Honored.

[Adaya]

I just made the Clam Chowder again tonight minus the hot sauce, which I didn't really like the first time I made it. And it is fantastic!! It took a bit longer than 30 minutes because I wanted the soup to simmer a bit longer to get thicker. And it did. The 1st time was delish, but this time it came out much better the 2nd time around. I'm so psyched.

[Lizard]

I made Super-Size Turkey Meatballs with Spinach and Cheese tonight... it was in her most recent magazine. Not sure if it's in the books. I'm mixed about it... DH thought it was fantastic, but I thought it was a little too bland. I'd prefer using the meatballs for a classic recipe with red sauce... I don't think they hold up well on their own. Also, it's a LOT of meat! The recipe is supposed to make 12 big meatballs, but I made 12 palm-sized meatballs and had meat to spare. :) The leftover would probably make decent turkey-spinach burgers.

[jarm]

myshel - Where did you get the recipe for the pizza stoup? TIA!

[sunni76]

One of our favorites is the Italian Mac-n-Cheese. DH made it again on Friday, YUM! We brought it to our friend's house since they just had a baby, it was a perfect thing to bring, way more than the 4 of us could eat so it left them with plenty of leftovers too:)

[Adaya]

I keep saying I wanna try the Italian Mac n Cheese. It looks sooooo yummy! Maybe soon.

[Brady]

I made Super-Size Turkey Meatballs with Spinach and Cheese tonight... it was in her most recent magazine.

I tried this one too and also did not love it, my DH said it was okay. Mine looked nothing like the pictures, that's for sure! ;)

Tonight I am making her Chicken Piccata Pasta Toss, that's one of my faves.

[myshel]

myshel - Where did you get the recipe for the pizza stoup? TIA!

I got it out of one of her cookbooks... hmm... I'll look it up and post it when I get a chance. Of course, I doctored it ever so slightly, but it was a still a major hit. Give me a day to look for it (I'm trying to re-read The Scarlet Letter before I teach it to a bunch of seniors).

[Kristy]

I've been trying a bunch of recipes from 365 this week. Most were pretty good.

Ginger Vegetable Chicken Noodle Bowl- Very yummy and super easy to make. I didn't have any ginger, so I did without, and it still turned out great.

Chicken with White and Wild Rice Soup- Another great soup that's wonderful. I couldn't find the exact rice she suggested, so I grabbed the first box of white and wild rice I found, and it was great. You can really change the flavor of the soup by using different rices.

Nacho Bread Pizza- I used black beans instead of refried on this, and think the refried beans would have been better texture-wise. Still very good.

Chipotle Chicken Rolls- Eh. Not enough flavor in these. I used chipotle flavored salsa instead of the chipotles in adobo, and it didn't pack a punch at all. They weren't terrible, but just kind of bland. Next time I'll add some tobasco and chili powder to the chicken mixture.

[TazLuv]

In "Rachel Ray 30-Minute Meals 2" you have to try the Portobello Burgers with Green Sauce and Smoked Mozzarell with the Spinach Artichoke Pasta Salad. I've now made it twice, both my DH and I love it. :)

ETA: Page 20

[jarm]

Would I be such a PITA to ask people to post where they get the recipes and page numbers for quick look-up? TIA!

[bookworm]

I made the Danish Burgers with Herb Caper Sauce (http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_30391,00.html) a couple of weeks ago, and I'm sorry to say they were just disgusting. I thought they'd be good (and I could freeze leftover burgers for an easy dinner some night), but I ended up tossing them.

I do plan to make the Barbecue Chinese Chicken Lettuce Wraps (http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_27790,00.html) again this week--I really enjoy them, and they are quite healthy (I use less oil than she suggests).

[Katy]

Would I be such a PITA to ask people to post where they get the recipes and page numbers for quick look-up? TIA!Don't forget, nearly all of her recipes can be found online either at her magazine site (http://www.rachaelraymag.com/), or on the FoodNetwork.com (http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/cooking) site.

Also, a friend pointed me in the direction of a blog (http://cookingwithrachael.blogspot.com/2005_12_01_cookingwithrachael_archive.html) where two gals are trying to make all 366 meals.

[jarm]

I've checked those sites for the pizza stoup, but I'm not finding it. Thanks, though.

[myshel]

I've checked those sites for the pizza stoup, but I'm not finding it. Thanks, though.

I checked those places too because I was trying to find a quick reference for you. :)

The recipe came from 30 Minute Get Real Meals, which is a lower carb cookbook of RR's.

Here the recipe:
Meatball and Pizza Stoup

2 Tablespoons EVOO
1 pound bulk Italian sausage-- sweet or hot
4 garlic cloves, two crushed and 2 minced
1 large yellow onion, chopped
1 carrot, peel and chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
1 quart chicken stock or broth
1 can (15 ounces) pizza sauce
1 pound ground beef or sirloin (turkey works too)
1/2 cup of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
2 tablespoons Italian bread crumbs
1 egg yolk, beaten
Salt and freshly ground pepper

Heat medium soup pot over medium-high heat. Add EVOO and the sausage. Break up and brown the sauage. Add 2 crushed garlic cloves and the onion, carrot, and celery. Stir and cook for 5 minutes. Add chicken stock and pizza sauce and raise to high heat, bringing liquid to a boil.

In a separate bowl, mix ground meat with minced garlic, grated cheese, bread crumbs, egg yolk, and salt and pepper. Form bite-sized balls and drop into boiling liquid. The meatballs will cook like dumplings in about 8 minutes. Cook stoup on high heat for 8 minutes. Ladle into shallow bowls and top with any leftover grated cheese.

My notes:

* Instead of chopped carrot, I used juliene carrot slices that were pre-cut.
* I added about a cup of spaghetti sauce for more liquid.
* I used ground turkey for meatballs and they were awesome.
* I added oregano and a bit of Emeril's Essence to the meatball mixture before preforming balls.
* I used a melon baller to make meatballs.
* Instead of the cheese suggest, I bought shdredded parm. It worked just fine.
* I used pre-minced garlic that I always have on hand for all garlic in the recipe.
* I added mushrooms.

Sorry it took me so long. I have a couple of her cookbooks that I use on regular basis and to be honest, they all blend together in my mind. I literally had to look it up.

[andrew&shannah]

Rachael Ray Express Lane Meals: Great Dinners from the Pantry and Your Market's Express Lane, is scheduled to be released on April 18, 2006.

"What to Keep on Hand, What to Buy Fresh for the Easiest-Ever 30-Minute Meals"

[ausi2b]

Is that a book or a magazine?

[andrew&shannah]

Is that a book or a magazine?

It is a new cookbook that comes out in April. B&N is allowing pre-orders now I think.

[mgrace]

The new issue of her magazine is out now.

[littlelove8138]

very cool i'm going to go look for it at lunch. :)

[luvalwaysMandy]

there are 3 recipies that you all mentioned that I want to try. I haven't had a chance too look for all of them but if you have them or know where they are exactly could you post for:

salsa stoup w/baked quesadillas
taco stoup
Sirloin Burgers with Mushroom, Swiss & Balsamic Mayo

thanks so much.

I'm going to try to look for em later but i don't have time right this moment.

[andrew&shannah]

Salsa Stoup With Avocado Smash And Double-Decker Baked Quesadillas

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 turns of pan, plus some for brushing tortillas
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 large onion, chopped
3 ribs celery, chopped with greens
3 cloves garlic, chopped
Salt and pepper
1 (28-ounce) can stewed tomatoes
1 can crushed tomatoes
2 cups vegetable or chicken stock
3 tablespoons chopped cilantro or flat-leaf parsley
6 flour tortillas, 6 to 8 inches
1 cup shredded Cheddar, available in pouches on dairy aisle
3 scallions, chopped
4 ounce brick Pepper Jack or chipotle cheese, shredded, about 1 cup
Sour cream, to pass at table
Avocado Smash, recipe follows

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
Heat a medium soup pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 turns of the pan and the jalapenos, bell pepper, onions, celery and garlic. Season with salt and pepper then saute veggies 5 minutes, add tomatoes, crushed tomatoes and stock and bring soup to a bubble. Reduce heat to a simmer and stir in cilantro.

Paint 1 side of 2 tortillas with oil and place them next to each other, oiled side down, on a large cookie sheet. Mix cheddar with scallions and divide the cheese between the tortillas evenly. Top with another tortilla and top each of those with equal amounts of Pepper Jack cheese. Set the last tortillas on top and brush tops with extra-virgin olive oil. Cook 10 minutes in the oven to melt cheese and crisp up tortillas. Cool quesadillas 5 minutes to set then cut each quesadilla into 6 pieces.

Serve bowls of stoup with 3 wedges quesadilla along side each bowlful. Pass the Avocado Smash and the sour cream for topping soup or quesadillas.


Avocado Smash:
1 avocado
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro leaves
3 scallions, thinly sliced
1 lime, juiced
1 cup sour cream
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 plum tomato, finely chopped
Remove 1 avocado flesh to a bowl. Add the cilantro and scallions. Pop the lime in the microwave for a few seconds. Add the juice of 1 lime, the sour cream, and season with salt and pepper. With a fork or spoon, smash up the mixture, leaving chunks for a good consistency.

Chop and seed the plum tomato and fold into avocado. Serve.

[andrew&shannah]

Sirloin Burgers with Balsamic Mayo, Mushrooms and Swiss

1/4 cup chopped onion
1 1/3 pounds ground sirloin, 90 percent lean
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, eyeball the amount
Steak Seasoning Blend or, coarse salt and pepper, preferred brand McCormick Montreal Steak Seasoning
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling plus 1 tablespoon, 1 turn of the pan in a slow stream
4 crusty rolls, split
4 portobello mushrooms, thinly sliced
Coarse salt and pepper
4 slices Swiss cheese
3 tablespoons aged Balsamic vinegar, eyeball the amount
1/2 cup mayonnaise or reduced fat mayonnaise
Coarse black pepper
1/4 pound baby spinach
2 vine ripe tomatoes, sliced
2 scallions, chopped
4 romaine leaves, optional

Preheat grill pan or large nonstick skillet
Saute onions in a small pan over moderate heat for 3 to 5 minutes until tender. Combine meat with Worcestershire sauce, Sauteed onion and steak seasoning blend or salt and pepper. Form 4 large patties. Drizzle patties with a touch of extra-virgin olive oil. Quick toast your split rolls, then add burgers to grill pan or skillet. Grill or pan-fry burgers 4 to 5 minutes on each side for medium well doneness.
Heat a small to medium nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add a little oil and mushrooms. Season mushrooms with a little salt and pepper and saute until just tender, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Pile mushrooms on top of burgers just before you are ready to take them off the grill or out of the pan. Fold each Swiss cheese slice in half and rest on top of mushrooms. Place a loose tin foil tent over the burgers and turn heat off under pan or grill. Allow the cheese to begin to melt down over mushroom and burgers, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Combine balsamic, mayonnaise and coarse cracked black pepper in a small dish.
To assemble, place burgers with mushrooms and Swiss cheese on bun bottom. Slather tops of buns with Balsamic black pepper mayonnaise and baby spinach. Set burger tops in place and serve with sliced vine ripe tomatoes, drizzled with oil, seasoned with salt and pepper and garnished with scallions. Pile onion rings and a dollop of dipping sauce along side. For drinks, try black and white frozen shakes -- yum!

Sorry, I don't have the taco stoup one...

[luvalwaysMandy]

Thank you andrew&shannah

[andrew&shannah]

Thank you andrew&shannah

No problem at all. Sorry I couldn't find the 3rd one for you.

Not sure if it has been posted here yet but, if anyone is interested, there are two women who are making all 366 recipes in the 365 cookbook. Then, they blog about their thoughts and experiences. Recently, they have expanded to other foodnetwork people too but their focus is RR.

Rachel Ray Blog (http://cookingwithrachael.blogspot.com/)

[Katy]

Has everyone received their new magazine this month? I noticed while I was on vacation that you guys were talking about it. But I held my mail and now that I've been home for nearly a week, I still don't have it. I'm jonesin' man

[Brady]

Hi.. I did get my magazine about a week ago or so now.

Tonight I am actually going to try the spring chili pie (I might have the name of it wrong). Other things I have tried this past week were out of 30 Minute Meals 2- the cheddar cheese and macaroni (my son LOVED it), and the greek chicken salad with warm pita bread (excellent greek dressing recipe!). Tomorrow I am making my standby Chicken Piccata Pasta Toss, also out of that book.

[littlelove8138]

i'm going to make the mini meatloafs tonight.

i picked up the magazine last night at costco. sorry you haven't gotten yours yet :(

[Katy]

hmmm...I wonder what's up with my subscription then. I want my magazine too!!! http://smiley.onegreatguy.net/chef.gif

[scarlett]

Can someone with the magazine post the recipe for the mozzarella stuffed meatballs and spaghetti (from the April/May weekly menu)? I saw it in the store the other day, but I didn't want to buy it, because I just sent in my subscription card and am hoping to get my magazine in the mail soon. But the mozzarella stuffed meatballs sounded so good, that I'm ready to make them now :)

Thanks.

[andrew&shannah]

Spaghetti with Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs

1/4 cup plain bread crumbs
1/2 cup milk or water
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, 2 smashed and 1 chopped
Two 28-ounce cans crushed tomatoes
Salt
1 pound lean ground sirloin
2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus more for serving
1 large egg
4 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into 20 (1/2-inch) cubes
1 pound spaghetti

In a medium bowl, soak the bread crumbs in the milk.
2. In a large, wide saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the smashed garlic and cook until golden, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, season to taste with salt and let the sauce simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the beef, chopped garlic, parsley, Parmigiano-Reggiano, egg and 1 teaspoon of salt to the soaked bread crumbs and stir with a fork until combined. Place about 2 tablespoons of the mixture in your hand and press a mozzarella cube into the center. Shape the meat around the cheese, forming a ball. Repeat with the remaining meat and mozzarella.
4. Stir the sauce and raise the heat to medium- low. Carefully place the meatballs in the sauce, submerging them completely. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook without stirring for 20 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti, cook until al dente, about 8 minutes, and drain. Toss the spaghetti with the tomato sauce and meatballs, sprinkle with Parmigiano-Reggiano and serve.

You can also find it here (http://www.rachaelraymag.com/recipe/25949/) which gives a printer friendly version.

[scarlett]

Thanks andrew&shannah. I looked on the magazine website, but couldn't find it. But, I think the search was screwy when I did it.

[WestieMomma]

I love RR but this website is hilarious!

Rachel Ray Drinking Game
http://www.slobak.com/rachaelray.html

[sunni76]

OMG that is too funny!

[littlelove8138]

way to funny!!

[Lizard]

That's awesome.... especially this part. Her secret ingredient is ALWAYS nutmeg:

2 drinks uses a "secret ingredient"
3 drinks the "secret ingredient" is nutmeg
1 drink mentions "the thing that makes you go Hmmm"
3 drinks "the thing that makes you go Hmmm" is nutmeg

They need to include something about her mentioning her "sweetie' too... although lately she has been saying her "husband" and his name on occasion (but often follows that up with "sweetie").

[littlelove8138]

yeah or her mother in law as well

[Brady]

LOL! That site was hilarious..

I love this one:
2 drinks: creates a "healthful" meal that clearly contains over 50g of fat

That's one of my biggest pet peeves with her. Why say that all your meals are so "healthful" and then she dumps like 3lbs of cheese on something? :rolleyes: I mean, I'm all for cheese and other non-"healthful" things once in a while, but maybe she should just take that out of her opening spiel... ;)

[Kate&Joey]

Why say that all your meals are so "healthful" and then she dumps like 3lbs of cheese on something? :rolleyes: I mean, I'm all for cheese and other non-"healthful" things once in a while, but maybe she should just take that out of her opening spiel... ;)

Not to sound like the ultimate RR defender, but...

I think she means her meals are healthful as compared to the alternative -- going to a restaurant or ordering take-out. Plus, most of the time, she does have well-rounded meals (meat, starch, veggie/salad) so it's more healthy than fast food. Just my 2 cents. :)

Regardless, compared to Paula Deen, RR is cooking diet food!

[Brady]

I do agree Kate, and was thinking the same thing (as opposed to fast food, she is "healthful"), but it still cracks me up.

I watch her every single night, and I'll sit here and make fun of some of the things she does/says, yet I still watch her every night, so who am I to criticize? lol.

[scarlett]

Here's a couple of additions that could be made to the game:

1 drink - she says "It smells insanely delicious already"
2 drinks - all she's cooking is garlic and evoo when she says it

:)

[TennJane]

How about:

1 drink - she says "Whoa, I almost didn't make it that time" as she's carrying 100 things from the fridge to the counter.

2 drinks - she actually drops something before she makes it to the counter

:D I love RR and watch her every night too.

[Brady]

What's funny is after reading this I was watching her last night (did anyone see it, she was making the Veal Saltimbocca?), and she dropped a pat of butter on the floor and then almost lost the veal to the floor when she was transferring it into the pan. I was amused thinking of the game... lol.

I guess I really need a life! My poor 13 month old son is also hooked. We rarely turn the tv on during the day, but I do put it on for RR (and have been since he was born).. I think he thinks Rachael is a part of our family. :o Let's just hope it helps him to be a better cook someday than his father!!

[meganth]

How about:

1 drink - she says "Whoa, I almost didn't make it that time" as she's carrying 100 things from the fridge to the counter.
2 drinks for when she says the above, it's followed by "I hope my mom isn't watching" or something along those lines.

[WestieMomma]

I'm glad you guys all like the RR Drinking game! Why does she always try to carry 100 things from the fridge? I guess she only has 30 minutes so she has to hurry!

[dh5678]

Has anyone looked at her newest book?

[jarm]

Has anyone tried the buffalo chicken bites that she made on her show recently? They're made with pancake batter.

[BethS0103]

Has anyone tried the buffalo chicken bites that she made on her show recently? They're made with pancake batter.They were awful!!!! The pancake batter made them taste nasty. I don't think the flavor of the batter complimented the chicken at all. Definitely not a RR favorite of mine.

Has anyone looked at her newest book?Yeah, my mom bought it and I've looked through and even made a few of the recipes. It's not as good as her 365 book IMO, and it has quite a few recipes that she's already made on her show, so it's not really a whole lot of new stuff.

[Brandy]

Has anyone made the Oven Baked Corn Dogs (http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_31184,00.html)? I tried to make them last night and they didn't turn out like they did on TV. :( The dough seemed to melt off and them puff up on the sides.

One thing though, the ingredients list says 1 cup flour but in the instructions, it doesn't say to add it. Any ideas?

[myshel]

Brandy: I discussed this same issue a few (okay, more than a few) pages back. The very same thing happened to me. I was watching "30 Minute Meals" the other day when the show with this recipe re-ran. The only thing I can figure is that there's a measurement off somewhere with the liquids. My batter and her batter looked different from each other. I don't know what to tell you. I so wanted these to work well.

[jellybeany]

Has anyone tried the buffalo chicken bites that she made on her show recently? They're made with pancake batter.

DH and I make these sometimes and we really like them!

[MES in Chicago]

Hello all! I am trying to cook more and since I know RR recipes are easy I checked out this thread. I search foodnetwork.com and could not find these recipes. Can anyone help me out???


Orange Bourbon Chicken
Chicken with apricots, almonds and couscous
Super sized turkey meatballs with spinach and cheese


Thanks so much!!!

[Kate&Joey]

Is this the meatball recipe you were talking about? If so, I have made them and they are quite tasty!


Florentine Meatballs Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray

Recipe Summary
Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
User Rating:

1 box frozen spinach, defrosted in the microwave
1 1/3 pound (1 package) ground turkey breast
1 medium onion, finely chopped, divided
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 large egg
1 3/4 cups milk, divided
3/4 cup bread crumbs, 3 handfuls
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, 2 palm fulls
Coarse salt and black pepper
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken stock
1 (10-ounce) sack shredded provolone or blend of Italian cheeses, available on dairy aisle
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, eyeball it
1/4 cup parsley leaves, chopped

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Wring defrosted spinach dry in a clean kitchen towel. Place turkey in a bowl and make a well in the middle of it. Add the spinach, all but 3 tablespoons of the onion, all of the garlic, 1 large egg, about 1/4 cup milk, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, salt and pepper. Mix well. Form into 12 large balls and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil. Arrange on a nonstick cookie sheet and roast 20 minutes.

While balls are in the oven, heat a small sauce pot over medium heat. Add a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter. Melt butter, add remaining finely chopped onion and cook 2 minutes then whisk in flour. Cook flour 1 minute, then whisk in 1 1/2 cups milk and 1 cup stock. Bring liquid up to a boil then stir in shredded provolone or blended Italian cheeses. Season the sauce with salt, pepper and nutmeg, turn heat to lowest setting.

Place 3 balls on dinner plates and top with sauce, garnish with parsley.

Episode#: TM1034
Copyright © 2003 Television Food Network, G.P., All Rights Reserved

[MES in Chicago]

Could be, they sound great. These were mentioned a couple of pages back by a different name, but like I said these will fit the bill. THANKS!!

[Kiley]

i'm going to make the mini meatloafs tonight.


I made these a couple of weeks ago with her cream cheese smashed potatoes and we LOVED it! It's a new fav!

[Missy2U]

Here's a site with more Rachael recipes. (http://www.pricechopper.com/RecipesExclusive/RE_Index_S.las?-token.S=42FT9R948A40cd8P77e1D848wwtN6L51D7B9BB%7C7 2164%7C0605261209%7C%7C%7C%7C%7C) I don't know if anyone else posted this - if it's a duplicate, I apologize.

[Runnergrl]

Thanks for the more Rachel Ray link recipie! I've wanted to try the mini meatloafs as well- thanks for the review and I will try them.

[Brandy]

Brandy: I discussed this same issue a few (okay, more than a few) pages back. The very same thing happened to me. I was watching "30 Minute Meals" the other day when the show with this recipe re-ran. The only thing I can figure is that there's a measurement off somewhere with the liquids. My batter and her batter looked different from each other. I don't know what to tell you. I so wanted these to work well.

Thanks! I read about 25 pages back but was going to lose my mind! I went through all the reviews on the Food Network website (I just figured out this feature!) and they said it should only be 1/4 cup milk. I am going to try it again soon and will report back!

[Lydia]

I just bought her magazine and pulled out the 7 day meal planner, took it with me to the grocery store and it was so convenient to shop for the recipes!

[Lydia]

The back issues of her magazine on ebay (http://books.search.ebay.com/rachael-ray_Magazine-Back-Issues_W0QQcatrefZC12QQcoactionZcompareQQcoentrypa geZsearchQQcopagenumZ1QQfromZR10QQfsooZ1QQfsopZ1QQ ftrtZ1QQftrvZ1QQsacatZ280QQsaprchiZQQsaprcloZ)are really expensive!

[mgrace]

I apologize if this link has already been posted, but here is a blog about Rachael Ray...

http://rachaelrayblog.blogspot.com

[Madeline]

I apologize if this link has already been posted, but here is a blog about Rachael Ray...

http://rachaelrayblog.blogspot.com

Just wanted to say thanks for plugging my blog. I am glad you like it! I love writing it. And thanks for bringing this wonderful community to my attention.

I just spent half an hour trying to decide what to make for dinner tonight. I think I am going to make the Spinach-Artichoke Cheesy Tortellini from Express Lane Meals. It is a comfort food night.

Madeline

[SingleWhiteFemale]

Not a RR fan (She grates on my nerves to say the least...). But, I was watching FOX today, and Rachel Ray is getting her own talk show of sorts! There's a commerical promo currently running for it.

[racerswife]

she does the meatloaf muffins and the mini meatloaves. she did the muffins with the cream cheese smashed potatoes. we had that one again last night.. yummmm!!! the muffins are so easy for the kids to eat.

[docoNY]

bump

anyone subscribing to her magazine?
do you like it?

[Brady]

I really enjoy her magazine. It has some good ideas and recipes.

I just printed out a good ol' RR staple in our house to make for dinner tomorrow night, her chicken piccata pasta toss, it's one thing my picky son will eat. :o

I'm very curious to see her talk show, I really can't imagine what it will be like with RR not talking about food. I'm already disinterested in it from just what I've read about it, but I know I'll be flipping it on to check it out!

[sunni76]

We also subscribe to her magazine. It does have some yummy recipes that we have tried.

What?! I had no idea she is getting a talk show. Yikes. I will have to check it out.

[Lydia]

The bleu cheese and tomato tart from her last 7 day meal planner was sooooooo good!

[docoNY]

I had no idea she had a talk show.. don't know if I could watch it.. she is way to chipper on 30 min meals :)

I am going to subscribe to the magazine
thanks ladies

[jellybeany]

Did anyone catch her new show? I TIVO'd it yesterday. I'm not qutie sure what I think about it just yet. I have it set to record the rest of the week to see if I like it. An hour of her talking is A LOT but she did some neat things.

[Adaya]

I'm recording it today only b/c Oprah's gonna be on there. Otherwise, I don't think I'll be watching it. I don't think I can take her for an hour. I'll come after I watch the and give my thoughts.

[Missy2U]

I taped it and watched it last night - I really liked it!

[Lizard]

I haven't decided yet... I set it up for a Season Pass though, so we'll see. It's definitely a unique show, and it's weird to see her talking and giving advice about things that have nothing to do with food. I think it has potential though, she has a lot of charisma and can easily yap for an hour.

Is it just me, or has her accent become more pronounced? She's from the East coast but she has a serious Wisconsin/North Dakota type accent going on for some reason. I'm from Wisconsin and she sounds like several of my relatives. :D

[sunni76]

I tivo'd it for this week,and then we'll see what happens. I watched yesterdays, it was ok, but I sorta felt like she talked over Diane Sawyer and didn't really give her a chance to speak! Today's show should be good with Oprah on it.
Lizard I'll have to listen closer to her accent. I'm from WI too:) I think you are right though, she does have a sort of a midwest sound.

[snoopy30]

I liked the content of her show but I thought too that she sometimes talked too much, esp. when there was another guest, like sunni said.

I'll keep watching it but she can be *so* energetic that a whole hour of her can be alot!!

[jellybeany]

but I sorta felt like she talked over Diane Sawyer and didn't really give her a chance to speak!

I think this is what made me conflicted. She didn't give her a chance to talk at all. I'm mean its fine if the show is going to be all RR but if they bring on guests then she really needs to let them talk.

I really like the fan interation like the skydiving and the video clips. That was cool.

[Katy]

it was all WAY too insane for my tastes. I will watch the show with Oprah (I think that was the Tues show), but I think that will be the end of it for me.

[Missy2U]

it was all WAY too insane for my tastes. I will watch the show with Oprah (I think that was the Tues show), but I think that will be the end of it for me.

Katy - I watched the Oprah one yesterday - it was a little over the top, wasn't it? Even though I said I liked it, I'm starting to rethink it...

[smilewithme]

I forgot to Tivo today's episode, but I watched yesterday's and I felt like she tried too hard and talked too loud! I love Rachel Ray and I know she's an energetic gal, but I don't like to be bombarded with things and yelled at by the TV and that's kind of how I felt! I'm going to keep watching because I want it to get better.

I am definitely going to make the Pizz-O! :D

[Adaya]

I just finished watching yesterday's show. It was just okay. I agree that it's a bit over-the-top. She seems like she's trying too hard. There were even times when she was out of breath. It's like, slow down!!

You could tell the difference between Oprah the veteran and Rachel the newbie. Oprah was very relaxed and calm and Rachel seemed to be frazzled and giddy. Also, it seems like she's trying to cram too much into one show. Shoes, food, guest interviews, audience participation, etc....I can't keep up. Just too unfocused....

I don't know.....maybe I need to watch another show or two, but I don't know if I can take it.

[BethS0103]

Is it just me, or has her accent become more pronounced? She's from the East coast but she has a serious Wisconsin/North Dakota type accent going on for some reason. I actually read an article about her one time where she was making fun of herself for that very reason. She said something along the lines of, "I'm from upstate NY, but when I'm on TV and I'm talking too much I sound like I'm from Minnesota." Again, I'm just paraphrasing, but I do remember her making fun of her inexplicable midwestern accent.

[rachrich]

I was so excited when her show started on Monday, and I was kinda let down. I also thought it was too much to watch her spunkiness for a whole hour. It does seem like she's trying to hard, and is just filling space with her rambling mouth. DH and I enjoy all her shows on the Food Network, but this new one is just not working for me. that's just my opinion.....

ETA: I like her cause she spells her name just like i do. :) I get silly about that. But ITA with every word Adaya said.

[EmilyZA]

I agree for the most part, but I really enjoyed today's episode!

[Missy2U]

Wednesday and Thursday's shows were much better - maybe she switched to decaf. ;)

I really liked yesterday's - my husband is getting anxious for me to make the ravioli lasagna.

[DisneyGirl]

I tivo her show during the day and I fast forward thru it and if I see something that she is making that I might like then I watch.

[smilewithme]

I really liked yesterday's - my husband is getting anxious for me to make the ravioli lasagna.

I liked that one, too. I don't know if it's growing on me now, or she's getting better. I haven't seen today's, so maybe I should wait to see how that went! My DH saw the Ravioli Lasagna and said we should definitely try it. I made it last night and it was just "eh". I wasn't thrilled, but it could just be my cooking, too! :D

[sunni76]

Missy2U My DH liked the looks of that recipe too! I bet it will be very yummy!

We made the chicken/squash chili recipe from her latest magazine, it was pretty good! (I think I would have liked it more if I wasn't pg, some flavors just taste funny to me right now).

[berry]

I watched a part of the Dr. Phil episode and part of today's. I really like it.

I've never seen her cooking show before. I mainly like that she is different from Martha Stewart, who is a bit sedate and underwhelming as a host. I liked the food and that she's young and energetic. I do hope she does some other stuff besides cooking like crafts or something.

I do agree that she's a bit hyper, but not sure if it is mostly nerves or just how she is. I'll continue to watch for now.

[Lizard]

I took a break from the show and am watching today... she definitely seems to have toned it down a bit.

Here's something I noticed though... she was sitting next to a couple whose husband can't cook anything. They got up to take him to the kitchen, and Rachael stood up in a weird way. It immediately reminded me of how I would get up from chairs when I was pregnant, without bending at the waist. It was probably just a fluke but I had to post it here just in case it turns out to be true. :D

[sheartm7]

I have to ask this cause it's been bugging me like crazy. This may of been answered, but why does Rachael NEVER wash her chicken before she uses it? She takes it right out of the store wrapper and doesn't wash/dry it. Drives me nuts.

[Boopy]

I've never seen anyone wash chicken before they use it. I've never washed it and I've never had a problem. I wash my hands after I touch raw chicken though.

[Brady]

I've never seen anyone wash chicken before they use it. I've never washed it and I've never had a problem. I wash my hands after I touch raw chicken though.

Ditto here.

[Aug2002Bride]

Ive never washed chicken either.

[Adaya]

I always rinse my chicken off before cooking it. Just a habit I picked up from family I guess.

[Rosebud]

I don't wash chicken either. Is there a reason you should do this?

[Happyaugust]

I've read that washing the chicken can easily spread bacteria throughout your sink. It can then contaminate any utensils or food washed in the sink that aren't cooked at a high enough temperature to kill the bacteria.

[snoopy30]

I grew up eating "rinsed chicken" so I always did it too. Come to find out it isn't necessary and like someone said it supposedly spreads bacteria.

I'm planning on making the Chicken Dumpling Stoup RR made earlier this week. I have some gnocchi in my pantry I'd like to use. It looked yummy so we'll see!

[Adaya]

I've read that washing the chicken can easily spread bacteria throughout your sink. It can then contaminate any utensils or food washed in the sink that aren't cooked at a high enough temperature to kill the bacteria.

Learned something new today. Guess I won't be washing my chicken anymore.

[sheartm7]

I had no idea so many people didn't, I always thought washing it was the norm. I'm glad that it's not necessary though, cause it's a huge PITA. I was also told to wash it thoroughly and then dry with a paper towel before using. *shrug* Guess I won't be bothering with that anymore!

[looch]

Who won the iron chef battle? Was it Rachel or Giada? I keep missing the end!

[Adaya]

Who won the iron chef battle? Was it Rachel or Giada? I keep missing the end!

Rachel, and Giada was not happy. She had this look of surprise on her face when she realized she and Flay were not the winners. It was kinda funny.

[vjel]

Rachel, and Giada was not happy. She had this look of surprise on her face when she realized she and Flay were not the winners. It was kinda funny.


not to mention i think the judges slammed Giada and Bobby quite a bit compared to Rachel and Mario!

[Adaya]

not to mention i think the judges slammed Giada and Bobby quite a bit compared to Rachel and Mario!

I agree. I think there was only one dish of Bobby and Giada's that they didn't criticize. They seemed to have something negative to say about everything. Whereas they loved everything Rachel and Mario did.

[looch]

lol! thanks for the update!

[KK812]

i just saw a rerun of Iron Chef the other day and it was great! I like Giada but I like RR more, and seeing Giada's recipe kind of turned me off of her a bit. It was such a forced reaction, like she had to make herself think "Ok, bite lip so I don't scream, clap a couple times." Rachael was so humble, too.

I am really liking her talk show as of late, too. I am watching now and she is just so endearing. From watching her kids in the kitchen episode of 30 mm, I thought she was just terrible with kids, but her "principal for a day" thing was really sweet.

[shaqangel]

i didnt get to see the IRON CHEF with her and wish i had. i really enjoy her show, so does DH - he loves mimicking her and props our 5mth old in his bumbo and puts him on the kitchen counter and they have their own 30mm 'show' - its hilarious! i like that her show is so laid back, fun and just not stuffy at all.

[lauren f s]

I loved watching Iron Chef with Rachel and Giada and before watching thought Giada would win, since she's a "chef" and all. But watching the show I knew it would go to Rachel and Mario. Giada and Bobby were so tense and uptight; Rachel & Mario were having fun throughout the whole thing adn I think that came through with their cooking.

[Etoile]

I just recently discovered RR and I just love her to pieces! She is so great--fun and good recipes. I watched Thanksgiving in 60 last night--all the recipes were great and I am going to make "stuffin' muffins" rather than the pan of stuffing I usually make. That's genius!

[Madeline]

Didn't Giada look so mad when Rachael and Mario won Iron Chef? It reminded me of the whole Faith Hill CMA thing. Cracked me up.

[JBB]

I'm a huge RR fan, although in the summer months we eat out a lot more so I don't cook as much and therefore don't cook at home as much. However, now that it is almost winter I am much more into cooking at night and I would say I use RR cookbooks 99% of the time.
One of our favorites is from 365: No Repeats
#322 pg. 279 Chicken Francese with Lemon and Wine
It's really good for dinner and great for leftovers for lunch

Talkshow
Not a huge fan of it, but I do DVR it everyday and if there is something or someone I am interested in I'll watch it and/or fast forward to the part I want to see!

[littlelove8138]

Didn't Giada look so mad when Rachael and Mario won Iron Chef? It reminded me of the whole Faith Hill CMA thing. Cracked me up.


i agree giada and bobby both looked way mad. i loved the part where Mario made the drinks from cranberrys. i thought it was funny and showed that it was all fun for them.:)

[Aug2002Bride]

For those that got her new cookbook for Christmas....What do you think? Is it worth it? Im debating wether to buy it or not. Ive bought all of them so far and I still use 30 MM #2 the most!!

[jarm]

Does anyone have any of her cookware? What's your review on it? My DH got a set for me for Christmas, but I'm reluctant to open it and use it.

[JBB]

While I find that I use the 30mm#2 the most-I have a number of her cookbooks and I do use all of them on the regular basis.

[sheartm7]

Did you guys see this article?

Want a recipe for disaster? Slam Oprah (http://thetrack.bostonherald.com/moreTrack/view.bg?articleid=179074)

Kitchen queen Rachael Ray took a big ol’ bite from the hand that feeds her and reportedly made drunken disparaging remarks about Oprah Winfrey during the time her “Rachael Ray” show was being sold.

[Kristy]

Does anyone have any of her cookware? What's your review on it? My DH got a set for me for Christmas, but I'm reluctant to open it and use it.


I bought one of her nonstick skillets with a GC for Christmas (after finding out the Calphalon one I really wanted was $130 :eek: ) and I really like it. Easy to clean, everything cooks evenly. I use it about every other day and it holds up very well. I'm very pleased with it.

[Adaya]

I didn't even know she had cookware out there. Or maybe I knew and just forgot. Where did you buy it Kristy?

[manda_kate]

I got a set of pots and pans, and a skillet for Christmas, and I love them, too! They cook very evenly, and they clean up great! Mine are bright orange, so that is fun, too!

[ksull17]

I have a lot of her cookware. I never registered for nice cookware when I got married b/c I never cooked. Now that I'm learning I have received her cookware for birthday/christmas gifts. I really like it, like Kristy said, it's very easy to clean and everything I make cooks evenly. I'm very happy I never registered for other cookware! Hers is very reasonably priced as well.

Adaya, you can get it at Kohl's or Linens & Things. I'm sure there are other stores that carry it, too.

[Adaya]

Thanks ksull17. I may take a look at some this weekend.

[BethS0103]

Did you guys see her make Bake-In Oozy Bread (http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/?q=recipes/bake-in-oozy-bread) on her talk show last Friday? I made it on Sunday and OH MY GOD! She needs to be arrested for coming up with such an indulgent recipe! It was so sinful! I never imagined that something sweet like that would pair so well with bacon, but in the words of RR, it was "YUM-O!"

[Adaya]

OMG!! I just clicked on that recipe. It looks sooooooo freakin' good. I have everything in the house to make that. Hmmmm, actually, I will wait until my mom and stepdad come for a visit next weekend. Cuz I can see myself eating every single bit of it.

I love putting syrup on my bacon and sausage when I have pancakes and waffles, so I bet that would be pretty damned good!! :D Thanks for posting that BethS.

[smilewithme]

I really want the new cookbook Just in Time!

Also the most recent issue of EveryDay (December, probably) was packed full of great tips and I pulled out almost all of the pages of her Everyday Gift Guide! They put in some great gift ideas that I can't wait to get for people this year. I'm also going to have to try the Apple Dumplings in the Yum section, recipe courtesy of Angela from The Office. :D Yum, for sure!

[Mrs.Chappy]

What's the name of the knives that RR uses...i want the ones that she has..maybe i'll be a better chef! I'll put it on my holiday list if i can figur out wh ich ones she uses on her sh ow.

[thedoorchick]

I haven't watched her show in a few months but at one time she used a Wusthof santoku knife. I use the same knife but it is a Henckels and I love it.

(I almost typed sudoku knife; clearly I have been spending too much time on airplanes doing puzzles!)

[Brady]

RR uses Furi knives. You can see them on her website, http://www.cooking.com/rachaelray/?ref=http%3A%2F%2Frachaelray%2Ecom%2F (link to knives)

[Aimee]

Rachael Ray uses Furi knives last I heard. They've got the bright orange handles. I've seen a few of them at TJ Maxx/Marshalls.

[LoveYouKisses]

What's the name of the knives that RR uses...i want the ones that she has..maybe i'll be a better chef! I'll put it on my holiday list if i can figur out wh ich ones she uses on her sh ow.

She promotes the Furi brand knives. Here (http://www.amazon.com/Rachael-Ray-7-Inch-Coppertail-Knife/dp/B00081J2KK) is the link to them on amazon.

[Katy]

What's the name of the knives that RR uses...i want the ones that she has..maybe i'll be a better chef! I'll put it on my holiday list if i can figur out wh ich ones she uses on her sh ow.She has her own line of knives (and other cooking utensils, pots & pans) out now. I know that they're available at Kohl's and on her website, but I'm not so sure if they're available elsewhere.