Watching Rachael Ray

..to the top… of the Hamptons, at least! The New York Post’s Page Six reported Sunday that Rachael Ray and husband John Cusimano are in contract to buy a place in Southampton fir just under $3 million.

Included in the 6.2-acre Tuckahoe Lane estate, bordering the Southampton and Shinnecock golf courses, are a three-bedroom main house, two-bedroom pool house with sauna, separate guest cottage, pond, heated pool and lush gardens.

Somewhat disappointing is the minuscule kitchen pictured in the Prudential Douglas Elliman listing.

If this is the kitchen they’re referring too? Um, sign me up! That’s bigger then my living room!

Rachael, Ray, Rachael Ray, 30 minute meals, RR, TV, a day, Food Network, Everyday

Firehouse Chili Cook-Off - New!

The top four chili cookin’ firefighters in the country are competing in Rach’s first four-alarm chili cook-off!

Then, three delish recipes that will use all those chili leftovers, and try a better-than-nothing workout.

Fashion Fake-Outs - New!

Got a problem area that you need help hiding? Get Gretta’s sneaky tips that’ll fake everyone out! Then, tricks for getting out the toughest stains, Rach heads back to high school and she’s got a south of the border burger!

President Bill Clinton - Repeat

It’s a huge day on the show when President Bill Clinton comes by and hits the kitchen with Rach! But first, they’re talking about his childhood struggles with weight — did you know he weighed 185 when he was only 13? — and their new partnership that will change the way kids eat.

Aaron Eckhart - Repeat

Hollywood hunk Aaron Eckhart is giving the goods on his leading ladies like Gwyneth, Julia and his latest co-star, Catherine Zeta-Jones. Then, meet two moms with two different problems: One mom turns a real life nanny nightmare into a Hollywood-worthy story. The other mom refuses to even let her daughter out of her sight! Life Coach Harriette Cole has tips for parents who are with their kids 24/7, including how to let go without feeling separation anxiety.

How to Make Over Anything - Repeat

From how to make over your ugly bridesmaid dresses to Kristan’s simple improvements that can help you sell your house faster, you’ll get great ideas for how to make over practically anything! Plus, a lucky audience member gets a makeover from Gretta, and Rachael’s giving the classic Caesar salad a flavorful twist.

In case you missed it today (Or when it aired in November) Here are the clips of Jeffrey Dean Morgan on the show - could he BE any cuter? Who doesn’t wish he could show back up as a ghost on Grey’s Anatomy?! SIGH!

Rachael, Ray, Rachael Ray, 30 minute meals, RR, TV, a day, Food Network, Everyday, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Grey’s Anatomy

So, did you miss the Open House last weekend on the food network? Me too! Have no fear, though! We can see the new kitchen in all its Orange Glory this weekend too! Two more showings of Rachael Ray’s Open House will air THIS WEEKEND - July 28, 2007 4:00 PM ET/PT, July 29, 2007 2:00 PM ET/PT on the Food Network. Set your TiVo’s and TiVo wannabe’s!

And you can get the recipe’s Rachael and (still not an ex) hubby John will be making here:

Bloody Johnny’s
Chorizo Egg Cups
Beef Tips with Mushroom, Sherry, Garlic and Butter-Almond-Citrus Rice
Bean Salad with Citrus Juice and Hot Sauce
Charred Bread with Garlic and Tomato
Grilled Lamb Chops with Arugula, Aged Goat Cheese, California Peaches and Toasted Almonds
Caramelized Onion, Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tart
Judy’s Salmon Dip
Fleur’s Chocolate Chunkies

Rachael, Ray, Rachael Ray, 30 minute meals, RR, TV, a day, Food Network, Everyday, Open House

In case you missed it the first two times on the show (a couple months ago, and yesterday) here’s the clip of Dr. Tess Mauricio on the show with her youth treatment, using it on Rachael as Dr. Phil’s wife holds her hand.

And don’t forget - brand new episode today!

Rachael Ray Show

Nothing goes better with the dog days of summer then ice cold ice cream! The current issue of Everyday With Rachael Ray thinks so too, and has followed up last issues discussion of the best Popsicles with the same type of contest with ice cream. Using the most basic of basic flavors - Chocolate and Vanilla, testers rigorously and laboriously tasted spoonful after spoonful of creamy treats. (WHERE can I sign up for that job?!) They risked additional pounds and brain freeze to give you the following consensus:

The best Chocolate award goes to Berkshire Ice Cream.

We were searching for an ice cream with a smooth texture and a flavor worthy of being called “chocolate.” But many contenders fell short: Some were sugary; one tasted strangely like marshmallows. Berkshire was exactly what we were looking for. One panelist admired its fudginess and density, while another tasted a hint of coffee that rounded out the rich chocolate flavor.

The Best Vanilla award goes to Haagen-Dazs.

The simple things are always the toughest to perfect. Our vanilla taste test yielded some duds. Some were sickeningly sweet, others synthetic tasting. But Häagen-Dazs got it right. We love the vanilla-bean taste; experienced tasters picked up subtle caramel and maple notes. The creamy texture convinced all of us that pain old vanilla can be anything but.

What are you favorites Ice Cream flavors to wile away the summer heat? Do you eat it slow and risk melting, or fast and risk brain freeze?

If it’s the latter (caused by cold touching the roof of your mouth, dilating the blood vessels in your head - betcha didn’t know THAT did ya? [Me either - I read it in EDRR]) and you give yourself a case of Brain Freeze, just press your tongue against the roof of your mouth as soon as you feel the freeze coming on. It’ll lick the problem lickety split (…ha!) and you can resume your frosty enjoyment that much faster!

Now, where’s my Haagan-Dazs?

Rachael, Ray, Rachael Ray, 30 minute meals, RR, TV, a day, Food Network, Everyday

Two new shows for us this week, kids!

Kid Travel Horror Stories - NEW!
Are your kids sabotaging your summer vacation? If traveling with them is a nightmare, tune in for real-life advice that’ll keep your little ones happy - and your sanity intact! Then, the ultimate knife know-how guide to get you chopping like a pro! Plus, Rach is making a people-pleasing and pup-pleasing burger.

Robin McGraw’s Beauty Secrets - Repeat
Dr. Phil’s gorgeous wife is sharing her secrets for looking fabulous over 50! Find out about a new high-tech machine she swears by and how you can follow her at-home regimen using ingredients you’ve already got in the house! (Bonus: See Dr. Phil getting in touch with his feminine side!) Then, it’s the scariest part of summer: finding a swimsuit that actually fits. With Gretta’s help you’ll be beach ready in no time! Enter for a chance to win a copy of Robin McGraw’s book, Inside My Heart!

Meal Makeover - NEW!
Rachael is being challenged to turn a viewer’s five-hour stuffing recipe into a 30-minute meal! Then, our first-ever couples challenge will have you wondering how well you really know your partner, and get Rach’s guide to what you should - and shouldn’t - spend money on in your kitchen.

Jeffrey Dean Morgan - Repeat
When is it OK to snoop on your kids and when should you just butt out? We’ve got parents on both sides of the debate and an expert weighing in on the message you’re sending to your children. Then, Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s character died on Grey’s Anatomy, but now he’s alive and well in Rachael’s kitchen! Plus, Rachael reveals the brand new American Girl doll! Enter for a chance to win an American Girl doll!

Kenny Loggins - Repeat
Meet a woman who tries to control everything her family does. Life coach Harriette Cole steps in with tips for controlling people and advice for bringing peace to your household. Then, a rare private concert with Kenny Loggins, and Rachael’s got a few surprises up her sleeve when she calls viewers herself!

KM commented on the weekly post and asked about the recipes seen on the show on Thursday - especially for the Classic Cheese Fondue. Well, KM, you’re wish is my command! Here ya go!

Classic Cheese Fondue
Guacamole and BLT Dip
Mediterranean Feta Dip

Enjoy, and be sure to let us know how they come out!

Rachael, Ray, Rachael Ray, 30 minute meals, RR, TV, a day, Food Network, Everyday

The votes are in - check and see what other Rachael Ray fans would do if they had 30 extra minutes in their day to do whatever they want! Here’s a peek at some of them…

I’d prepare New Orleans’ famous red beans and rice with a good Cajun sausage, to celebrate the spirit of my native city.
—Ronald Treadway, Acworth, GA
I’d be at my easel, painting.
—Jennifer Riffle, Uniontown, OH
I’d walk around or drive somewhere and see what interesting photos I could take.
—Kim Becker, Houston
I should say I’d exercise with an extra 30 minutes, but in all reality, I’d probably be on the couch eating Ho Hos!
—Melissa Hore, Brigham City, UT

Check out the rest of the ideas at the Every Day with Rachael Ray website!

Well, here’s a video just for you! Kirsten, a novice cook, picks a stoup and makes it - including making some of her own substitutions as needed for what she has on hand. The video is 7 minutes long, and with the sped up in parts, but it makes it pretty clear she didn’t have a problem completing the meal - and that it tasted good too, even with her substitutions!

If Kirsten can do it - so can you! Yum-o!

Do you obsess over sneakers? Do you simply have to have the latest in great footwear? Well then have I got a deal for you!

Alright, not exactly. However, all around New York city there have been commemorative Sneaker statues, 3 feet tall and 5 feet long, popping up to help aid the Blue Planet Run to raise awareness of Global Water shortages which are being auctioned off via Ebay. Some of the designers of the statues include: David Arquette & Courtney Cox-Arguette, Rosie O’Donnell, Rachael Ray, Mena Survari and the New York Giants Football Team. Each Sneaker Statue is a one-of-a-kind, and proceeds of the auction goes to benefit the Blue Planet Run Foundation, which funds water and sanitation projects to help people around the world who lack access to safe drinking water.

To create the statues, each celebrity designer received a standard-sized sneaker along with art supplies and inspiration about the official Blue Planet Run athletes. The designs were then transformed into larger-than-life sneaker statues and placed all over New York City to mark the start of the 2007 Blue Planet Run®.

Unsurprisingly, Rachael Ray’s sneaker is bright orange with red accents. You can bid on her sneaker until July 20th, as well as 17 other celebrity designed Sneaker Statues! What are ya waiting for?

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First Lady Laura Bush - repeat
It’s a show you’ll never forget when First Lady Laura Bush stops by! She’s talking about her crusade against heart disease and offering a rare look behind the closed doors of the White House kitchen, right down to the junk drawer! Then, The Insider’s Lara Spencer dishes on celebrity beauty secrets (stuff you can get at the drugstore!) and we’re backstage with Kelly Ripa as Rachael hits the runway for a good cause.

Susan Lucci - repeat
We searched for the Ugliest PJ’s in America, and you won’t believe how bad it can get! Soap opera legend Susan Lucci comes to the rescue, giving several women a sexy PJs overhaul that their husbands will love! Then, Dr. Brantley explains what your cravings are trying to tell you, Stacey Ballis has last-minute gift ideas for your sweetie, and Rachael is cooking a three-course romantic dinner that’ll give you a reason to stay in tonight. Enter for a chance to win a necklace or bracelet from the Susan Lucci line!

The ‘O’ Factor - repeat
Does it get any better than a visit from Oprah? See what Rachael has in store for her! Also, Rachael’s second favorite subject after food: shoes. Get tips that will have you looking good, getting more for your money - and actually able to walk a mile in high heels!

Cybill Shepherd - repeat
Cybill Shepherd is dishing the details on her hot Hollywood kisses! Then, three medical breakthroughs that could save your life, and beauty expert Sonia Kashuk reveals her lipstick dos and don’ts. (Those won’t save your life, but they’re darn good tips that’ll have you wearing the perfect shade!)

Judge Judy - repeat
It’s Judge Judy as you’ve never seen her before! See how she’s a softie with her 11 grandkids, find out how she found the courage to start a brand new career after 50, and get the two pieces of advice she swears by. Then, when two friends wear the same outfit, we’re playing “Who Wears It Better?” with bombshell Daisy Fuentes caught in the middle!

Don’t Forget!

Today on the Rachael Ray Show, the three finalists from the Next Food Network Star will appear and have five minutes with Rachael in the kitchen to make their signature dish. The judges will be sitting front and center with the audience. Should be a great show!

Go AMY! Knock ‘em dead!

Ok, seriously, this is getting ridiculous. Floating about is a scan of the new National Enquirer cover, which has gone the way of all the suxxors and decided to bag on Rachael Ray’s weight.

Now, I hated on that outfit the night of the Daytime Emmy awards because it does absolutely NOTHING for her figure - it was a horrible choice, and her hair wasn’t it’s best, and she was shiny and well. It was generally not a good night for our EVOO Diva.

And, for the record - if she’d gained weight like they suggest? Why didn’t they Photoshop her in some cleavage? She’d have some with extra poundage. I’m just sayin’. And yes, it’s clear that the picture WAS manipulated if you know where to look. And poorly done, too. (Check the facial features, the lift of the brows, the height of the hair - it’s the exact same picture, just badly Photoshopped) At the very core, it is quite simply a dress that’s awful for her figure on a bad day. No more, no less.

Now perhaps you’re wondering (and who isn’t) if Rachael Ray is really isn’t as fat as everyone says, where’s the proof? Here you go. She is no size 0 like the anorexic models out there, but she is certainly not fat in any way, shape or form. These pictures are from yesterday in New York where Rachael Ray helped kick off the Dunkin Donuts Serving Heroes Program:

Now - her horrible posture aside (My mama is wanting to poke her between the shoulder-blades AS WE SPEAK…) it is CLEAR that Rachael Ray is NOT fat, she is a NORMAL and HEALTHY woman, and all of ya’ll suxxors should just give it a rest. Talk about hating her food. Talk about hating her voice, her gestures, whatever - but for crissakes, LAY OFF her weight!

As a larger than normal woman - I demand it ya’ll eat a freakin’ donut, already, and chill.

Rachael, Ray, Rachael Ray, 30 minute meals, RR, TV, a day, Food Network, Everyday, Dunkin Donuts, weight, fat, National Enquirer.

Today, Rachael Ray and Dunkin Donuts celebrated those who serve the American public with the first-ever “Running of the Cups”. Fifty costumed people dressed as giant iced coffee ran through Manhattan delivering coffee and baked goods, paying tribute to police officers, firefighters, nurses, construction workers and train conductors.

At the event, Dunkin’ Donuts and Rachael Ray announced the launch of the Dunkin’ Brands Community Foundation Serving Heroes program, an ongoing program in which customers across the United States can nominate the hero who serves their community, especially in times of crisis. Nomination forms will be available at www.ServingHeroes.com. Each month one hero will have his or her story prominently featured on the website and will be awarded with a year’s worth of free Dunkin’ Donuts coffee. Submissions will be reviewed and selected by the Dunkin’ Brands Community Foundation.
[...]
“I’m thrilled to be part of the celebration, and to present $25,000 to the Leary Firefighters Foundation — a cause I personally support — to help rebuild firehouses in New Orleans,” said Rachael Ray. “We know that there are everyday heroes doing extraordinary things everywhere in this country, and the Dunkin’ Brands Community Foundation “Serving Heroes” program is designed to help recognize the hard work and support that these men and women provide their communities.”

There will be many other “running of the Cups” events in other cities in the coming weeks. Find out more about the organization at Serving Heroes and nominate your home town hero!

As a bonus - While talking to access Hollywood about the event and cause, she also talks about those pesky divorce rumors. Check it out here!

Rachael, Ray, Rachael Ray, 30 minute meals, RR, TV, a day, Food Network, Everyday, Dunkin Donuts, Serving Heroes, Running of the Cups, NYC