Watching Rachael Ray

Monday
“Is My Pet Normal?” - repeat

Should you be worried about your quirky pet? A top vet reveals if your furry friend is normal and busts some huge pet myths. Then, she’s one of TV’s toughest cops, but can Angie Harmon get her 4-year-old to eat her dinner? The star gets personal, and looks back at her surprise wedding proposal on The Tonight Show.

Tuesday
Ricki Lake’s Weight Loss Update - repeat

How did Ricki Lake go from a size 24 to a size 4 without going under the knife? Find out her tricks, and then let our “Human Lab” tell you which weight loss products really work. Plus, Rachael’s number one recipe is helping the U.S. go for the gold at the Beijing Olympics!

Wednesday
Make Over Your Man’s Underwear - Newish (a previously unseen show)

It’s the makeover that’s almost too sexy for daytime! Don’t miss Gretta’s underwear overhaul for your man. Then, Jennifer Garner opens up about her family … from spending quality time with her toddler Violet to her thoughts on taking her partnership with hubby Ben Affleck to the big screen.

Thursday
The World’s Longest Yard Sale - repeat

Kristan Cunningham hits the world’s longest yard sale and shares her tips for finding the ultimate bargains. Then, it’s mother vs. daughter in a real-life “Who Wears It Better?” challenge, and fashion guru Kimora Lee Simmons is settling the score. And, what’s better than one mouth-watering recipe for mac & cheese? Two of ‘em!

Friday
Audience Incognito - repeat

One of TV’s sexiest men is somewhere in our studio … play a round of “Audience Incognito” to see who he is and where he’s hiding! Then, find out why “ugly is the new pretty” as we step into the world of a different kind of modeling agency! Plus, learn the secret to getting your kids excited about healthy foods.

I recently received an comment from a reader asking about the wine cork background shown on an episode back in February and if I had any pictures of the segment in question. So I went searching! Here you go, Juli, this one’s for you!

The show included Kate Walsh and cool kitchens – my recap is here. The kitchen in question is the one designed and built by Michael and the video with KC and Michael can be seenhere, where they talk about the backsplash made form the wine corks he and his wife had saved throughout the years. And – if there’s problems with the video for some reason, here’s some screen caps for you too:

In other news, just a reminder – Watching Rachael Ray is a site run by a fan, for fans. I am not Rachael and have no affiliation with Rachael Ray or any of her affiliates, so emails to me that are meant for her – I won’t be able to answer them, or get them to her. To contact Rachael Ray’s people directly, please see RachaelRay.com and use the contact methods found there.

Of course, if you have questions about her, or the show, that I CAN answer, I most certainly will! So keep those comments and emails coming, I love them! But, you know, I’m not Rachael. Just to clarify, and all. (grin)

And, though the show is on hiatus for the summer, I’ll still be around covering other things Rachael Ray, as we know she’s everywhere so there’s always something to talk about.

Once again, I have to admit defeat under the oppressive extremists that will look for any little detail to give them a reason - usually imagined - to spout their idiocy to the world. Normally people pick on Rachael Ray for her excessive use of EVOO and her weight, or they question her marriage and the taste of her husband when it comes to women. They’re divorcing, they’re doing fine, she is not a size 6, she IS a size 6, god help us she looks healthy and we can’t have that she needs to be stick thin like the bobble head Giada else we can’t possibly like her… It is never-ending. People love her, or hate her, and everyone jumps on one side of the train or another to trash or treasure Rachael Ray and all her enterprises.

Which brings us to today. It seems some extreme right-wingers* have decided that she supports terrorists via Dunkin Donuts commercials. (*or is it left-wingers? Forgive me for my hatred of politics and those that perpetuate the stereotypes while ignoring the little people that actually live in the country) How was this horrendous faux pas perpetrated? Well, our ever-perky spokesperson wore a black and white paisley scarf. Observe:

I’m quivering with indignation at the sight of such an offensive accessory - it’s… wait, what did the nut job call it? Oh yes “hate couture”. For those unused to my special brand of snark - that’s called SARCASM. No, I will not link to said nut job, you can find her on your own - a search for Michelle Malkin and Charles Johnson will give you more ammo then examples then ever before of human idiocy and hateful ignorance. It seems that they have decided that this paisley scarf - which, for the record, does not at all resemble the patterns found on the keffiyeh, which is more of a chain-link, geometric pattern - is screaming anti-Semitic messages of hate and supporting terrorists too boot.

Now, I’m sure that the keffiyeh is truly a symbol, and perhaps somewhere, someone is actually selling them to either make money, or make jokes, and I’m sure there’s some politician that’s shaking their head at my hatred of politics and human idiocy that they use to make their living, but COME ON PEOPLE. It is a SCARF. An Accessory! And not a hidden message of hate. Unfortunately, Dunkin Donuts has bowed to the pressure of the idiots, and pulled the ad, apologizing for any misunderstanding and trying to explain themselves. Of course, no one will listen, because they’re already too far hidden within the realms of their own a…views.

Despite the fact that I’ve always found paisley to be rather ugly and never owned any because of it - I can guarantee that a black and white paisley patterned scarf is in my future (Ok, maybe not, maybe hanging on my wall because ew ugly, or not at all, but it’s the THOUGHT THAT COUNTS!). If that makes me more of a RR lemming in your eyes, so be it. If you believe any of this nonsense of terrorism support in your search to spread hatred and fear - well, let’s just say I’d rather be a lemming.

And if everyone who’s searching THIS HARD for a reason to be offended decides to boycott Dunkin Donuts, that simply leaves more for the rest of us to enjoy the sweet sticky treat in something they’ll never understand…

Peace.

ETA: In other news - Mr. Ashley Simpson is the same kind of terrorist too. How come folks aren’t yelling at HIM? Come on, nutjobs - get with the program!

Yes, that’s the SAME EXACT Scarf. That’s just a scarf. Is no metro-sexual scarf wearing trashy celeb safe from Rachael’s influence? (Just don’t tell me what they do with their EVOO, kthxbai.)

ETA June 1st: This? is bloody well hysterical. Take your pictures and join in the fun! Now, if only I had a white and black paisley scarf….

Monday
Chace Crawford and Drew Lachey - Repeat.

Gossip Girl cutie Chace Crawford wasn’t always so dreamy … and we’ve got the pictures to prove it! Then, he’s a Dancing with the Stars champ, but did Drew Lachey’s little girl inherit his dance moves? Plus, a snack that kids will want to make themselves and a slimmed down version of a cheesy dinner.

Tuesday
Harry Potter’s Daniel Radcliffe - Repeat

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!

Wednesday
Gene Simmons - Repeat

One ultimate KISS fan … one weary wife … one wild makeover from Kristan Cunningham and a huge surprise from Gene Simmons himself! Plus, the self-proclaimed burger queen (that’s Rachael, obviously) debuts her newest burger recipe.

Thursday
Can Tracy Morgan “Stump the Rach”? - Repeat

30 Rock funnyman Tracy Morgan has Rachael in stitches with the most raucous round of “Stump the Rach” ever! Then, our body language expert goes undercover to reveal why you could be saying all the wrong things - especially during a job interview. And for dinner it’s a hearty soup full of stuff you’ve already got in the pantry.

Friday
Regis’ Password Showdown - Repeat

It’s Regis & Joy vs. John & Rachael in a Password showdown … and wait until you see what’s at stake. Then, Gretta’s got you covered with this summer’s must-have fashions at a fraction of the price, and Rachael has a new way to make lasagna - in the skillet!

We start off in the kitchen today, with cool cucumber cups, three ways: Curry Chicken, Mediterranean, and Asian Chicken.

While the audience takes one and passes it around, Rachael is joined by one of the world’s most beautiful women, Cindy Crawford - who looks stunning as usual! (though the pan of the audience applauding shows one girl who looked like she didn’t know who the hell she was clapping for. Funny!)

They start off talking about the reactions that Cindy gets running around her neighborhood, where she says folks are used to it. But when she’s in professional mode, it’s fun - like when guys on bikes crash rubbernecking. Ha! She likes that most people in Malibu respect when she’s in her sweats hanging out with her family. They talk about the Pepsi Commercial with the two boys - which was almost 20 years ago! There’s a new one now, that includes her kids, and she wore her original shorts from the first take for this new version! They had to adjust them a little, because the style was different (They altered the high waist to a lower one).

She’s been married for 10 years now to Rande Gerber - she admits that marriage is hard work, and anyone who says it’s not is lying. It’s not all fun like in the movies, they work hard at having couple time because family life can overwhelm and take over every aspect of your marriage. Cindy loves to cook - and says she’s not bad, and her husband likes it so that’s what matters, and they do family dinners. When asked if her kids are picky dinners - she laughs and says they’re kids. Edamame is the rage at her house too (Everyone is talking about that stuff - I’m going to have to try it. Heh.)

She juggles her family life and career and is now at the forefront of becoming environmentally conscious. It’s intimidating, she says, but you can start with just one thing - unplugging your appliances when you don’t use them, then take another step, and the next step. Stop drinking bottle water, and use reusable water bottles. You can check out PUR’s Thirsty for a Change here where the proceeds go to help provide safe drinking water in underdeveloped countries - and she encourages filtering your own water with PURs filter system.

An audience member asks her what she indulges in - what cheat foods does she love? She doesn’t call them cheat foods, and says that’s where they make the mistake, you need to give yourself permission to have the things you love in moderation. She loves the Dagoba Chocolate Chips, a small handful does ya, and it’s not overwhelmingly bad for you that way. When asked what she still wants to do, she says she doesn’t want to limit herself, and she has always wanted to simply be open to opportunity that comes her way. She does judge each one now on what will be best for her and her family. She also plugs her new beauty line - Meaningful Beauty. Last but not least, she admits to being completely startstruck by Paul Newman. She was with her ex-husband, Richard Gere, a very handsome guy, and was completely enthralled by seeing Paul Newman.

Next up, we meet a very special cook who was brought to the show’s attention by a very special letter. Mary cooks for 50 college boys three meals a day, 5 days a week. Mary is the house cook for the boys at 17th Avenue House, a student community house in Seattle. The boys decided to write into the show because Mary watches it while she’s at work - they went one step farther though, as each of the fifty boys wrote their own paragraph to say how much Mary means to them and how much they love her.

The boys, with the help of the show, surprise her with a trip to New York to be on the show, something that brought Mary to tears as they told her she was going to help make a school video project. They gave her a note, that sent her downstairs where all the boys gave her flowers and then a note that told her to look outside where a Limo waited with a driver holding a sign saying “Come outside”. Once there, Rachael, via DVD, invites her to the show. The boys cheer and send Mary off to pack for the trip - and surprise her again by meeting her on the plane, where she squeals “YAY! MY BOYS!” Awwww! How cute is she?!

Mary and the boys join Rachael on stage for a group photo, where the boys are all wearing “I heart Mary” shirts, and she says she’s just thrilled to have them there, and doesn’t have to worry about who’s taking care of them while she’s gone. The boys were thrilled to see how excited she was to see them, and says the experience was priceless. Too cute, seriously! Zach says that Mary is more then just their cook - she cares about each of the guys and it’s like having a house mom. Mary jokes “That’s a lot of kids!” And Rachael adds “Glad you didn’t do THAT the traditional way!” Alec adds that they appreciate her, and they’re in New York, and she’s their house mom and they love her like she was their own mom, and Mary is brought to tears. There’s a picture op, of course, as all the guys huddle close around them.

And if that isn’t enough - dinner time! Steamed Napa Rolls.

We get started right away with Rachael saying The Val Pal about 40 times, as Valerie looks svelt and sexy of course. They show some footage of what she’s been up to since she’s now a “size surfer-girl”. She’s back to surfing again, and loving it. She’s giddy as she shows off her new body that she feels energetic and comfortable in. Rachael admits that she attempted surfing once, and fell off in 4 seconds and crashed so hard she lost her swimming suit top - that was the end of her surfing career. Valerie admits to falling off several times, but it was a lot of fun - harder then it looked, but she’s pleased to be able to do it.

Valerie talks about how she gradually stopped doing the things she loved to do, but since losing the weight, it’s fun to share all of this energy with her family and it makes a big difference in how she interacts with her friends and family. Up next, she says she’s afraid to admit what might be in the future because Rachael will make her do it - Rach invites her to go sky-diving and Valerie is shocked and scared that she might make her join her.

Two viewers had dramatic weight loss of their own, and get hooked up with Valerie -but first we get to know them. Dana ballooned up 110 pounds, and she denied she had a problem until seeing pictures of her at her brother’s wedding. She had a dream that she used to motivate herself - she wanted to become a police officer, and knew she had to get fit to do so. She lost weight by walking 80 pounds off, and now runs three times a week. That with her cutting calories and food journaling, and she’s realized her dream and is now a police officer.

However, she’s not done yet - she’s not been able to find the confidence to wear a bikini.

She was heavy her whole life, and Heidi says that she gave up - even on her wedding day. She was so ashamed of how she looked, she didn’t invite anyone to her wedding, not even her family. Heidi missed out on the joy her wedding pictures should bring because she was so heavy. Those pictures were her turning point and she joined a gym, and eating healthier, counting calories. She felt like she was released from prison now that she’s lost the weight. David’s Bridal helps her find a new and smaller dress, so that she can recreate her wedding pictures. Trying on dresses, she admits it’s how she should have felt on her wedding day.

Next up, Val gives them both the ultimate surprise in Hawaii!

Heidi is up first, where she gets to have her pictures retaken plus other surprises - one of which is Valerie sneaking in on her during hair and makeup. They talk about how important it is to get the pictures retaken and Heidi says she wanted to remember a feeling, the feeling of happiness she should have had three years ago when she got married. Valerie helps her into her wedding dress, and Valerie helps get her shoes on Cinderella style. Hubby Warren shows up and is stunned when he sees his beautiful bride - he didn’t even realize it was Valerie who opened the door and let him in. Ha! They take pictures and Valerie says she wishes mom and sister was there, so stands in, saying it didn’t feel right - so a whistle brings them running in to join for the pictures. Tears all around, of course - plue tears and laughter, and at last the family pictures Heidi’s wanted all along.

Valerie says she understands the reasoning behind the new pictures - she transformed and didn’t want to look at her old self in those pictures and now she has happier memories to tie it all together. There’s not a dry eye in the Studio, of course, as they talk about it with Heidi and Warren. Heidi feels good, and proud, and seeing the good in herself was a dream come true. Warren says that she was always beautiful to him, but it was good to see her so happy. Rachael surprises them with the wedding photos they hadn’t seen yet - they are gorgeous and arranged in an album for them.

Then it’s time for Dana’s big day. She had always wanted to wear a bikini and Valerie shows up as she’s shopping for a new suit to surprise her - Dana is busy looking at the suit, and then realizes who’s holding it and she’s stunned and giggling. They sit for a little chat, and she talks about how it’s a circle thing, Valerie is an inspiration, and now she wants to be an inspiration for someone else. For the first time she was losing weight for herself, not anyone else, and that’s when it all clicked. Valerie says that if she had Dana’s body she’d be wearing a bikini without a problem. On the beach, Dana is nervous, because she’d never enjoyed being like everyone else, and Valerie says she’s wearing a one piece because she’s an old lady. Hahah!

Dana peels off the cover-up and bares her new bod in the bikini, and Valerie wants to be her, and promises to put on a bikini when she’s celebrating her one year of maintenance on Jenny. Dana says the second before she took off the coverup was nervewracking, but then she didn’t care, it was an accomplishment for her, and she didn’t care what anyone else thought. She says that to know she moved Valerie, and that someone else thinks that what she did was huge, she can’t put it into words.

Back at the studio - tears all around once again. Rachael says she could see her soul in that moment and it was an inspiration - she was free. Dana says it was a feeling of release, that she gained herself back every day that she lost a pound. Lovey dovy “we’re worth it!” moments of inspiration. Rachael reminds Valerie that she promised to wear that bikini, and Valerie is all “I’m jumping out of a plane, putting a bikini on, what else ya want me to do for you?!” Ha!

Awkward hug time, as we go to commercial as Rachael and Valerie chew on the snack of the day and runs to help hug it out with Valerie and the girls.

Then it’s an update with Leah Remini - who has gotten her daughter off the bottle, by using grandma and good ole fashioned bribery. Gramma took her to Disneyland - but only if the bottles stayed home. Next up - getting her to sleep in her own bed. Heh.

And with all this talk of weight loss - what’s for dinner? Szechuan Chicken Salad with Ginger lemonade on the side.

The final two are back to go head to head as we declare a winner! Like any good ‘reality stint’, there needs to be a full recap of the competition to date - then it’s time for Angie and Pete to go at it while the former contestants watch from the front row and cheer them on. Suzanne says she’s rooting for Pete, but hopes they both do well. Angie says she’s not done anything special to prepare, just ready to get to it. Sweet Pete says that he hopes nice guys don’t always finish last… He feels good and is ready.

First challenge - a memory test. They show them a picture of a finished kabob, and they have to recreate it from the ingredients in front of them. Pete finishes his first - but it’s wrong and has to keep working, and Angie sneaks in for the win with just a second to spare and gets the advantage for the big final challenge!

They’ll have 30 minutes to create a high end meal for a special Celebrity Chef - who demands the very best - Chef Gordon Ramsey from Hell’s Kitchen! Angie is star struck - it’s cute, and poor Pete is like quaking now, but still smiling - though he’s asking for a helmet and protective gear. Hahah! Rachael shows them examples of dishes Gordon Ramsey would want to see. HE wants presentation, but flavor is important. Imagination and excitement - he tells them to just let it roll, let it grow for the full half hour.

The catch? The main ingredient is HOT DOGS. Ramsey is like “….oh dear.” Angie gets to choose her dog of choice, since she won the first challenge. She takes the Deli Style - she wants all the fat, she says, and she assigns Pete, and she says he’s been good to her all along, so doesn’t give him the lowfat version - he gets the Angus dog. And they’re off to the test kitchen to get started!

Angie works on Angel Hair Pasta with “Hot-tie” dogs, and Pete works on Beef and Scallops Three Ways. While they do, Rachael talks with Gordon Ramsey about his new book, Fast Foods. He says his house is like a zoo, with four kids and a perfect wife. The book is accessible hands on easy recipes for busy families, and the book itself is beautiful too.

He has three girls and a boy at home - and he says that the bathroom is a nightmare, so he and Jack, his son, have decided there will be another boy. They just haven’t told the wife yet. He admits that he’s not the tough guy at home at all, they even have two kitchens, his and hers - saves the fighting for sure. His new restaurant is due to hope on Sunset soon. He loves to surprise his chefs, they don’t know when he’s coming, but they’re like partners and keep him on his toes as well, just as he does them. He always knows what’s going on.

He says the success of Hell’s Kitchen has helped him get through customs - the agent said he’d push him threw if he called him a donkey - so he did, and customs was a breeze. Gordon joins Rachael in the kitchen and teaches her hw to make Sticky Lemon Chicken, a kid-friendly recipe from the new book. He bribes his kids to eat their vegetables - he told his son if he doesn’t eat them his willy will shrink (”Jack eats while looking in his boxers - it’s working daddy!”), and for the girls, their boobies won’t grow either! There’s no problem eating veges in his house!

You know, I kinda like him a lot more then I did before after this interview. He’s FUNNY. Who knew?!

Next up, they check up on the contestants in the kitchen, with less then two minutes left. Angie says hers is where little Italy meets the Bronx. Pete is going more upscale, even finding some caviar in the pantry. Chef Gordon checks in to see if they’re tasting, if they’re happy with the finished products, and gets them to tell them what is in their dish, and they get it plated and time is up! Poor Pete broke a serious sweat, but they’re content! Chef will taste, as we go to the kitchen for Rachael to make dinner - her take on the hot dog challenge: Polish Pigs in a Blanket with Dill Slaw Salad.

And the champion is…. Chef Ramsay has made his decision! Cue Creepy Lighting! Godron loved Angie’s food, it was tasty, fast, well executed and she was spot on with the paprika. The lettuce was soggy and unneeded, the plate was a little big. Gordon loved Pete’s scallops, it was balanced, and tasted good. Down side - it was a little too greasy. And the winner is - SWEET PETE! His family is there and joins them all on stage to congratulate him, and the next time we see Pete - he’ll be cooking in Rachael’s kitchen. We’ll see ya when we see ya!

It’s nearing the end of May, and you know what that means - Reruns! 3 new shows this week, then we start the repeats - which are linked to their original recaps!

Monday
“Hey, Can You Cook?!” Finale

It’s the final battle in our “Hey, Can You Cook?!” showdown and the two remaining contestants face TV’s toughest judge, Hell’s Kitchen’s Gordon Ramsay. Only one will pass the ultimate test and survive to win it all - including a trip to Paris!

Tuesday
Valerie Bertinelli & Leah Remini

After losing a combined 200 pounds, two women get a second chance at their dreams with a little help from Valerie Bertinelli. Don’t miss an emotional, inspiring story from Hawaii about taking charge and changing your life. Plus, remember Leah Remini’s battle to wean her 3½-year-old off the bottle? See how they’re doing now.

Wednesday
Cindy Crawford

The supermodel and supermom opens up about food, family, her secret crush, and her favorite guilty pleasures! Then, think it’s tough to feed your kids? Try cooking for 50 college kids every single day! It’s payback time when thankful fraternity brothers give the surprise of a lifetime to the woman they depend on.

Thursday
Minnie Driver - Repeat.

How do you know when it’s time for your aging parents to stop driving … and then how do you tell them? See what happens when a daughter asks her mom to hand over her car keys live in our studio! Plus, Minnie Driver is hanging with Rach and singing for us, and for dinner it’s a hearty chicken stew all the way from Sicily.

Friday
Helio Castroneves - Repeat.

Helio Castroneves may be a Dancing with the Stars champ, but how does he do when Rachael gives him his first-ever cooking lesson? Then, international superstar and sexy singing sensation Enrique Iglesias tries to “Stump the Rach” … and it could get a little naughty! And we’re also having breakfast, lunch and dinner with two-time dancing champ Cheryl Burke.

That is an AWFUL shirt she’s wearing today - the cut is great, but the pattern… ew. But that is beside the point, of course, as we get right to the excitement of American Idol’s Clay Aiken! He jokes that he feels like grandpa to the new crop of little AI kids who are part of the huge production of AI - he and Kelly used to joke that they had to do it old school and walk 10 miles to the studio in the snow…

They talk about the Claymates - and he laughs and says they’re confused really, but it’s wonderful. He never can quite understand why they love him - it’s still overwhelming, and it’s hard to believe now with the stunning specimen that he is, that he used to be a geeky kid so it’s fairly odd. He had a blast on Broadway with Monty Python’s Spamalot, and said he didn’t expect it to be as fun as it was, and it was different every night. New York City scared him a bit, but the food is great and he can’t cook, and could have it brought to him any hour of the day! He no longer runs away from NYC. He’s met some of the nicest people ever and it was a great experience all the way around - he says they talk kinda funny (with his accent of course…)

He’s excited about the new album, full of new stuff and he’s proud to have included songs that say something, after learning through experience and how it makes you how you are. He’s also thrilled to be working with UNICEF. He was a teacher before Idol, and he talks about education for them, working on programs in Uganda and Afghanistan, and encourages folks to get involved with the organization. It works in 156 countries and have saved more children’s lives then any other organization - so get involved!

It’s nice to see how personable he is - it was a cute interview! Click here to see him answer some more questions backstage.

Next up - my favorite food network star - Duff from Ace of Cakes! WHOOO! I *heart* him. He says it’s crazy how much it’s grown - he started in his living room, and now it’s huge. He was a personal chef and in a band. He wanted a job where he could go on tour - he knew he had to own the company in order to do so - decorating cakes was the only thing he could do out of his apartment without it being a health code violation! Not that that’s a problem now, of course! He’s thrilled when folks tell him thank you for making baking cool.

He was a graffiti artist, and one to break the rules - so he took some of that into the Cake Decorating, and turned the heat up on preconceived notions using blowtorches and arc welders, and he asks where Rachael’s is? She says she doesn’t have one, and he counters with his love of fireworks. His insurance agent threatened to drop him like a bad habit if he sold a cake like his dad’s with fireworks in it.

His worst cake disaster was the boat that fell apart during one of his Food Network Challenges. His mom was in the audience and started crying, and he hugged her and said it was ok - they’re gonna give him a tv show - and they did! The most memorable cake was for the opening of Harry Potter - it’s amazing!

Next up - some double duty baking tips in the kitchen - simple things: no rolling pin, use a wine bottle instead. Need a smooth edge on the fondant? Use a pizza cutter to trim and tuck. Rachael is pleased to have made a baby earth out of the fondant, though she’s clearly nervous about rolling out the fondant - even as she’s thrilled by the creases just smoothing out. He shows her how to make a piping bag, and puts Isaboo’s name on the cake quickly. Other tips include using things around the house - bracelets and such - to press patterns in the fondant to make interesting designs - then highlight them with spray paint.

Anyway - LOVE DUFF. In case you hadn’t figured that out already. (grin)

Oh - and the challenge! She’s making a pasta dish for dinner, and Duff is going to try and decorate a cake out back to look just like Dinner for desert. While he does that, Venus Williams stops by to serve up the snack of the day. She travels all the time with her racket, ready to play - she stole it from her sister. Ha! Her favorite win was the -05 Wimbledon because she had to fight so hard for the final. The match against Lindsay Davenport was ranked as the longest-ever woman’s final. Venus keeps that trophy by her bed.

Venus has been playing all her life, and training since she was four. She says she’ll play her whole life and there will come to a point where she won’t be obsessing over every little point anymore and that will be good, and hopes to relax into a nice retirement after winning a few more times. She’s headed to Beijing in hopes for a three-pete with a third gold medal.

She also has her own fashion line, called EleVen at Steve & Barry’s where everything is under $20. She says she wears everything on the court, it’s her life. Enter to win a Venus Williams Eleven gift bag. She also loves powerade zero - all the hydration, none of the calories.

What’s for dinner? Roasted Caprese Spaghetti - and yes, the cake decorated by duff looks exactly like it, right down to the dish she is serving it on!

We start off in the kitchen today with a plug for the Yum-O! Family Cookbook, 100% of the proceeds that go to the Yum-O! charity. It takes kids from breakfast, to lunchbox, to dinner. She makes several cream cheese spreads for breakfast or a snack, including ways to cut carbs and fat: to help get rid of some carbs, scoop out the insides, or cut it in thirds, or use the mini bagels. She makes a BLT Spread, an Asian Veggie Spread and what she calls a Bunny Spread (Because rabbits like to eat the vege’s in it.) (I know.) The point of making them at home, of course, is so that you can add more vege’s with less of the cream cheese.

All the kiddo centric snacks can only mean one thing - SuperNanny Jo Frost is here! She’s just wrapping up the 4th season of Supernanny, and says the one thing she’s learned about the parents she’s helping is that they all say they’ve tried it, and it doesn’t work. With further talk, however, she learns that they’ve skipped steps in the technique - either because they don’t have the patience to follow through or be consistent. When they get her in the house, they know what they’re going to get, and she helps them make it a priority.

They surprised a viewer who’s about to give birth to triplets! She says she needs all the advice she can get as a first time mom, so it’s Nanny Jo to the rescue. They told her they would attend the baby shower as part of the segment, but surprised them with Nanny Jo instead. Lauren says she’s nervous and wonders how to take care of all three at the same time. She says at the end of the day, realize you can only change one bottom at a time, and it’s ok to tell her family and friends she’ll call them back if she’s busy with the baby or simply needs to sleep. Nanny Jo takes Lauren on a surprise shopping spree at Babies R Us and helps make sure they’re well stocked for their new arrivals.

Nanny Jo isn’t without some key advice for all expectant parents - Take care of yourself. You need your rest so that things don’t become so overwhelming, so take care of you so that you can take care of the babies. And secondly, communicate with your spouse - talk about everything and anything, so that you become confident parents in that first year.

Nanny brought along some of her favorite things - she’s into aromatherapy body lotion, candles, and Lime and Coriander Handwash.

Rachael then turns the tables though, and lets kids ask Nanny Jo some tough questions about issues with their parents. Brett wants to know why he gets in trouble for behaving badly, but his parents don’t. Jo says that parents are responsible for them and set boundaries for what is healthy for him. The things that he’s getting in trouble for are them teaching him family values - but it’s very important mom to lead by example. It’s critical not to be hypocritical.

Kylie asks why it’s ok to lie when mom tells her to tell someone on the phone that she’s not there… Jo tells mom she needs a voice mail message machine to work. Don’t ask the kids to be honest then show them examples of how you’re not always honest. Mom needs to answer the phone and say hey, I can’t talk now and learn to say no. Teach telephone etiquette too, to help the kids be safe because they don’t know who’s on the other end of the line.

Allison wanted to know why she has to eat her vegetables, when dad doesn’t eat his. Jo says daddy needs the naughty corner! It’s all about setting a good example for the kids. If they don’t like a particular vegetable, it’s ok, try something else. You’ll find something that they like.

Don’t forget to sign up for a copy of Nanny Jo’s new book - Jo Frost’s confident Baby Care.

Miranda Cosgrove takes us on a BLD - showing us her favorite restaurants to eat at while she’s working. She’s so cute - my kids LOVE iCarly!

Next up, Ben Barnes, Anna Popplewell and William Moseley are on hand from the Chronicals of Narnia, Prince Caspian. (I recently read a review that complained that the kids get to Narnia “not by the whimsical magic wardrobe, but by a subway tunnel” and how he hated that and felt it made the new movie less magical then the other. Clearly, he’s not a fan of the books - as that is EXACTLY how it happens. Harumph. Been waiting to get that off my chest. Moving on…)

Ben says that he was picked on by the cast when he joined, but they were very open and warm and welcoming - just as he expected. He did get razzed everyday though, and William protested that it sounded like they were serial bullies - not the case at all. They were all three, of course, delighted by how well the first movie did, but they just go on set and try to make a good film and hope people like it. They were excited that there was much more ‘real people’ fighting and locations this time around. There’s still a lot of cgi, but it’s expanded into even more human filming. The three stars were very cute and the accents are absolutely lovely - even when teasing Anna - she said she tried out for Hermione in Harry Potter, but then again, everyone in London did. “I didn’t try out for Hermoine!” protested Ben, though he was assured his hair was just as fine as Hermoine’s. They were all disappointed not to meet Eddie Izzard though, and the lines that made it into the movie weren’t the same ones they worked with so it was exciting to watch. Anna says “You never know when you’re going to be upstaged by a mouse!” Too much cute on one stage!

And we’re not done yet! WHEW. Gossip Girl’s Penn Badgley joins Rachael at the Kitchen table. Did you know he was named after a tennis ball? He was! Mom confirms. Penn then confirms that they only do photoshoots in bed. Ha! He then joins Rachael in the kitchen, after Rachael asks him if he likes to cook for the ladies. He admits he doesn’t do it often, and gets him to help her make what’s for dinner - skillet roasted chicken with potatoes rosti. Penn does say that he can make anything with eggs - his secret ingredient? Hummus. Alrighty then.

And we’re out! See ya when we see ya!

Cute outfit today, as Rachael welcomes Patricia Heaton back to the show. She says she’s having fun, and promptly jokes that she was belching pork balls in the make up artists face while getting ready for the show and thanks for that. (Sexay. Heh.). She does love being in New York but doesn’t get to do a lot of things that she’d want too. In LA, though, she lives next to Korean Town, and has discovered their spa, where they do a salt scrub and deep tissue massage and Patricia says its fabulous - your skin is shining, and burning… Rachael admits she’s spa phobic, and when John tried to give her a neck massage she screamed so loud his head went through the dry wall. She likes the creams and potions, but not so much the HA!

Patricia is 50! It’s true 50 is the new 30. She says embrace your age instead of trying to stay younger. It’s too much pressure. Every year she takes her girlfriends on a trip for her birthday - this year it was Hawaii. Last year they gave her a membership to the LA Gun Club, to take her boys. This year, they gave her opera lessons because she had mentioned she’d love to go back into singing. Rachael says she has a huge voice packed into her little body. Patricia had auditioned for a black gospel musical - she sang something from little shop of horrors and got the job.

Rachael says that means, of course, that before she goes - she has to sing! But before that, it’s time to hear where she’s going to go drinking vacationing this summer - she’s doing a tour of the southwest for all the cheesey exhibits and such they can find on the way to Vegas. (She won’t have to hurry, though, since the show’s been recently cancelled. heh.) The audience members have questions for her. Jodi asks her what she likes to watch on TV. She loves reality shows, and just met Brooke from American Idol, especially the auditions. Then she loves Project Runway - and is friend of Laura Bennette. Another one asks how her family enjoys her music. Patricia says her boys hate it when she sings broadway in the car - especially when they pull into school, so she has to switch it to bad to the bone. Her kids want her on American Idol though. Awww. She thinks they should do Celebrity Idol, like Dancing with the Stars. Rachael says she won’t do Dancing with the Stars until they give out enough fabric to cover her backside. She says she’s not giving up her s’getti for nothing!

Then they put that voice to the test - She sings Amazing Grace, and is surprised by the mount Olive Baptist Church Choir who joins her halfway through. (How she could be surprised when the guy goes to the keyboard in a CHOIR ROBE, I’ll never guess… heh.) She baubles a bit at first, but then finds the right key and belts it out. She’s not bad - not GREAT, but not bad. Course, she’s laughing as the choir joins, so that didn’t help. The Choir though - THAT helped.

Poor Colby, he’s still snoring. He’s exhausted all other things, so now it’s time for the big step to end it once and for all - hopefully. Colby is back, with his doctor in the front row - Dr. Raj Kanodia, who explains that Colby has a deviated septum. It usually occurs when you’re young, and there’s an injury to the nose of some sort. Colby’s nose has been broken, and that’s likely when it deviated, impeding his ability to breathe. Colby agrees to go into surgery, and takes the cameras with him.

The Doc shows him the twist with the scope, but gives him some good news too - it’ll all be done from the inside, no cuts or bruising, no breaking any bones. A couple days of discomfort, and that’s it, so recovery should be easy. We watch bits of the surgery, and see up Colby’s nose once again, and Dr. Raj Kanodia says it looks amazing, he can see all the way back to the throat as it’s supposed to be. Colby wakes up and the Doc tells him that it’ll change his life, it’ll be great, no black and blue, and Colby says he feels great. That’d be the drugs, Colby.

48 hours later, they pull the packing out of his nose, and he takes his first deep breath through his nose and says the difference is amazing, it feels a million times better. He’s looking forward to his first good nights sleep. Colby joins them on stage and one girl in the audience is practically in tears she’s so giddy to see him. He begs Rachael to get the cameras out of his house now - she says deal. It’s barely been a week, there was no swelling, bruising and he can’t even describe how much better he breathes. He says the amount and quality of sleep is fantastic - he needs an alarm to wake up now, because he gets that deep sleep for hours longer then he used too.

He hadn’t seen the tape to see if he’s snoring any longer or not - but the breathing better is enough of a plus for him. Rachael shows him the tape, and it’s night and day difference - no more snoring for Colby!

A couple of tips for those who can’t afford the surgery - use a humidifier to moisten the air, and don’t sleep with your pets. (HA! Not gonna happen.) Colby won’t kick Deuce out of his bed, but he did get a humidifier and says it’s fantastic as well.

We meet Kathy Wright, the latest Incredible Person, who uses dogs to help kids get exercise, through walking the dogs twice a day. The kids use a pedometer to see how long they walked. She also gives them lectures every week to help them eat better. And that, of course, means it’s dinner time! Individual Quiches.

We start off in the kitchen today where we’ll start with a fast, faster and fastest meal - Chicken and Stuffing style. First up is Roast Chicken and Roasted Veggies with Mushroom-Apple stuffing for the fast version.

Time for the first guest, a good friend and a good eater, of course, and they both love the Big O - Oprah. It’s Gayle King! After Rachael tells her she looks good in Yellow, Gayle calls her out on how she said she’s a good eater, not a good cooker, which is honest because she doesn’t cook at all. She makes pancakes with bisquick, so she has something, and Gayle says Rachael always makes people feel good. The funny part is that Gayle doesn’t cook - but is there to promote a cookbook. She says she’s not made the recipes, she’s eaten them though! It’s the new O, The Oprah Magazine Cookbook.

Gayle, of course, was impressed with the food back stage, and they talk about Rachael’s dislike of mayo. Gayle counters with her dislike of cottage cheese, she says it reminds her of curdled milk. Rachael says it tastes like ricotta cheese. After a break, they talk about their mutual love of Oprah. Gayle says she had a great time on the road trip with Oprah - but it drove Oprah crazy because Gayle sings in the car. They had a lot of fun meeting people across the country, which Oprah enjoyed much more then Gayle’s singing.

They touch on the tabloids and how they take a grain of truth and build a story of lies around it. Gayle asks Rachael what she and Oprah are fighting about - and Rachael says nothing, she sent her a note an snack of the day for her birthday, and Oprah sent back a note with a butterfly on it. Gayle says it doesn’t bother her anymore, and Rachael says that usually she does, but reading about the Oprah thing broke her heart.

Gayle has some of her favorite things - spanks, clogs, and cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery. Then they put her on the spot with Truth or Dare. Truth first - have she ever missed an episode of the Oprah show? She says no, she records it every day and the only time she didn’t watch was the week her mom died in 94 - but has caught it in reruns. Then it’s time for a Dare, and Rachael dares her to sing her current favorite fun. Gayle only does it because Rachael does it with her, and they hold a little singalong and channel they’re inner Mariah Carey.

Then it’s a Splurge vs. Save, Wedding style. Melissa Floss of The Knot shows how to have a dream wedding on any budget. You have to pick your priorities, and then they show off the latest trends and their inexpensive counterparts: flower girl dresses, bridal gowns, cakes, centerpieces and chocolate favors. The one that amused me the most was the Styrofoam cake with the real cake bottom layer used to cut and eat for the ceremony, then they take it out back and bring in sheet cakes to eat. Funny! Of course, mine only cost me the supplies to bake it, because a family member made mine. Said family member also stole all the left overs and I never got anything other then that first bite, but whatever. *snerk* It was still cheap!

Then it’s back into the kitchen for the Faster version: Mushroom-Apple Stuffing Stuffed Chicken Breasts with parsnip Smash and Fennel-Apple Saute. Then the Fastest - Mushroom-Apple Stuffing Stuffed Chicken Roll-ups with Pan Sauce and Apple Fennel Salad.

We’re down to three in the ‘Hey, can you cook?’ contest, and Rachael’s back to wearing the collared shirt tucked into her jeans. Is this the same outfit she wore the other day? I’m not sure, but I still don’t like it, though it can’t be the same shirt/jeans because it does look smoother then before. It looks alright, but it’s just not… not as good as she looked Friday. Oh well - time to get to the contest.

A recap, of course, as we watch Pat leave with her doggy bag, and it’s time to get to today’s contest. Colby whisked them off by helicopter for the next challenge, and they’re all nervous. Pete guesses that they’re going on a helicopter before they get there and poor Angie is mortified - says they crash all the time. Poor girl! Colby doesn’t tell them where they’re going, just that its 130 miles away in CT. They end up at the Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino.

Everyone is nervous, not knowing what to expect as they stand in the Marina, where 10k fans will pack in to see their guest judge. He prefers a light and healthy meal before he performs and their challenge is to create one light, energizing, protein-based meal for Michael Buble! They spin the roulette wheel to determine the main protein they will use in their dishes. They have 45 minutes to prepare and deliver their meal to Michael’s dressing room. They spin the wheel, and Pete gets Turkey Breasts, Suzanne gets Pork Tenderloin, which she says she’s least familiar with, and Angie gets Ground Lamb.

Colby gets them started, and they rush into action. Angie makes lamb kabobs with yougurt sauce, Suzanne is making an Asian inspired pork tenderloin, and Pete goes light with turkey with citress and avacado on the side. Angie remembers to make a smaller patty so that she can taste her seasoning before making them all. Pete can’t find cold water to chill his asparagus after blanching. Suzzanne’s pork gets stuck on the grill, she says she likes her tenderloin medium rare and hopes he does too because that’s all the time she had.

With 15 minutes left, Suzzanne is the first out the door to start the race to the dressing room. Angie is next, and Pet takes a little extra time to make sure his dish looks perfect before he joins the race. Suzzanne goes up before she goes down, and that gives Angie time to catch up - they both make it with time to spare, while Pete races up with just seconds to spare.

Time for Michael to taste the dishes, and he’s feeling the heat too, as he has to choose a winner. He does love all three offerings, saying Pete’s is light and flavorful, Angie’s kabobs are delicious, and Suzzanne’s is a little rare, but he likes it that way and it’s good as well. He makes his decision, but doesn’t tell us, as the contestants get to relax with VIP tickets to the show.

Back at the studio, before we find out the results of the competition, Jarod Miller is on hand with more of his animal friends: pigmy goats, and a zeedonk.Then it’s Rachael’s least favorite game - what am I touching. He goes easy on her this time with squirrels and guinea pigs and a frog. Heh. Nothing poisonous this time around though, and everyone survives without too much in the freak out realm. I totally can’t dis Rachael at ALL for her squeemishness because I’m the same way. You’d NEVER catch me putting my hand in ANY box containing an unknown animal. No way jose! All you brave people without phobias and fears, you just go ahead and point and laugh. Someday, SOMEDAY you’ll get yours! (grin)

We head into the kitchen next, for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes, and THEN it’s time to announce the contest winner and loser.

Michael said that Angie’s kabobs were delicious and melted in the mouth, but a little heavy and bare. He said Pete’s meal was light and crisp and delicious, but the culinary team said that some of the turkey was undercooked. Michael said that Suzzanne’s was tasty and pretty, but the salad was a little soggy, and the culinary team said the pork was too undercooked. Michael is on screen to reveal the winner - and it’s Pete! He takes his spot at the head of the table. He’s then joined by Angie, which means Suzanne is the one eliminated today. Click here for her final thoughts.

Monday
Hey, Can You Cook?!

The final three cooks in the competition head to a casino where they’re racing to make a meal fit for music superstar Michael Bublé! With tempers running hot, who will stay and who will hit the road? Then, Jarod’s back with new wild animals, and Rachael’s combining a Philly classic with the Sloppy Joe for one delicious supper!

Tuesday
Gayle King

We’re playing a little game of “Truth or Dare” with Gayle King, who’s talking about Oprah and the reality behind the tabloid rumors. She’s also bringing along their brand new cookbook, which you can enter for a chance to win! Then, it’s a wedding edition of “Splurge vs. Save” with unbelievable tips for planning the day of your dreams on a budget.

Wednesday
Patricia Heaton Sings?!

You know that Emmy winner Patricia Heaton is hysterical on TV, but did you know she could sing too? See what happens when she steps up to the mic! Then, Colby’s got one last chance to kick his snoring problem for good, and he’s giving our cameras complete access as he goes under the knife and then back to his bedroom … will it work?

Thursday
Supernanny Jo Frost

She dishes out tough love on her hit show, but now kids are turning the table to put Supernanny Jo Frost in the hot seat! Then, she’s got a huge surprise for a soon-to-be mom of three. Plus, Rachael’s getting chatty with Gossip Girl hottie Penn Badgley before she cooks up a simple chicken and potatoes dinner.

Friday
Clay Aiken & The Ace of Cakes

The big American Idol finale is almost here, but we’ve got one of your favorite idols right now! Five years after Idol, what does Clay Aiken think about the show that made him famous? Then, he calls himself the Ace of Cakes, but can pastry superstar Duff ace of one Rachael’s challenges? Plus, tennis champ Venus Williams talks about the one victory that meant the most to her.

Patrick Dempsy is here, and not only did her staff dress up - Rachael did too! Finally, a dress I can get behind this week! Yay! After the Sizzle Reel, McDreamy shows off his hidden talent as he Juggles out of the garage with the Flying Karamazov Brothers, showing off and working up a sweat already. (What a dork. Aren’t dorks the CUTEST?) They catch a ride over to the Kitchen table, where Patrick talks more about the juggling - he was actually ranked number 2 when he was in jr. high! Nice - though he admits to breaking 11 plates while filming the juggling scene in the new movie, Made of Honer.

He talks about filming in Scotland, and that hilarious little kilt he wore. He confirms what we all know - they wear Kilts traditionally. He, however, didn’t. Chicken. He brought his family and his daughter got to learn to ride a horse and it was a great summer vacation for them.

He says he learned a lot in the movie - and I learn something new! I had TOTALLY not put 2 and 2 together, that he was the kid in Can’t Buy Me Love! Of course the minute I saw the picture I was like OH! OMG! It IS him! in such a fangirl way I embarrassed myself. I know. You’re totally picturing me doing that now, aren’t you? You’re welcome.

He also has young twin boys who are 15 months old now, Sullivan and Darby. He admits that his wife is the tough one when it comes to the kids, but they try to be consistent, and he makes sure to take the ‘listen to your mother’ role. His wife, Jillian, is a hair professional and cuts his hair, and he says it’s time for just the two of them to reconnect, and then they get flirty and stuff and… yeah. Heh. She’s a global colorist, and are always creating new colors. McDreamy Calogne is in development, too, and he loves working with Avon and alongside his wife, in there “sniffing away”.

And what would a segment with Dr. McDreamy without dishing about Grey’s Anatomy? He says Erik (McSteamy) makes him laugh a lot, and then admits he wants Meredith and Derek to get together, and he says he thinks the back and forth will end when something happens at the end of the season. He does hope Derek joins Meredith in therapy. Ha! He also admits that his surgery scenes are all involved with small movements, so he can put his lines in there in the medical medical medical talk. During the round table read, they actually put “medical medical medical, how are you?” and then they put the correct terms in at the last minute. He says he’s dyslexic and it’s like a trainwreck, but still fun as he learns to cope with that. He writes them out, and also looks it up to see what it means and help solidify it all. Though the downside to it is now when he gets a headache he’s prone to saying “what’s going on, omg, I need an MRI stat!” and join everyone in x-raying themselves. (haha!)

He says working with Grey’s cast is like winning the lottery, there’s chemistry, writing, and great music too. Rachael shows off his cover of J. Crew from 11 years ago when he did a modeling stint. Then the audience got to ask a couple questions. Erika asks her what secret rituals or superstitions before getting onto the race track. He says he always does something different, and not to have any, not to get into his head, just to breathe. Tracy asks when the last time he watched Can’t Buy Me Love, and he says he can’t remember for sure, but it was a very special movie for him, his first turning point. He does like to watch it on occasion and laugh at himself. Kerry asks about his new cancer clinic, and Patrick can’t talk about it - his mother is the inspiration for it, but it’s too emotional and he has to stop himself, but manages to come back and say it’s the Dempsey Center for Cancer Help and Healing, and they’re revamping the website to make it user friendly and put the information within easy reach.

Next up, they play “Ray’s Anatomy” which has nothing to do with Rachael’s body, she promises. They show a piece of a picture of a famous person, give a clue, and he guesses who it is. He does pretty well, and the one he didn’t miss a beat on was Tina Turner’s legs. Like anyone could miss those!

Next up, another Superstar mom, Denise Jonas, the mom of the super popular Jonas Brothers! She says that it’s an interesting journey - but her third son was born singing. Nicholas was singing at the hair salon, and the ladies would take up a collection for him -he learned to love getting the money for singing, but then also swept up the hair. Mama Jonas works to keep her kids grounded, though she says it’s a challenge. They have strong faith and values and have taught them to be thankful and work hard - they know nothing comes easy. She says the hardest part is the schedule, but they remain a family unit, and she’s still mom, dad’s still dad, and they stick together. She admits to being a sap though, she cries every night when they perform. She remembers that she was washing dishes the first time she heard them on the radio, and even now she loves it “Turn it up!”

The boys surprise her by wishing her a Happy Mother’s Day via video from the road. She says they do good on Mother’s day, as hubby makes sure they give her a card every year, and then they pay attention and when she points out something that she likes, they take note and make sure to make it happen. Good boys! Of course it backfired once when she said she should get some anti-aging wrinkle cream. Whoops!

She’s also helping run a contest to find a mom’s craziest breakfast story, and they’ll be giving out great prizes - including tickets to see the Jonas Brothers.

All of this and dinner to? It’s a Spring Shephard’s Pie.