Watching Rachael Ray

Last week, Marvin’s antics got him blasted all over the message boards and probably the only one NOT surprised was me! But that’s because I know him from Big Brother, baby! oor Milton was sent home, much to everyone’s ire, and the remaining four - including Marvin - are back for the next set of challenges!

First up, Madison, Morgan, Donna and Marvin - who’s sporting a Yum-O shirt. Suck up Denied! Rach is not judging today. Ha! The first challenge will be in two parts - first up, peel and de-vain as many shrimp as possible in 60 seconds. Hey, can you cook? Prove it! Rach lets them know she has high shrimp standards, while Marvin starts up with the trash talking, and Donna counters with Jersey in the HOUSE guys! Time runs out and Marvin is pretty sure he wins, and Rach makes fun of him for it. “Every challenge Marvin assumes he wins. Let’s see.” She nixes every single one of his shrimp, much to everyone’s delight. Two of the ladies are tied with two that pass inspection, so it’s Time for Shrimpy Sudden Death.

Now they have to butterfly the shrimp - placed cut side down, tails up, no holes, 60 seconds! They tie AGAIN - Donna and Madison get the advantage. Today’s challenge tests their flexibility. Dinner for a family of 4, with little time, and the Ray Mart for shopping. Hah! 1 protein, and anything else they like, but they only have 30 minutes to make a dinner for 4, with a limited pantry as well. They only have limited time to shop as well - 1 minute 15 seconds for the winners, Donna and Madison, and Marvin gets told to shut up by Rach as he’s given 30 seconds, and the Lindsey is given 45 seconds.

Choose wisely - because the judge? Rocco de Spirito!

Rocco says straight up he’s looking for FAIR PLAY - balanced meals, that taste good and are creative. Rachael reminds them to taste the food - don’t forget to taste! The time comes out and everyone hits the Ray-Mart to get their ingredients. It’s a mad rush, and MAdison has beans, hotdogs and applies as her top three - Donna has beans, hot dogs, tomatoes, Lindsay has sausage and begals, and peanut butter beans and candy bars and says she’s throwing them off… Marvin has beef, terriaki and balsomic, sausage, souther flavers and Rachael reluctantly agrees he did smart shopping. They have 30 minutes - can you cook? PROVE IT!

They’re off, running for the prep kitchen, as Rocco joins Rachael at the kitchen table to chat. Rachael congratulates him on his Dancing with the Stars stint, and how brave she thinks it is. He laughs about his elimination, because two 8 year olds were there to show him how bad he was. Great! But hey, where else do you get to wear Pink Ruffles? And dance with one of the most beautiful women in the world. He considered it a beautiful incredible gift. Even as he was terrified the whole time, counting while hoping not to drop your partner, and being yelled at to slow down through the whole thing.

His best date meal? He tells the guys to COOK for their girls, it’s sexy and doesn’t matter what it is. He says Lobsters are sexy date dish, risotta - if you pay attention to one thing for 40 minutes for a girl? She’ll love you. who wouldn’t? He’s looking forward to thanksgiving, of course, and he doesn’t believe in messing with the classics - stick with Turkey and stuffing. It’s perfect the way it is.

He considers himself a Reformed Gormet, and spent his life learning how to cook fabulously, and then he got home and realized that’s a whole different ball game. Chefs inspire, but you have to make it empowering for people to cook at home. It’s not the food, it’s about the people you share it with, so he’s put out his new cookbook, and new show Rocco Gets Real. He gives more details backstage!

We check back with the contestants in the prep kitchen, where time is running out - while Rachael whips up some Corn Dog Chili for the winners.

In the prep kitchen, it’s almost judgement time - 2.5 minutes left, as Rachael looks around to see what’s in there - and Marvin’s looks a little.. uh… messy. Everyone else looks pretty good - aw, tricky apples! That’s cute! Times UP! Here comes Rocco.

Marvin made Pastrami and Sausage with pasta and Lacquered Carrots - Rocco says that he expected a lot, the whimsy is there, but it was more spin art then culinary art and Rocco wonders if he tasted it - it was ok, but he is in the bottom two.

Madison made Modern Frank and Beans and Rocco loved it, especially the use of swiss cheese - the cinnimon wasn’t necessary, and she didn’t win, but is safe for another week.

Donna made Rocco’s Fagiole, with garlic toast. Rocco says she’s a great mom, he can tell it was fantastic - and the bacon was fantastic and sweet, and wonderful. She didn’t season all the pasta with the same seasoning, a some didn’t quite get any underneath.

Lindsey made White Bean and Sausage Soup, with the apples and dip on the side. Rocco calls her a natural and her stew was genius! And she had a second course out of candy bars (for the dip) which she called her Bribe Item “eat your soup you get THIS!”

The winner is? LINDSEY!

Donna and Marvin are the bottom two, Marvin looks a little worried, as well he should when you compare the comments from Rocco - and Marvin is indeed eliminated. Don’t forget to catch Marvin’s reaction to being eliminated as he chats backstage!