Watching Rachael Ray

What a great show on Friday! So much to talk about! Rachael jumped right in to ‘The Dish!’ segment with Lara Spenser. First - The Sex and the City movie is filming all over the city, and she’s thrilled with the addition of Jennifer Hudson to the cast. Paparazzi is on full alert!

On the list of products is Luxe Link - a little gadget so that you can hang your purse from the edge of the table to keep it next to you.

Love Converse? Of course you do! Got to MakeMineRed.com and you can personalize your Converse! At MakeMineRed, they add a little red grommet, and a portion of the proceeds goes to the AIDS campaign. $60 bucks for your own little touch. It’s a great Christmas deal!

Hit up FreeHeadset.org - get a free headset for your phone (you just pay shipping), so that you can have hands free to drive. We’re all for multitasking - but be smart about it, hm?

Also, the Portrait of Hope organization is participating in the Garden in Transit, where kids help paint flower wraps for NYC Cabs this fall as part of a creative therapy project.

Patricia Wettig joined Rachael at the Kitchen table, to dish about Brothers and Sisters and food fights with Sally Field. Don’t forget to enter here for a chance to win a DVD se of Brothers and Sisters the first season! Patricia also recently reunited with her thirtysomething co-stars for a project sponsored by Tylenol where they asked young boomers what it’s like to be 50 - which apparently is the new 40. Go to Justkeepmoving.com for more information for that and remember, don’t let age stop you!

Patricia stuck around to give a viewer some tips at being trendy, and still dressing age appropriately. Her advice? Go simple, then pop it with awesome shoes, boots, belts and bags. There’s no age limit on accessories!

Four sisters, pregnant at the same time! Oy! My sister and I have kids that are about 6 months apart, but wow, these girls are all within a few weeks! There is a fifth sister too, who assured them that no, she’s not pregnant. For sure. (laugh) She took a test JUST IN CASE. There’s certainly something in the water in their hometown - I’m going to be sure to steer clear! (grin)

A quick check in with President Bill Clinton, talking about his new book, Giving, which teaches how each of us can change the world. It doesn’t matter what it is, pick the path that is most important to you. There’s no right answer, just do something.

What’s for dinner? Chicken Noodle Soup three ways - Traditional, Italian Style and Spanish style.

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

On Thursday’s Rachael Ray show, one of my favorites surprised her audience by stopping by for a Kitchen Table Chat - Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson! Seriously, is there a more beautiful man alive? His smile KILLS me… in a good way, of course! They talked of family, his wife and daughter, and how he reacted to finding out he would be a daddy - he cried! Awww…! Big Strong Guys (tm!) who are mushy softies about their kids - AND “Daddy Pancakes”? It doesn’t get any better then that.

He is now his daughter’s hero, of course, due to his new movie out “The Game Plan”. It’s one thing to be an actor, but entirely another to be a DISNEY actor! He confided that being on Hannah Montana is what really sealed the deal, and elevated him to the ultimate ‘cool’! Students from his grade school asked him questions, and though they ran out of time he promised to come back and answer more next time.

Also today, Greta came by to give us tips on pulling off the colored jeans, and a side-by-side, steal vs. splurge comparison on denim. It’s nice to see a celeb that refuses to spend $400+ on some denim. Gold thread woven through the jeans? Are you KIDDING me? I know there’s folks out there buying this stuff, but I just don’t see the point. Sure, the $14.99 special might fade, but at that price, you can always buy more! And, added bonus - you won’t get mad when the kids wipe their dirty hands all over it, or you spill your plate of spaghetti in your lap!

What’s for dinner? Lean, Mean & Spicy Beef Satay Sticks, and “Thai it, you’ll like it” Spicy Thai Shrimp with Coconut Rice.

Note: I know I’ve said this before, and have it on the about page - Watching Rachael Ray is a fan site, and written by a fan. Much as I’d love it otherwise, I am not affiliated with Rachael Ray, her show, her cookbooks, etc.

That said, I had an email asking if I remembered Dr. Phil’s wife, Robin McGraw’s herbal remedy for hot flashes. I did some research, and came up with the Peri Zapper Treatment, devised by Ann Louise Gittleman in her book ““Before the Change”. It’s this treatment that Robin McGraw follows.

The part dealing with hot flashes:

Flaxseed Oil High in lignans, a natural hormone-balancing substance, flaxseed oil is as effective as hormone replacement therapy in lessening hot flashes and sweating. It’s also good for depression and fatigue.
— Recommended dosage: 1 to 2 tbsp. a day. An alternative is to buy ground up flaxseed, and sprinkle it on top of your food (such as oatmeal and popcorn).

Hope that helps, Jean!

Rachael, Ray, Rachael Ray, 30 minute meals, RR, TV, a day, Food Network, Everyday, The Rock, Dwayne Johnson, perimenopause, hot flashes

Rachael wasted no time at all bringing Kelsey Grammer to the kitchen table Wednesday, and we’re sure glad! With five Emmys, and two Golden Globes, we loved him as Fraiser for 20 years - can you BELIEVE that? He misses playing Fraiser, and enjoyed how he was a tortured character - Chuck Darling (…Mr Darling? Like Lady and the Tramp? Oh my…) is as egomanical, without the torture. Awesome!

The new show is Back to You and apparently, they only have to work two hours a day because the cast and crew are so cohesive! Now that’s a dream job! He poked fun about his children, and he was even a good sport in playing “How well do you know you’re co-star?” and answered Patty Heaten’s questions.

Afterwards, buddy Colby Donaldson (rawr!) gave us a glimpse into the male mind, with his “Girl’s guide to Guys” segment - discussing what men think of what women wear on dates! The male mind - scary place, but our favorite Survivor led us through with nary a bobble! So, what are they thinking about what we wear?

Men do draw a link between dress code and personality - they decide within 30 minutes! Jeans and a t-shirt? Low maintenance. You want a woman who’s not trying to hard, it’s sexy! Skirts and dresses that fall to the knee, frumpy and conservative doesn’t seem too fun. Little bit of skin? It comes across as confident. Mini-skirt - too easy. Ah, but men worry about what they wear too! They want to be stylish and attractive, and confident. Nice shirt, means they own an iron and hey, the guy can take care of himself!

The biggest thing is to determine what message you want to send, and the key is confidence! Real sexiness comes from owning your look - true beauty has ALWAYS been inside. So dress for yourself first, and by all means - WORK IT GIRLS!

And hey - Enter here for your chance to win the DVD/CD set including the 30th Anniversary of Saturday Night Fever and the Bee Gees Greatest hits!

What’s for dinner? Plain Jane Chicken and Potatoes with Roasted Garlic gravy.

Rachael, Ray, Rachael Ray, 30 minute meals, RR, TV, a day, Food Network, Everyday, Kelsey Grammer, Frasier, Colby Donaldson, Bee Gees

Tuesday’s Rachael Ray Show started out today by giving everyone a quiz with questions like ‘did you grow up with a dog’ to ‘getting any?’ and divided the audience into those who are aging fast, and aging slow. The author of Ultra-Longevity, Dr. Mark Liponis, was there to give us tips on how to slow down the process! The basic premise is to slow down your immune system - calm it down and be relaxed and make a truce with your body’s defenses!

A viewer wrote in and said that even at the young age of 25, she feels exhausted and rundown all the time. Guess what her biological age was? 38! She scored a 25 on her quiz! It’s her daily routine, overbooked and stressful, plus bad habits (smoking, drinking, overworking, and sleeping pills) that are running her down - fast!

Hey! Big hips means a healthy immune system! NEVER have I been so glad to hear a Doctor comment on hip size! Other things that tend to have calmer immune systems? Being in love, having been born in the spring - well, we have no control either one really, hm? Though we can put a little more… um… love in our life, if ya know what I mean…

The biggest tip to get started calming down your immune system and slowing the aging process? Get more quality sleep. Set a bedtime and stick with it. Make your room quiet - no TV or movies to put yourself to sleep. Huh. I wonder if my big hips negates my bad sleep habits? Ha! Want to know more? Go here and take the quiz yourself! It’s not hard - and here’s my score. I’m oh so very average…

Also on the show, Shemar Moore from Criminal Minds! He joins Rachael at the kitchen table, after wowing her with the Shemar Moore Bettah Brownies that he says should get him a wife. Which is good because he can’t cook, but loves to bake! He likes his ladies strong, with junk in the trunk, with attitude, who know how to kiss slow…. Sign me up, baby! (Hey, I’m trying not to AGE here… Yeah…)

What’s for dinner? Bottom of the Jar Pickled Vegetables and Brie, Stir-Fried Shrimp and Fideos.

Today’s Rachael Ray show featured the first mystery taster of the season! Joining Rachael ray after she asked questions and got predictably funny answers was Alan Alda! I grew up watching him making wisecracks as Hawkeye Pierce on M.A.S.H. and he’s quite possibly part of the reason my humor is so snarky!

While on the show, Alan sat at the kitchen table and shared some bits and pieces of his new book Things I Overheard while Talking to Myself. Alda was his normal chatty self (He’s been said to be a “Mr. Rodgers for Grownups!” - with less singing and sweater changes.) No matter the occasion, his message is consistent; It’s not what you do in life, but how you do it.

Also on the show - Rachael goes behind the scenes of her own show, and talks to her staff about the weight they’ve been gaining by eating her food! She prides herself on ‘healthful’ cooking, and it seems that’s not the problem. Problem is - constant grazing!

Bob Greene, author of The Best Life Diet has some great tips, some we’ve heard before, but this time from a guy who tells us Pasta and Desert is OK - in moderation. His tips? Eat breakfast! Adjust through the day, nighttime munching is NOT your friend, and of course - exercise.

What’s for dinner? Chicken Teriyaki Sliders, and Sorta Sobo Noodle Bowl. Healthy, good and good for you - AND a sneaky way to get your kids to eat their vegetables. Who could ask for anything more?

Looking for other kid-friendly recipes? Check out Kid Dish’s Spaghetti Surprise!

Rachael, Ray, Rachael Ray, 30 minute meals, RR, TV, a day, Food Network, Everyday, kid meals, vegetables, Bob Greene, Alan Alda

Another ALL NEW Week for The Rachael Ray show! I love this new season business, don’t you? There’s some big time guests coming up this week, too! Check it out!

All-New Mystery Taster

It’s our first mystery taster of Season 2 and it’s a big one! Then, are you surrounded by food and constantly tempted to indulge? Here at Rachael Ray, that’s definitely the case so Oprah’s fitness guru is kicking us into shape and helping us banish belly fat!

What Will You Look Like in 20 Years?

Take a look at yourself 20 years from now and then find out what you can do right now to slow down the aging process! Then, he’s handsome, talented and he even bakes! Rach is hanging with Criminal Minds’ Shemar Moore, who’s talking about what he looks for in a woman.

Kelsey Grammer

After 5 Emmys, 2 Golden Globes, and 20 years as Frasier, Kelsey Grammer is back in primetime! But how well does he know his new co-star? Then, does what you wear really matter? Colby Donaldson gets the brutal truth straight from the guys!

The Rock

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is showing his softer side when he sits down with Rach to talk about becoming a father for the first time. Then, do you love designer jeans but don’t want to spend the money? Gretta’s showing you when to save and when to splurge when it comes to denim. And for dinner, don’t miss Rach’s takeout-style meal that’ll be ready before the delivery guy could even make it over!

Patricia Wettig

Brothers and Sisters star Patricia Wettig shares her secrets for staying totally trendy - while also being age appropriate! Then, four sisters who are all pregnant at the same time are in for a huge surprise, and President Clinton is talking about his newest mission.

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

….to be jealous of IPhone owners! As if it didn’t already to everything but babysit your kids, and do your dishes, now you can indulge your need for magazines in the palm of your hand, too! Texterity, Inc has launched a beta version of the first digital magazine interface portal designed for the Apple iPhone. This is the first time users will see complete magazines, including Everyday With Rachael Ray.

Texterity’s Digital Magazine iPhone Interface & Portal provides a collection of magazines that can be viewed through Texterity’s interface, which leverages the Safari browser built in to the Apple iPhone. No additional applications, downloads, or other software is required. Users can instantly view entire magazines as they were originally published, with all pages completely readable. As part of a beta test Texterity will provide free and open access to a great selection of consumer and business magazines to all iPhone users.

The iPhone Interface & Portal enables publishers to reach the increasingly mobile reader by providing iPhone users with immediate access to their magazine issues. The system leverages the iPhone’s ability to view a complete magazine in a portable format that can be viewed virtually everywhere. With one tap, an iPhone user can read their favorite magazine at any time.

As if I weren’t jealous enough. They provided a demo. Sigh!

On Friday’s Rachael Ray Show!
It doesn’t get much bigger then this! Big mouth Sexy Handyman Ty Pennington is back with video from his summer vacation, and important information about a disorder that affects the lives of many kids and adults, including himself — ADHD.

Lara Spenser’s got all the goods from the red carpet must-have products at the Emmys, and Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs drops by with a special gift for Rachael!

And if that’s not enough - style Guru Time Gunn will give a teacher a makeover using her own clothes! It’s a big day, folks - don’t miss it!

What’s for dinner? Creamy Tarragon Tuna over Egg Noodles and Spicy Tomato and Tuna Pasta.

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

Did you miss Daniel Radcliff on Rachael Ray Tuesday? Have no fear - you can see it here!

Seriously, how cute is he? I love his accent, and how very down to earth it is when he talks of his fans, his fame, and enjoying just going out with his friends for a “laff”. Harry Potter is indeed, all grown up!

A love scene! Who’da thunk it?!

Thursday on Rachael Ray!
American Idol finalist Elliott Yamin is here! He’s got a big surprise for a fan, shares what he discovered about himself at the age of 16 that changed his life forever, and performs his latest single.

Plus! Is your body language on a date giving off bad signals without you even knowing it? Body language expert Janine Driver goes undercover to help one single woman find out why her first dates are often her last dates, and shares tips to help you improve your dating life!

What’s for dinner? Harvest Vegetable Whole Wheat Pasta.

Rachael, Ray, Rachael Ray, 30 minute meals, RR, TV, a day, Food Network, Everyday, Elliot Yamin, Daniel Radcliff

Are you finding it IMPOSSIBLE to get Rachael Ray Show tickets, and you’ll do ANYTHING to get them especially if it involves doing things for a good cause? Well have I got a deal for YOU! Over at Charity Folks Online Auctions, There’s something for EVERY appetite, from autographed T-pots, to VIP Tickets!

That’s right - at the auction, the folks at the Rachael Ray Show have put up 4 VIP tickets for a meet and greet on the set in NYC - and it INCLUDES airfare and accommodations! Now, it’s not cheap, currently the bid is $1,600 but all proceeds go to benefit the Yum-O organization, and it is a once in a lifetime opportunity! Bidding is open until October 8th!

To rich for your blood, or you only need tickets? No problem - Click here to bid for two tickets before October 10th!

Want her vintage fridge at the end of the season? Oh you’re SO in luck! Click here to keep track of RR Items as they go online for bidding!

Wednesday’s Rachael Ray Show!
Everybody loves Patricia Heaton, and she’s hanging with Rach for the day! She’s talking about her new show and what it’s like trading in Ray Romano for Kelsey Grammer as her leading man!

Then, we ask three viewers to put at-home beauty products to the test in our “human lab” experiment.

What’s for dinner? Horseradish Mashed Potato-Topped Shepherd’s Pie

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

Last week, just before the season started, Rachael Ray joined Diane Sawyer on Good Morning America to promote not only her show’s second season, but also the Yum-o organization. Check it out!

And don’t forget that today is a BIG DAY on The Rachael Ray Show! The one and only Harry Potter is on!

Tuesday, September 18:
Daniel Radcliffe tells Rachael what it’s like growing up in front of the camera and spills the details behind his first big-screen sex scene! Then, we’re cracking the code for getting the best deals at warehouse clubs… you’ll never shop them the same way again!

What’s for dinner? “Buying In Bulk” Pot Roast and Oven-Roasted Spicy Potatoes & Glazed Carrots.

A couple of readers sent messages asking if I’d seen this (I had!) and for more information (planned on it for today!) over the weekend, so I figured I’d best get this up here, already!

So you think you can cook? Here’s your chance to prove it! The Rachael Ray show is launching a nationwide search for the next enterprising foodie!

“We just want to give a person — a real person, not a chef or somebody specially trained to do this for a living — a shot at showing everybody their personality and how much fun you can have with food,” Ray, 39, said in a telephone interview Wednesday with The Associated Press.

Ray and her producers will narrow the field of candidates to five promising cooks, who will undergo two weeks of intense competitions and challenges before a winner is announced on the air in late November.

“I’m always telling people how my career was an accident,” Ray told the AP. “I just wanted to sort of marry up the idea for the show that anybody who likes to cook could literally be Rachael Ray, the ‘30 Minute Meal’ girl.”

The top five viewers will get to go to New York to compete in a showdown on the show! Rachael Ray promises the challenges will test skills and push the finalists to the limit! The overall winner will get their best recipe printed in Every Day with Rachael Ray, and get to spend a day on the set with Rachael in the kitchen for a cooking segment. After that - a week long boot camp at one of the world’s top culinary schools!

Ready to give it a try? Grab your video camera, and click here to find the official rules and regulations, as well as the official entry form! And hey - be sure to let us know how it goes!

Today on The Rachael Ray Show - Dr. Phil!

See what it’s like when Dr. Phil is the one on the hot seat! He’s answering audience questions, laughing it up with Rach… and why is he telling his wife Robin to leave their son alone? Then, two families with two completely different eating habits are trading kids, and Rach has the perfect recipe for picky eaters!

What’s for dinner?
Grilled Chicken, Potatoes and Broccoli with Cheese and Gravy Sauces (Barbeque Gravy, Apple Cider Gravy and Orange Maple Reduction)

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

With the start of the new season this week, it’s no wonder that Rachael Ray has been making the interview rounds, and AOL is no different! They’ve got an exclusive interview up at the TV Tattler, where Rachael answers a few questions about the Show, and work in general.

You are doing recipes on your show, in your magazine and in your books. Do you ever get writer’s, or recipe, block?
Sure, but it is easier for me than it is for a “chef” chef. I’m allowed to do burgers and pastas. People look to me for what’s for dinner, not how to impress a dinner party of 12. It’s not like I’m doing Michelin’s two- or three-star food and it has to be something that the world has never seen before. It is about making dinner fun.

Are you ever worried about repeating yourself?
I’m sure I have, but there’s always a variation on a theme. I try and make the food fun and it is always well-received. Whatever [product] they end up with, I’m sure there’s something in there that pleases somebody, at least some of the time.

A recent article said your show has the highest demand for tickets out of any talk show.
We have over 100,000 people on the wait list. It’s pretty crazy.

Is that overwhelming?
I think it is fun. People see the amount of fun we’re having. It is very inclusive. Our show highlights our viewers, they are a lot of our content. We are the only show that has a lazy susan. People want to come in because its kind of an Epcot center feel to it. They spin! And they get a snack. I’ve never been weirded out by the popularity of the show or when people stop me. People see me and say, “Hey, Rach.” I have to stop and think, “Are they a fan or do they live in my building.” No one ever freaks out over me.

Head on over there and read the rest of the interview! And I guess that 100k waiting list certainly explains why some folks are having problems getting tickets, hm? (grin)

PS - how great does she look in that picture?!

Vanity Fair has a lovely interview about Rachael online! Along with other info that we’ve heard in countless interviews before, it includes tidbits that I hadn’t seen before! Like what, you ask? Things like this:

Her voice, something that gets so much attention not only for it’s volume but also it’s distinctive huskiness, is due to several bouts of croup when she was a little girl.

And she does have quiet, introspective times. Honest!

So head over to Vanity Fair and read the article - it’s fun, down to earth, and very much true to the Rachael Ray we know and love. And remember:

“Don’t cook all of the green out of your beans. Keep ‘em nice and bright and snappy.” Just like Rachael Ray.

Rachael Ray is looking for new buddies, and has narrowed it down to four!

Rachael meets a few of these Internet celebrities who have used YouTube to give advice on fashion, makeup, budget shopping and even express their opinion on carpenter jeans! Now one of them will get the chance to show off their expertise on Rach’s show!

Go to the website, check out the videos, ask questions and vote for your favorite!

How cute did Rachael look? I love her top! She looks fit and happy, and not at all frumpy! It was nice to see her hair back from the jet black to a softer color, and I absolutely *loved* that top she was wearing! And nary a chunky necklace in sight - though the earrings probably made up for it.

Terri Hatcher looked stunning, as usual, and is so teeny tiny!

Also on this episode? The Orgasmic Diet by Marrena Lindberg. Now there’s a diet I could get involved in, so to speak! The secret seems to be less carbs, and more protein.

Marrena’s attributes her plan to what she says are the four things women need for optimal sexual function: “good brain chemistry; good hormone levels; good circulation; good muscle tone.”

To increase these levels Marrena recommends trying to get a “general balance of protein, fats and carbohydrates at every meal, generally 40 percent carbs, 30 percent protein, 30 percent fats. Try to get carbs from fruits and vegetables rather than starchy and sugary foods — but this part isn’t as strict as taking the supplements. You can eat as much as you like.”

The supplements include:
• High dose fish oil • Calcium/Magnesium/Zinc • Multivitamin • Iron • Vitamin C

And leave out foods like trans fats, tofu, soy milk, or other mainly soy things. Also no energy drinks or drinks that contain caffeine.

…no caffeine? DARNITALL! How did the diet work for the three brave ladies on the show who gave it the college try?

“There have been some positive things,” says Jonquil, “I think I have become more of the aggressor. I have more energy. I’m sleeping much better. I was always getting the O, but I’m getting them now with a bit more intensity and a bit more frequency.”

Margaret feels similarly, “I’ve noticed a huge increase in my energy … and one thing that my husband is very happy about is that I am definitely instigating sex more.”

Stephanie’s results started off a little differently than the other women’s, “nothing really changed in the first week and then in the second week I totally lost libido and was really tired all the time. But now in the third week, in the morning I was just like ‘right now.’”

I gotta agree with Rachael on this one! Three for three? Pretty good odds!

Also - for dinner: Buffalo Chicken Pot Pie!