Watching Rachael Ray

Monday’s show saw Kyle Chandler and his TV wife Connie Britton stopping by to join Rachael at the Kitchen table to talk about Friday Night Lights. Chandler, the tough talking Football Coach confesses to needing a bit of home when he travels to Texas to shoot the show – he has to bring along one of his three dogs – Miss Wiggles. Who he admits to calling Rocket in public, to help maintain his image. (He was joking!)

Then Connie took over the head of the table to discuss what it’s like to work with all those men. She says it’s heaven and they treat her like a princess, except for Kyle, who’s the biggest practical joker on set – making her a natural target with her gullibility. She tried to get him back, but just couldn’t pull it off – Chandler reigns supreme in the practical joking department!

Becoming a first time mom is a scary proposition – especially when it comes to outfitting the nursery. Never fear! Rachael’s buddies are on scene to help everyone pick and chose. A group of Los Angeles mommies got together to form Baby Planners to help expectant parents shop, plan and gear up for the new arrival – everything from car seats and strollers to diaper pails! Check their site out for some great tips!

Confused by all the different kinds of salt that the Food Network hosts and chefs are always blathering on about? Me too! Rachael took the time on Monday to straighten out some of the confusion.

Use Coarse Kosher Salt for everyday cooking (over the shoulder for luck!), and Sea Salt in a grinder on the table fo extra seasoning. Fleur de Sel, ‘flower of the sea’ is a very pricey salt as it’s imported from France where it’s hand harvested. Rachael says it just tastes like salt so you’ll have to decide on your own if the extra price is worth it. Grey Salt still has all the minerals in it and is hand-harvested as well. It adds an earthy flavor that gives added depth to your cooking. Smoked salts add great flavor as well, and are really nice for dipping.

And, of course, what’s for dinner? Greek Nacho Bowls and Buffalo Chicken Meatballs.

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