Watching Rachael Ray

So - Rachael looked good the other day in the black? Today… not so much. That green shirt is draped COMPLETELY wrong for her figure. Sigh. One step forward, two steps back… Anyway, we start off in the kitchen to make a snack for today’s Mystery Taster - The Ultimate Ham & Cheese Sandwich.

The Mystery Taster comes down the elevator, and the crowd goes WILD - it’s a big one! A TV Legend with 5 Golden Globes, 5 Emmys, and a career that keeps all of us laughing. Here’s the questions:

At the prom - coursage or boutineer? Didn’t go to the prom.
Shopping - Rodeo drive or 5th Ave? Rodeo Drive
Comedy team when a kid - Abbot and Costello, Jerry Lewis or Cheech and Chong? Abbot and Costello
Extra activities in high school - choir, drama club, athletic department, debate team? All of them.

The Mystery taster retreats until later, and we move on to Green ideas to Clean. Evette is on hand with some eco-friendly cleaning tips, starting off with a viewer who wants better ways to clean her stovetop. Rachael admits that her husband does the cleaning, so she’ll learn something to. Baked on stove stains - use a paste of baking soda and water to rub into the stain. Baking soda provides the abrasiveness to get the stuck on stuff off - add vinegar and it cuts the grease too.

Cleaning silver without silver cleaner - fill large pan with hot water, line the bottom with aluminum foil. Add a squirt of dish soap and loads of salt. Soak the tarnished silver making sure the foil touches the tarnished area. Voila, shiny silver.

Cleaning the LCD-TV: Use a soft dry cotton cloth to remove fingerprints nd smudges — you can add a tiny bit if isopropyl alcohol on a damp cloth. Wipe the outside with used dryer sheets to dust after cleaning and help prevent future dust.

Tips not shown on the show: Microwaves - dampen a kitchen towel in water, set inside the microwave and run for 30 seconds - use the damp towel to just wipe the crusty food away. Revitalize CDs by dipping the end of a dishtowel in water, dab a bit of toothpaste on the tip. Rub the playing surface with the toothpaste in circles to work out the scratches, clean with damp towel and you’re good to go. Make your own furniture wipes by mixing equal parts water and lemon oil in a bowl and dip squares f cheesecloth into the mixture. Wring them out so they’re only slightly damp and store in air tight container - voila, eco-friendly wipes!

Rachael heads back to the kitchen to finish the snack for the Mystery Taster, who comes back down the elevator once again.

Back to the Prom - a dress, or a tux if you had gone? A dress. in drag. JUST kidding! A Dress.
Which EC activity in high school helped the most? Drama and Choir
Did you win any awards? Yes. Which ones? Emmys, golden globes,
When you won the award,, who’d you thank? That’s giving it away! My cast members Vicki, Harvey, Tim….

“No it is not, shut up, is it Carol Burnett?!” Of course it is, Rachael, and she pops around the corner to give her a hug and lead her to the table. Carol tells her she’s the cutest thing, all bubbly. And Rachael is, of course, a huge fan, and thanks her for all the years of laughter. The Carol Burnett Show was on for 11 years, and asks why there isn’t stuff like that today. Carol says it was like a broadway show on tv, and today the cost is just too much when you can gets Reality Shows for $1.98!

Bob Mackey designed every costume on the show - 50 of them a week, and they talk about the gut-busting spoof of Gone with the Wind, where Carol wore a gown made from the curtain. She declares Bob Mackey genius. She says she still goes to dinner with her castmates often, and when you do you have to know the Heimlich because of the laughter. She is also in with the new crop of comedians, working with Steve Carell and Jim Carrey in Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who. She’s thrilled to be part of the film, and she took her grandkids to the premiere last week, and the 11 year old was like “Oh grandma!” so now she’s cool.

She is also helping promote the arts to a new generation with a project at the Pasadena Playhouse, that is a tribute to her daughter, Carrie Hamilton. They’ve built it into a theater that works with kids at risk and encourages them to write, direct and act. An architect friend, Frank Gehry, is redesigning the theatre for free as a tribute to Carrie.

So - what’s for dinner? St. Patrick’s Day Reuben Hash which is shared by Stacey Antine - an Incredible Person (Sponsored by Eggs) who’s helping kids to eat healthier by getting to the root of the problem - showing them how to grow and cook their own food.

Wow - Rachael looks GOOD today! Love the outfit - she actually got it right today. So we go to viewers homes today, for “Theme rooms”. There’s a Fishing room, a penguin room, a Betty Boop bathroom, and a Wizard of Oz room too. But the clear winner is Adam’s KISS room. He says it represents who he is, he’s been in love with the band since he was four. Stacie, his wife, calls it ridiculous. The dude has EVERYTHING KISS, right down to chapstick and calogne. Stacie, being the good wife she is, allowed him to have ONE room in the house for all his KISS. They choose the Office because it was smile. Adam says his wife does what she needs to do in there and goes away really fast. She’d like to share the space, of course.

Kristan Cunningham is on the scene to do a makeover and she says it was her absolute favorite makeovers of all. Stacie and Adam say that it’d be functional with a place to read and relax and Adam says “Just without getting rid of all my KISS stuff!” Adam grabs some stuff to take with him, and scoots out so that KC can get to it. With IKEA in her pocket (…not literally, of course) she gets the office under control, complete with a closet shrine that plays KISS as the closet opens. Four days later and it’s time for the big Reveal.

Adam admits that he was nervous, especially when KC touched the first thing and it broke - a Gene Simmons action figure. Rachael says “you broke the mans DOLL?” and is quickly corrected “ACTION FIGURE!” - geeks of the world unite! Adam and Stacie are both thrilled with the finished result, of course! It’s a good mix of function, with a lot of the KISS memorabilia visible there - easily hideable with sliding doors. He of course LOVES the closet Shrine, with flame lights and auto playing music when the doors open. He says opening those doors was like entering a portal into KISS world. Both are thrilled, and Stacy says it’s fun now, she likes paying bills in there now.

Rachael tells Adam they feel bad that they broke a piece of his memorabilia, so have a replacement, and out comes Gene Simmons with a KISS Lamp, and Adam is starstruck as Gene gives Rachael a spin and hugs KC. He then trades glasses with Adam, and the tongue flicking happens, and Adam is ALL SMILES. Gene says it’s a wonderful thing when a Women sees that a man has passion for her, and his thing, and supports him. She knows he’ll never stand between him and her shoes! Nice.

After a break, Gene joins Rachael at the Kitchen Table, and he pulls over RC (the warmupguy) to show off his KISS tattoo. Adam says it’s not every day he gets to meet his hero. Gene tells him he’s jealous about the love he has from his wife, he’ll always been number two to her. KISS is going on tour again, their 35th year, and Helsinki sold out in 7 minutes. He says he’s doing t because his mother wants a bigger house and he loves his mother. He promises that when you go to a KISS show, even if you don’t like the music you’ll walk out saying it’s the best show ever.

They talk about Family Jewels that’s coming back. He says he never has a clue what’s going to happen on the show, and he points out that Rachael doesn’t use cue cards, and adlibs - it’s the same for him. So they show a clip of the show with him and his mother, and Gene is clearly touched by it. He takes a lie detector test in an upcoming show - to prove that he’s been with thousands of women. He’s been with his partner for 25 years, and they have two kids. Everyone is curious as to what he’s done before settling down, and tonight we’ll find out. He does say that he turns the tables on Shannon because he wants tot know about her too. Rachael calls us who don’t watch the show losers. Whatev’ Rach. Not everyone’s a KISS fan. (grin) But if you are, hit up the behind the scenes parenting advice from the legend himself.

Then it’s a what’s for dinner throw down from the winner of the burger contest in the Every Day with Rachael Ray magazine. Jerk Pork Cheseburgers with Green Apple Slaw and Rachael’s South Beach Burger with Mango Slaw.

PS - Both Wednesday and Thursday’s shows were repeats. You can catch my original recaps of them here and here.

We start off in the kitchen today as Rachael talks about March Madness coming up, and Top Chef which goes to Chicago this season. On hand, of course, is Top Chef judge, Tom Colicchio, who Rachael says is actually very nice, even if he’s mean at times on the show. He rebuts with he’s not mean - just firm and fair. He says he considers his mom his top chef, because she made sure dinner was on the table every night and missing wasn’t an option. He started in the kitchen at an nearly age, as well.

They talk about Panini Bars, and some tips for making the sandwiches - a great way to get the whole family involved. Some tips - don’t worry about having a fancy panini machine, use a cast iron skillet, and use a smaller pan and weight to weigh it down. Make sure you don’t overstuff them, because if it starts to steam and you want paninis to be crispy. They get busy making some Panini’s of course, and Tom gives another tip - put the sauces and such in the center, with the meat on the outside, so that the bread doesn’t get soggy. He adds to the Buffalo Chicken craze by making a Buffalo Chicken Panini. Be sure to check out the Joy of Eating for more recipes.

And a Turkey Ruben is apparently called a Rachel. Who knew?

They talk about Chicago, and the buildings, the food and the music, and he loves that he got to spend some time there. He is still surprised that the show has become so big, but he loves that it’s a double threat - the reality side, and the food. He doesn’t get to interact with the contestants at all on the reality side, so enjoys watching the show to catch the rest of what happened. It’s Panini’s for everyone! Pick up the Top Chef Cookbook too!

Next up- celebrating your divorce! Belisa Vranich says it’s a trend that’s more and more mainstream. No pity parties here, just a celebration of beginning a new chapter in their life. Molly, after the end of her 8 year marriage, decided to have a very tongue-in-cheek items that are common at such parties: Black balloons to pop, Just Divorced banners, and a divorce cake with the frosted groom being tossed over the side. Vranich stresses that it brings closure - don’t forget to mourn the end of the marriage, but be sure to celebrate the start of your new life as well.

Rachael surprises Molly with a trip to Cancun for her and 3 friends - and you can enter for the chance to win one as well. Here’s more info too, on Divorce Cakes, Divorce Decorations, The Ex Knife holder, and even a Wedding Ring Coffin, that Jill talks about behind the scenes here.

We move on to Lipstick Jungle, a recurring theme the past couple weeks. Today it’s Linsday Price, who she introduces as the girl on the choo-choo train on the Toys R us commercials back in the day! She brings a sample of her favorite lip gloss, Beaute Lip Gloss, created by her friend, and worn by Lindsey often.

Lindsey says she’s a good cook, but very precise as it’s always a big event - place cards, fresh flowers, dinner party, etc. Her mom, of course, is the opposite and doesn’t use measuring cups, and is very low maintenance. Mom tells her “watch Rachael Ray!” instead of thinking too much. She loves New York City, and is happy to be eating her way through the city - like take-out at 4am.

Lindsey has jokes that her acting has come full circle, she grew up watching Pretty in Pink, and being in love with Andrew McCarthy, and now she’s making out with him. She says he sparkles, and no one plays a millionaire like him. She adores Brooke Sheilds too, and the three of them have a chemistry that builds a great friendship and it makes it easy to go to work.

Then it’s back to the kitchen for dinner: Pasta Alla Norma and Orange & Arugula Salad.

Monday
Tom Colicchio

Top Chef Tom Colicchio is showing you how to host your own “panini party” and talking about the show’s brand new season. Then, just as weddings are celebrated with a ceremony, now women are throwing divorce parties to mark a new chapter in their lives. Find out about the trend, and see why Lipstick Jungle’s Lindsay Price is plotting a little revenge on her co-stars.

Tuesday
Gene Simmons Surprises a Superfan

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.

Wednesday
Kelsey Grammer

We knew him as Frasier for 20 years, but now Kelsey Grammer has a new personality in primetime! See what happens when Rachael puts him in the hot seat to see how well he knows his co-star Patricia Heaton. Then, what does your wardrobe say about you? Colby Donaldson gets the brutal truth straight from the guys.

Thursday
Jarod’s Wild Animals

It’s a “wild” show today! First up, one of the stars of the wildly popular Grey’s Anatomy comes by with behind-the-scenes stories, and then wild animal guy Jarod Miller is tormenting Rach with some deadly creatures! What’s for dinner? Rach whips up spinach and artichoke hummus with “wild catch-atori.”

Friday
Mystery Taster

Our brand new Mystery Taster is a five-time Golden Globe and six-time Emmy winner … tune in to see who’s coming by! Then, from stained silverware to dirty appliances, we’re giving you the five everyday cleaning tips you need to know along with a St. Patty’s day feast for morning, noon or night!

We start off the show with cool stuff off the bat, heading over to the set of Lipstick Jungle, where the ladies show us some of their favorite things, from candles, to instant bronzer, to ‘skin food‘ for extra dry skin, before Kim Raver joins Rachael at the kitchen table for a chat, Votivo candles in hand.

She laughs because they need all those little favorite things because they work 16 hours a day - she even nurses between takes as she’s got a newborn as well as a five year old. The morning makeup trailer is like a daycare with all the kids!

They talk about her challenges of shooting the show, Lipstick Jungle, the last few months of her pregnancy, and how much she appreciates the producers of the show allowing her to work while pregnant and with kids. It mirrors what the show itself is about, women who have families and juggle them with work.

She asks how it is making out on the job, and she laughs because no one told Rob Buckley that she was 6 months pregnant when he got the roll - but he was amazing, though it was very awkward at times, as they had to choreograph it to have his muscular torso cover her pregnant belly from view. They joke about the New York vs. LA, and she jokes about Jack Bower being hot, and how funny he is too. She’ll always be an East Coaster at heart, and how her son is street savy even at 5, and loves to give directions. Other differences are the mellow coffee makers, as she’s shaking going JUST GIMME THE COFFEE! It was a cute interview - Kim is very funny, and animated! Check out Lipstick Jungle on NBC.

Next up, Breast Implants for women after 40, a new trend. Rachael has a couple of viewers - one Lisa who ‘loves the twins’ she recently acquired, going from an A cup to a D. She said when she had kids, and they blew up, then disappeared was unfair, so she got the surgery. She did it for herself, not for her husband or anyone else, and that’s the way to go. She encourages her children not to even think of it until after they have kids, because that changes your body so much. Her husband supported her in whatever decision she made. Her bottom line? If you want too - go for it!

The other Lisa is considering having the surgery done, and facing the worries about recovery time, and if it’s even right to have 18 year old breasts on a 40 year old body. Dr. Lisa (another Lisa!) Cassileth is a surgeon and says she sees more older women in their 40s getting breast augmentation done. She considers it more restorative at that age, than augmentation - trying to reverse what pregnancy did to the body. There’s a different opinion, of course, offered by the president of National Research Center for Women and Families, saying there are other ways to feel good and better about themselves and their lives.

Lisa Russo disagrees, saying she had plenty of confidence before the surgery, she was just dissatisfied, and fixed t. Zuckerman reminds everyone that there are some risks, and it’s also costly and usually uncovered by insurance. Bottom line, gather information, and do what’s right for you.

Sean Aiken (related to Clay? No?) has spent the last 47 weeks working a different job every single week. At 26 years old, just after school, he was struggling with the what to do after school, what path to take. So he decided to travel the country and test out 52 jobs in 52 weeks - and every penny he makes he donates to charity. What will week 53 bring? A book about his experience, including all that he’s learned along the journey and the advices he’s picked up along the way. Here’s a preview of some of his advice for college grads!

What’s for dinner? Spanish Shrimp & Chorizo with Sweet Pea Couscous.

What did Rachael do to get arrested? By Jesse L. Martin, even? Easy, she pretended to be taking money for seat upgrades out in the audience line. Jesse brought her down the elevator in handcuffs, and let her lose at the kitchen table as he joked “I got to arrest Rachael Ray!” and she countered with “I got to be arrested by Jesse Martin!”

She says Jesse is back, and she didn’t even have to bribe him with buffalo chicken wings this time! He says he’s horrible in the kitchen, with not one good thing he can put together. Rachael promises to talk him through a meal the next time he entertains. She says “Call me any time!” And he’s all alright - but don’t you forget and fret when I call! Deal struck!

He used to work in the same building of the show in Guiding Light. It was his first gig, and he had a small part as the first boyfriend and got mustard on the face. He laughs and says in soap operas, you never know when it’s really over? But the mustard clued him in, his stint was done.

He loves working with the cast of Law and Order, and is in his nineth year on the show. He still remembers the first day, though - totally nervous working with Merkerson and Orbach. He says he was scared to death, he pulled out a file, and his hands were visibly shaking. Sam Waterston thought it was cute that he was nervous, as everyone went “awww!”

Rachael is a self proclaimed Law and Order Junkie, and asks him about this song that he has. Apparently, the theme song has words! “Law and order is on… law and order is aaalllllwayyyys on….. always on!” Jesse is a VERY funny guy - the interview was a definite treat!

Next up, it’s a woman who’s determined to help herself! Rachael Ray is amazed at how huge the self-help section is. There’s help for things that Rachael didn’t even know it’s problems. The spent a year, sort of, with Beth, who decided she needed a plan. She put herself on a year long self help journey. One program a month, with proven experts. From getting healthy, to better parenting and relationships. She says that Men are from Mars, Women are from venus - well, it’s full of clichés. She says it would have been ironic if she ended the year as she started, but she’s definitely changed.

She had a great moth following the advice of Suze Orman, and you can read about her journey in her book, Helping me Help Myself. The one thing she really liked was The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, which is about setting goals in life.

The hardest thing for her was spending a year thinking about herself so much. She always had put her husband and kids and keeping house in front of herself, so she felt self-absorbed. But she learned that helping yourself, helps you help others. You just end up being a happier person. Of course, the funniest thing about the interview to me? Beth talks as fast, if not faster then Rachael herself! Ha!

There was one thing Beth wanted that she didn’t get too -learning how to cook, and Rachael’s on hand to help her make the perfect pork chop - Maple-Glazed with Scallioin Smashed Potatoes & Escarole.

What’s for dinner? Why something made with Rachael’s new Stock in a Box the Flavor that Rocks - Popeye Risotto with Beefy Balsamic Mushrooms.

It’s right to the action today, and Rachael should so not be wearing THAT particular style of wrap dress, as it doesn’t really show her cute little figure well. Sigh. I swear, they listened to me about the hair - why can’t they do so about the clothing?!

They’re off to surprise a staff member who’s singing Puppy Love (Badly!) at Kareoke night, and gets surprised as Donny Osmond joins in and sings it for her! Rachael joins them on stage to dance with Donny, but refuses to sing. He eventually coaxes a single note out of her, but that’s it! After the clip, he joins her at the Kitchen Table for a sitdown talk.

He teases her about not singing, and the audience chimes in to sing with him. Rachael says she only sings in the car - she has no notes! Donny, of course, starts off the rest of the interview by saying how awesome the show is, a class act with food! He says it was even better when he was startled with Robin, the makeup woman, opening her sweater - to reveal her vintage Donny and Marie t-shirt. Awww.

They talk about WOAH moments, and he talks about when Stevie Wonder was on the show. He spent a week coming up with his favorite Stevie songs, and then Marie came up and said NO! It’s all wrong! He stood up to her…. that time! He sung what he wanted him too. According to Marie, he joked, women rule! And now that he’s married for so long… she was right! He married his childhood sweetheart, and he beams about his new grandbaby - just born the day before filming - his first granddaughter after 5 sons and 1 grandson! That’s gonna be one spoiled little girl!

Donny and Marie are going to get back together for a show in Vegas. It’s already sold out 8 months in advance. She’ll even throw some dance moves on the show. “She’ll say ‘I’m a better dancer, because I was on Dancing with the Stars!’ and I’ll just say back ‘you didn’t win!’”

Rachael is completely twitterpated, and it’s kinda cute. They show a clip of Donny in the movie College Road Trip. And yes, he may be showing up to try and show Marie up on Dancing with the stars next year. He tries to convince Rachael to do it too, and she says no way. The costumes are too small for people who love food! Her real excuse, she has five jobs and not enough time.

He loves to work with Lara - but he has a problem with her! She’s taller then he is, and has to stand on a box so that he looks taller then her! No one will notice that NOW, Donny! He says he’s up for anything that’s a challenge - he never loses sight of the fact his family is number one, but other then that, he’ll try anything!

Then it’s Colby again, showing off his stint at the sleep center in an attempt to solve his snoring problem. He gets hooked up to 27 electrodes on his body, and a team of experts nearby to examine his condition at the National Sleep Center. Colby says that it’s not the sterile lab you’d expect, so it’s comfortable. Sort of.

We see a clip as Colby goes through the process with Dr. Michael Breus, a specialist in sleep disorders. They hook him up, and settles in for 6 hours of sleep. The doctor says that he simply doesn’t get into deep sleep, which is the most refreshing wake up and feel great sleep. He woke more then 20 times, but didn’t have apnea (where the throat closes and you don’t breathe). Breathing levels were good, but he does snore - a lot. The diagnosis is that his sleeping problems probably have more to do with the fact he’d broken his nose before and it affected his breathing. He’s going to look into a surgical procedure to help solve that, and Rachael, of course, is going to follow along in the process.

Then we meet Seth Bixby Daugherty, an Incredible Person. He stopped working in the swanky restaurant, in order to go to work in school cafeterias, with Real Food Initiative. He works in the St. Paul, MN, schools to take out the processed foods and replace them with healthy choices, fruits and veggies and healthier versions of old favorites. He says that simply, it’s the best decision he made in his life.

All of that, and what’s for dinner? Chicken Fajita Soup!

Monday
Donny Osmond

Just call it “puppy love” when the legendary entertainer pulls a prank on one of Rachael’s unsuspecting staff members … and Rachael is next! Then, round 2 of our “Snore No More” challenge has Colby checking in to a sleep lab, where he’ll spend the night wired up to 27 electrodes. Will that do the trick, and what can help the snorer in your house?

Tuesday
Jesse L. Martin

Just what did Rachael do to get Law & Order’s Jesse L. Martin to slap handcuffs on her, and why does he need Rachael’s help? Then, meet a woman who tried a different self-help plan every month for nearly a year … did all that help do her any good? And don’t miss Rachael’s favorite shortcut for adding big flavor to any meal.

Wednesday
Drew Carey

Now you know him as the new host of The Price Is Right, but Drew Carey is also hosting a round of “Stump the Rach!” Then, are you always late? (Rachael is and her staff gives her a hard time about it!) We’re doing a “late intervention” with a chronically late mom, and sharing four easy tips that’ll have you running on time. Plus, a groundbreaking idea for dinner: Philly cheesesteak pizza!

Thursday
Breast Implants After 40

It’s a growing trend - women over 40 getting breast implants. Why are they doing it and what are the risks? Then, what can’t the gorgeous women of Lipstick Jungle live without? Cast member Kim Raver shares the details along with the truth behind those sexy love scenes! Plus, a college grad who’s trying 52 jobs in 52 weeks, including a stop at our show.

Friday
Oprah’s Buddy Nate Berkus

The host of The Big Give drops in to help 10 Rachael Ray viewers pull off their own life-changing projects that give back to their community and a very special young woman. And it’s our first-ever kids competition as Rachael and Naked Chef Jamie Oliver lead two teams of kid cooks in a fight to the finish!

Today’s dish is all about bringing the Spa into your home with affordable technology. First up is the NuFace Facial Toning Device, which is the first at home facial toning device. It gives definite reduction in lines and sagging.

Next up, is No No Hair Removal System. It looks like an ipod, and it’s available now - ditch the shaving and waxing. Not cheap, $250 but it works everywhere.

Then it’s the Beauty Blender Sponge that is washable and contoured for the face, so it’s not a waste - it lasts for a month.

Then the special Musical Guest - Frankie Valli! Hit up that giveaway button for your chance of his Romancing the ’60s! A CD of his covering some of the best love songs of the ’60s

Next up is Bryan Cranston and he comes out and says where’s my sizzle reel? He says he was hoping there was one for himself, and so he took the liberty of making one for himself. He pops in the tape, and swears he hasn’t seen it before (Haha!) How funny is he? His reel, is hugely funny where he calls himself Legendary, in the look of a presidential ad. Afterwards, he walks out to huge applause and the standing ovation he was looking for! He jokes that it was such a shock, he had no idea what the video was about - the video that he did the voice over for, of course.

They dish about his guest appearances on Seinfeld, and loved to work with the cast. He was even in the Yadda, Yadda episode and said the reason they’re smiling so much on the show is because they were THAT close to cracking up. Many still know him from Malcolm in the Middle, and now he has a new series, Breaking Bad, where he plays a chemistry teacher with cancer who sells meth to raise cash for the family. It sounds serious, but commercials have him cavorting about in his underwear, a look that’s become a bit familiar for him - he was in his underwear all the time for Malcolm in the Middle and figured hey it’s what America wants to see!

He’s not upset about his Emmy losses either - nominated 3 times, but no win. Whatever happens, happens is his take on it, he’s just enjoying the ride.

Next up is a story very near and dear to Rachael’s heart, as we meet one of the dogs rescued from Michael Vic’s fighting bust. They’ve given the dogs a second chance, and rehabilitated them in order to find them good homes after suffering horrible abuse.

Then the final Feb Faves giveaway, with a goodie bag filled with cool stuff - a Dooney & Bourke duffle, a watch from Kenneth Cole, Sunglasses, a blue tooth headset, and the sharper image digital keychain. Hit up the giveaway button for your chance at one!

All that, and what’s for dinner? Tex-Mex Stuffed Poblanos with Manchego Sauce and Black Beans with Roasted Garlic.

If you’re one of those types who actually have salsa left in the bottom of the jar, you can stretch it into a nice salad dressing, easily! Me, I just scoop it out with another chip. (grin) You can also use it over fish, or heat it up with some chicken.

Joan Allen of Nixon, The Contender and The Crucible - and of course the three Bourne thrillers - joins Rachael at the kitchen table. She gives her a recap of the typical day and she jokes she likes to e-mail her sister with “I spent three hours kissing Daniel Day Lewis!” Such a rough job, that!

They show off some high school pictures, where she was acting even then. She’s worked with Kevin Costner, and many other leading men and is now working on a film opposite Richard Gere. The new movie out is Bonneville includes Cathy Bates and Jessica Lange as well. It’s about a road trip with three friends, and a character study of their friendship and how they grow even closer. The big hit, of course, was her Oscar Story, when she went to the show and her dress was so big it spilled out into the Isle - and Tom Cruise stepped on her dress, much to her sister’s excitement! The interview ends with the February Favorite - a $100 gift card from AMC Entertainment - hit up the giveaway button on the sidebar to enter for your chance to win!

Up next - everyone is thinking about hair loss, and today’s Human Lab has three viewers testing some of today’s remedies - one is Jim, who is going bald (and who I sorta kinda know about through a blog friend of my moms…) Jim wants his hairline back with the HairMax Laser Comb that claims to grow more hair. Antoinette has plucked her brows so long that they’ve quit growing, so is trying the Talika Lipocils Eyebrow Conditioning Gel that says it will stimulate growth. Corinne is hoping for thicker eyelashes with DermaQuest DermaLash.

Dr. Phillips is on hand to answer questions and if there’s any general health rules people can follow to inspire hair growth. A healthy, well-balanced diet and exercise matters, of course but if you notice a lot of hair loss in women, get iron levels tested which will help.

But did the products work? After 6 weeks, Jim said it really worked, and after 4 weeks his mother-in-law told him his hair looked darker. Antoinette said her product worked as well, and she is thrilled with her new eyebrows - as is Corinne who also said it took a month and a half for it to make a difference, so it takes time, but it did work! Rachael tells Jim that a sexy guy is sexy hair or not, but Jim is happy with what he feels is an improvement in his hairline.

Then, it’s time for dinner: Winter Greens Pasta.

…not literally, of course, but today’s episode has us seeing the whole show interspersed with what’s happening behind the scenes, from the kitchens, to the guests to the voice overs and control room, we get it all.

It starts with Rachael declaring her hatred for the name of the show, because it takes hundreds to make it happen, but she lost that argument. She’s had a pot of coffee at home, then an iced coffee when she gets to the office, where she does the voice overs, and the producer is working with the music, and get the clips ready for when she says “watch this”.

Production meeting 90 minutes before the show, Isaboo heads off to ’school’ past the Audience checking in at 1 hour to show time as the guest, Larry the Cable Guy shows up. There’s a pause at the test kitchen where she says her food is ridiculous compared to what her cooks do for the guests. A wardrobe stop where Rachael chooses her outfit, then it’s to makeup. Not only are they working on the day’s shoot, they’re preparing for the next few shows as well. The producer talks to her through the day’s show, while another talks to the Guest and lets him know where he’s going. After that - it’s like high school, jump in and do it, no script.

Cue music, the Audience is shown to their seats, Rachael is given the 15 minute warning, then the warmup guy keeps the crowd grooving. Control room is ready, and counting down. When they hear Rachael’s walking, they know it’s time, standby, 5..4…3…2…1… and here we go! Send the Elevator!

Rachael welcomes the crowd (and us) to the inside out show, and introduces Larry the Cable Guy to the Kitchen Table. Larry’s staring in the upcoming Witless Protection, and laughs about wearing his sleeveless shirt, and how at Banana Republic he’s a medium, they even have a baby hefty section. Rachael asks him about Cable, and he says no, it’s just a name. He’s done a lot of shows, but says he’s never been so nervous as he is to be with Rachael.

He’s lost fifty pounds, because it got so bad Dipping Dots had a restraining order on him - and my favorite line of the interview “I started going to Hooters for the food!” He dishes on his co-star girlfriend, Jenny McCarthy, and how that can only happen in movies. Anytime he sees a girl with a slob, he considers her a hostage and calls the police. Ha!

Another back scenes look as they talk, as the Acupuncture Facial lady is welcomed and her area is set up. More chatting with Larry about his kid, and the movie, before pulling out the February Favorite, the Magellan Roadmate 1200 GPS Nav System. As we roll to commercial, we see Larry sign the fridge on his way out. Get’er Dun!

Back at the studio we see them finishing up the table, the Rachael introduces Janet Tsai, who is a licensed acupuncturist who does face lifts, then she settles to the chair to get her own. “It’s not so bad” Rachael says, as needles are placed in her face. It’s said that the needles create micro trauma to the skin, and helps the cells that produce collagen and elastin, so that it makes the skin more taught.

Backstage, we see Rachael checkin the recipe’s for the show, then the foodies head to the store to make sure that all the ingredients are available at the neighborhood grocery. They make the meal, pull some swap-outs, as Rachael says they try to do as much cooking live as possible, but due to time constraints they have to have some ready. The folks backstage test the food, and deliver it to the staff. What’s for dinner tonight? Caprese-Stuffed Meatballs with Tomato-Pesto Sauce.

And that’s a wrap, folks! Rachael heads home to get out of makeup and into her Jammies and her own kitchen.

Mornin, kids! Rachael jokes that the best part of the show is the hot guys that stop by - and she shows a clip of what a couple of them had to say about her guest - Kate Walsh. They love talking about her, and we love talking to her - Kate joins Rachael at the table for some dish about her co-stars. We get right to it with the main question - Who’s the best kisser? McDreamy, McSteamy, or Tim Daly on the new show? She says to be fair, Tim Daly has a bit of an edge because she’s made out with him before on different shows, but it’s like choosing a favorite ice cream - why? Enjoy them all!

There’s talk about the hubby, and how her mom loves him because he loves Kate - they hit it off right away. She laughs about her mom’s obsession with Christmas lists - write down exactly what you want and then she always got it wrong anyway. One year she wanted walkie-talkies, and she got a cb radio instead. On her 40th birthday this year, her husband got her a set of walkie talkies! Awwww…

Of course, they have to talk a bit about their dogs - Kate adopted Lucy, who is her inspiration for the partnership with Pedigree’s Dogs Rule campaign. Their goal is to raise awareness of dog adoption. Then they talk a bit about back in the day, before Kate hit it big, and her horror stories about earning her way at the beginning. She worked since she was 14, two of the worst included cleaning out ashtrays, and then she worked at Burger King and was fired! She got fired for having a running nose. Awww… Rachael surprises her with Bob Miller who had a special message from Burger King. They’d heard about her being fired and he officially apologizes for the misunderstanding, and to show how much they love her, they recreated her uniform, including her nametag, and framed it so she could mount it in her office. They also gave her a Crown Card, good for free Whoppers at any Burger King. Awww… She laughs and says “Awesome! Bob sent me… This is amazing!”

Next up, we see some more cool kitchens where Michael’s ideas have Kristan Cunningham speechless - from the backsplash made from wine corks that he and his wife saved, and other awesome DIY ideas. Hit up the giveaway button for his exclusive Waiscot Solutions giveaway!

Kristan shows some kitchen decorating tips for affordable decorating ideas, then it’s time to get cooking with Cider House Chicken for dinner - and let’s not forget the Febrary Favorite - Cuisinart food processors!

The show opened with a game - Celebrity Face off. Two audience members compete for lunch for two at the Palm Too as they try to decipher the face as the puzzle pieces fall into place. Neither of them can guess until the whole face is revealed, and Sarah Michelle Geller comes out to give them a hard time about it. She says she should get the lunch and win the certificates, of course - but in the end, she gives one each and they can have lunch together.

Sarah Michelle Geller spins on the Lazy Susan to sit at the Kitchen Table, and how tiny is Sarah? Gosh. They start off with talk about her nude photo shoots, for the Skin is Amazing campaign - they’re auctioning off pictures of several celebrities on ebay to raise skin disease awareness - cancer and many others.

She jokes that her hubby cooks, and she makes excellent reservations. After a break, she admits she won’t cook for her man, but will for her dog, Tyson - who weighs more then she does. He’s a therapy dog, and she takes him to hospitals to play with the kids. She is about to head overseas to be a Care Ambassador. She’s headed to Tanzania. She’s excited to be helping girls go to school, and women start business and educating the men that it’s ok for women to be involved.

Today’s February Favorite is a set of linens from West Elm Organic bedding - hit up the giveaway link to enter to win a set of your own! Then it’s Colby’s turn to be a one man Human Lab - his snoring is so bad his dog won’t even sleep the whole night with him. Colby jokes “If my dog won’t stay the night, how can I expect a woman to?” They even show clips of his snoring on The Anti-Snore Shirt, Breathe-right nasal strips, and the Snore Wizard mouth guard. Dr. Michael Breus is on hand to give his opinion on the over the counter solutions. He says they can work, for some people. With the Nasal Strips, the most important thing is placement.

Since Colby wasn’t completely helped by any of the three products, Dr. Breus has some suggestions, including going in for a sleep test, which he agrees to do, and we’ll check back in with him in a week or so and see how it’s going.

Then we’re back in the kitchen for a bit of Rachael’s Cooking Show, where Mandy Moore is on hand to learn to cook Chicken with mushroom-Dijon Gravy, and to promote UpumpItUp which is a social networking site for women to help find balance in your live and promote wellness by setting challenges for themselves. One of Mandy’s challenges for herself is to learn to cook, which is why she’s there.

And big news! You think you can cook? The So You Think You Can Cook contest is back for round two! hit up >RachaelRay.com for entry guidelines! The prizes are fantastic and you only have till March 21st to enter! Get those tapes in!

It’s Friday, and the Dish is Back! (BTW - Love, love, LOVE Rachael’s outfit today!) After two weeks without it, Lara is back from a trip to Egypt where she was part of a press trip for the movie Jumper. She even did a BSLD - A breakfast, Snack, Lunch and Dinner video for us in downtown Cairo. After a quick story of almost getting in trouble for filming the snack portion in front of the sphinx, it’s time to get to today’s dish!

Today’s dish included the Burton Sleeper Hoodie, which has pockets to hold a sleeping mask, toothbrush, keyholder and change, and an inflatable pillow on the neck AND pit zips - it’s all you need on a plane for your next long trip for $100.

The mini hot iron from Warren Tricomi - heats in 3 minutes to keep your hair smooth and lovely on the road for $90.

Sally Hershberger Hair Products - Stylist to the stars now has a mainstream line at Walgreens, all for less then $15 bucks.

Mark Jacobs T-Shirts are raising money for NYU Cancer Institute, Protect the Skin Your In - this is what Posh Spice recently posed for, and the t-shirt David Beckham has been seen sporting round town.

And, last but not least - Michael Jackson, 25th Anniversary of Thriller CD! Hit the Giveaway button on the sidebar there and enter for a chance to win back part of our childhood!

He cooks, he sings, he’s easy on the eyes, he’s a fantastic actor - he’s the complete package… Dennis Quaid is up next to join Rachael at the Kitchen Table. He does a lot of the cooking in his house, especially his specialty, Gumbo. He talked a bit about his kids - his son is an animal, and he’s already promised his daughter a pony and anything else she might want. They touched on the medical overdose that hit the news so soon after his twins were born. He thanks everyone for their thoughts and prays, and feels they had a big factor in his kids’ recovery. They will be starting a foundation to help make the public aware of what questions should be asked and how to make sure the same things don’t happen to you. (Website coming soon)

Dennis is currently staring in Vantage Point, where he plays a secret service agent, which he says is a childhood dream. Upcoming projects has him staring with Ellen Page in Smart People. Of Ellen he says “I think she’s the next Meryl Streep. She can do anything.” He loves doing all genres, because he never could keep a job for longer then 3 months without getting bored - this way he can finish a film in that time and move on to the next one. He’s also working on GI Joe too! He does joke that he winds up in the ER on most action flicks, because he’s really clumsy, not because he takes big chances.

He plays in a band, the Sharks, where he plays in bare feet because it makes him feel like he’s just jamming out in his living room. He also likes to do charity golf tournaments where they raise money in order to bring kids from their countries where they can’t get help, and treat them here in the USA.

Time for another Cool Kitchen, and KC goes down south to see a Kitchen done in the style of a 50s Diner. Doing the renovations himself, it took Randy Kohrs (who recently won a grammy!) about 3 years to complete the kitchen in Nashville. His pot rack is a bumper from his car - waste not want not! I’m a little disturbed by KC saying “Completely pimpin’” but the kitchen itself is very cool. Not to be outdone, Kristan has her own DIY for a double-duty pot racks - hers is made from an upside down coffee table!

Today’s February Favorite is the Xbox 360 and SceneIt - hit the giveaway button on the sidebar down there for a chance at your own, and then it’s a plethora of goodies for an Oscar Party - or any fun occasion. Asian Tuna Sliders, Wild Mushroom Beef Sliders, and Ritzy White Pizza.

This time, Jeff Probst gives the show intro, Survivor style! He tells of the challenges that Rachael has put him through before, and then wheels out Rachael locked into a bamboo cage! He gives her a challenge - she has bamboo sticks she has to tape together, find the key on the stump and pull it back in order to get free - and she has until the grilled cheese Sammie is done to free herself. If she doesn’t - everyone will know that America’s Favorite Cook burnt the sandwich! He agrees to flip it for her, and she’s playing for Oral B Triumph toothbrush - because a toothbrush is the number one luxury on Survivor.

She survives the challenge, with a little 5 second help from an audience member to get the key on her stick. There was a lot of laughter, and good natured trash talk by Mr. Dimples himself. (Ya’ll know I’m a Survivor Fan, right? Right…)

They call a truce, of course, and talk a bit about the show. He admits to the fact that he HAS finally learned to make fire with flint and machete, but it’s not easy at all. He used to try the challenges, but they made him quit trying all of them because he’s the only host they have and can’t be breaking anything!

They talk about Palau, where they dive and fish a lot. You can catch your fish, and then take it to a nearby restaurant where they cook it up for you in about 20 minutes. His brothers were in Palau with him -one works on the show, the other visited, and he shared pictures of some of the under water exploration they did.

When asked why on earth people would do Survivor TWICE, he said that once people get home they realize they did something they never thought they could do - caught fish, built shelter, survived. It’s a live changing experience for a lot of people in a lot of ways - so Survivors always want to do it again. (Crazy buggers!) He even says they got what they deserved having Johnny Fairplay back on the show - but he’s over it, and JFP now.

Time for an instant Human Lab - the Bra edition with Gretchen. Three different breakthrough bras are tried by audience members - one enhances cleavage, another eliminates back fat, and the third is the perfect solution for full-busted women wearing backless dresses. Hit the giveaway button to win a set of your own, the Chic Shaper, The Backless Breakthrough, and Spanks Bra-llelujah.

Then we meet a viewer who has everything Orange, and has started a Rachael Ray club, where they’re throwing a potluck. He gets the first of today’s February Favorite - an orange suitcase on wheels - hit up the giveaway button for one the chance at of your own!

Keeping up with the orange theme - what’s for dinner? BBQ Courbon Orange Chicken Skillet with Cornbread Topper.