Watching Rachael Ray

We start with the mailbag today, to talk to one fan who’s beyond loyal - she wouldn’t even miss the show while giving birth to her baby! She asked what she missed on that day, and the guests from the show gave Kimberlie a rundown of all that happened while her attention was elsewhere. Kimberlie is in the front row with her son - who cried whenever Rachael got close. Haha!They even gave her a portion of the meal that day, a DVD of the show, the recipe and a Nancy Drew DVD - hit the give away button on the sidebar for the chance to win your own.

Next up is a quick I-chat with Robin in New Jersey who wants advise on how to wow her food demonstration customers. Rachael lets her know that going for the kids is a sure fire way to make Mom and Dad smile too. Wear bright colors and just be friendly is all there really is to it.

Last but not least, Daniel wants to know how to fire someone - he doesn’t want to be ruthless or overbearing. Rachael says to do it like her mama - look at them straight in the eye and let them know why - after you’ve given them a few chances. She’s not an authority though, so she brings in Ivanka Trump, someone very familiar with the phrase “You’re fired!” as she heard it on The Apprentice every week with her father. She agrees that the advise was useful, and the way to go.

OF course they dish about The Donald, and Celebrity Apprentice. Ivanka says she doesn’t always agree with her father - but since he’s not there, she’ll admit she’s usually right. Ivanka laughs and says Donald can come on the show and refute it if he wants too. They’re almost done choosing contestants for season two, and Ivanka loves the whole process. She admits that it’s a collaboration and sometimes it boils down to who she wants to meet - if there’s good looking men, it’s safe to assume that she choose them, not her dad!

Ivanka is the spokeswoman for Callaway, who did a line of clubs exclusively for women. She does a demo - but doesn’t sink the put, but you can enter with that handy dandy button below for your chance to win an Odyssey Divine 2-Ball Putter from Callaway.

Next up, Jared is on hand with some more animals to make Rachael uneasy as usually. She even gets her to try and kiss the camel, before giving her a pet - then bringing on the cleaning crew for the Camel Poopy Break. Jarod does a segment of Kissing cousins, and you can view the animals in the segment here.

After some chicken tips with Rachael, it’s time for dinner - Chipoltle Chicken Enchiladas.

OK - so that shirt is the kind of shirt that starts “belly bump” talks, if it wasn’t Rachael and the fact that she insists she won’t have kids. Valerie joins Rachael at the kitchen table right at the top of the show today, to dish about her new book. She’s also bearing gifts from her trip to Canada - a purse, tomato growers, some wine from a favorite restaurant, and even some things for Isaboo, and who join them on stage, with hubby John Cusimano too.

They talk about the book signing that Valerie’s been on with her new tell all book, Losing it. She shares a bit of her video diary that they did during the tour, including the moment when she found out her book went number one. She loves the people who come up and say they’ve been inspired and can see themselves - it’s all she could hope for in writing the book. It’s what she has always wanted to do - inspire and help people.

The book covers everything - drugs, infidelity, weight loss, divorce - Valerie says it was a way of creating a clean slate. She’s purging all the shame that she’s felt now that she’s purged the weight. She is who she is because of all the choices she’s made and proud to be who she is. It’s even lead to apologies with her ex, Eddie Van Halen and a new connection that’s very good.

The big news - there’s the possibility of a talk show, something inspirational. She doesn’t know just yet, but does plan to write a follow-up book because there are so many stories inside of her. Valerie wants to write more about the divorce and how to treat the kids right - don’t forget they come first.

They talk about how the parents feel about Valerie’s book, and how proud they are of them. Valerie can’t quite bring herself to ask them if they’ve read it. Of course, Rachael has to go a step farther and get dad on the line to ask if they liked the book. Dad says there’s a little too much information, but they’re extremely proud of her, she’s a beautiful person. Valerie is a bit teary and says dad looks at the positive ending, he’s the happy guy.

Wolfie, Valerie’s son, hasn’t read it yet. Val jokes “He can’t even get through the books he’s supposed to read for school! He’s not going to read his mom’s book.” Rachael asks how it is to raise a rock and roll son, talking about not doing drugs and such when mom and dad did. She says it’s just do as I say, not as I do. It’s working so good so far, but she did all of her stuff in her 20s, so she’s trying to hold on for him to be good through those upcoming decade too.

After some audience questions, Rachael headed to the kitchen in order to make dinner - Fish Tacos with Quick Slaw, Avocado Sauce and Green Rice.

Monday
Valerie Bertinelli

Her bombshell book hit #1 and now for the first time Valerie opens up about life after the tell-all. See her personal video diary from the road, and find out what her parents really think about the racy revelations from her past. Plus, we’re breaking big Bertinelli news on the next chapter in her life!

Tuesday
Ivanka Trump

She holds her own on The Apprentice, but how does the Donald’s daughter hold up in a disagreement with dad? Ivanka Trump talks about the new season of Celebrity Apprentice and then hits the putting green with Rach! Plus, Jarod’s back with new animals and a new game called “Kissing Cousins” before Rachael shares her latest express-lane meal.

Wednesday
Ty Pennington’s Extreme Gift Makeover

We’re giving Ty Pennington an all-new challenge in the first-ever Extreme Gift Makeover. Watch him hit the streets and get the 4-1-1 on buying the perfect gift. The makeovers continue when Kristan Cunningham rescues a couple who are in over their heads with do-it-yourself home improvement. Get KC’s secrets for making almost any DIY project a success.

Thursday
The Office’s John Krasinski

Find out what everyone warned John Krasinski about when he started working with George Clooney on Leatherheads - and don’t miss Rachael’s backstage prank of her own on The Office star. Plus, Jake Glaser opens up about losing his famous mom, his sister, and living with HIV. What’s for dinner? Rachael’s grilled cheese with an Italian twist.

Friday
Biggest Diet Mistakes

Can’t figure out why your diet isn’t working? We’ve got two frustrated moms, their food diaries, and the shocking truth about the food you’re eating. Then, Hairspray cutie Brittany Snow makes a prom night dream come true, and Lara’s latest Dish shows you how to turn your DNA into a work of art!

They pulled a fast one on me with the newsletter - it said Friday would be a rerun, but oh no - It’s new! Not only is it new, but on the show is the one and only Jodie Foster! Love her!

After an introductory reel of her past works and a glimpse at the new movie, Jodie joins Rachael at the kitchen table for a chat. They talk about all the intense rolls she’s done, and if she enjoys that. Jodie says she does, she loves the intensity, then being able to do something completely different. She says it’s easy for her to shake off the intensity after the day is done and relax with her kids. Jodie is looking forward to having some time off after doing two movies recently (The Brave one and Nim’s Island) then getting back into the directors chair.

Where does she keep her Oscars? She kept them in the Bathroom for a long time because they matched her fixtures, until they started to corrode on the bottom, so now they’re on a book shelf - they don’t replace them, after all!

Nim’s Island are the first movie she’s been able to take her kids too - ages 9 and 6, and they enjoyed watching her be so lame. Jodie enjoyed shooting the underwater scenes, and the zip lines are super fun. She dishes on costar Abigail Breslin, who is a true city girl, but by the end of the movie she was a regular wild child, with her hair all ratted and stuff. The movie sounds like a great time! She considers the movie a great lesson too, about finding heroism without laser beams and figuring things out for yourself.

Jodie recently took her kids to Iceland, a vacation with a catch - no electronics allowed. Everyone can benefit from a weekend of gadget-free adventures. Jodie also works to get her kids to try new foods as they both can be picky eaters. They do a “new food day” and make something that they all have to try and if they hate it, they can spit it out. Rachael loves both ideas of course, and has issued two challenges - Unplug For A Day, and New Food Crew.

Her oldest has inherited her sense of humor too - very try and it tends to be R rated, which she has to tone down around the kids, of course. The little one is all about focus and pretending. Jodie’s real obsession is guitar hero, and they hooked it up in the ‘driveway’ on the big screen where Jodi will play them out to commercial. - while squealing that it’s on HARD! not supposed to put it on hard! She’s a rock star, of course!

Next up, Evette is on hand to show off some of the best Dining By Design tabletops for DIFFA, and to set up one of her own, too. They raise money for AIDS education. The only requirement is it has to seat 10 people - other then that is everything goes. One of them even projects images all over - the screens behind, the table, and even the diners would be wearing white to have the images on them too. Evette’s entire floor is coffee beans - I bet it smelt fantastic! From green environment to dining on a sweater to surrounding an acrobat suspended upside down over the table, it’s all a great setting for a great cause - and LuAnn from the Real Housewives Of New York was there!

One entire setting was knit! (hear that mom?) 15 people in the office knit for months to make it! Evette even had some at home tips for setting a hot table for your guests. Her three main trends for now- Pick a theme and center your table around it - how to pick a theme? Center it around something you love, and use what you’ve got. Another trend is mixing and matching - all your dinnerware doesn’t need to match! Shop the discount stores and get what you like - set the table, and pull it together with matching placemats and napkins. And the third big trend is to use nature - leaves and flowers and twigs and use those to dress your table.

With all these fantastic tables, you have to know what’s for dinner, right? Chicken Noodle - hold the soup!

We start off today with a bit of fun as it looks like Rachael enters three times from different directions - of course it’s just her, with two look-a-likes - one that doesn’t looks so much alike, and one that might look like her if you squint a little and turn your head just right. Rachael jokes that it could work out for her, one to go to 30-minute meals, another to Tasty Travels but without Rachael’s husband, and hey honey, I’ll be home soon! The girls got their hair cut for the occasion, and then promised to keep in touch for later bits.

Jarod Miller is on the scene next with some more of his wild animals, and his idea of an April Fools’ joke - a rattlesnake in a box. I had to fast forward through it, sorry. Heh. A Koatamundi, Ocelat, and a Loris round out the segment, before they decide to play a guess the Celeb/Animal mix. The first is Tony Hawke, mixed with a Hawk of course, and one flys in to join the fun briefly. The next is a mystery guest - and Jeff Foxworthy (mixed with a Fox, of course) is on hand to dish a bit with Rachael at the Kitchen Table.

Jeff has yet another talent, it turns out - he’s got a children’s book out called Dirt on My Shirt, and it’s different then everything else he’s done. He says it’s his favorite, and also the scariest thing he’s accomplished. He sat down to right and figured it’d be easy - after three days, he realized it was the hardest thing ever! He explains the meaning behind the title - when he was a kid, if you finished the day so dirty that your mom insisted on stripping you before you were allowed in the house, you had a GREAT day! He figured every kid likes pretend, loves to play, and has weird relatives and that’s what his book is about.

Always a fan of playing games, Jeff stuck around for a round of Stump the Rach with a Backnobber, Electric Marshmellow Toaster, Fruit Combo Rack, and a Nubrella.

What’s for dinner? A Spring Supper -Broiled Lamb Rib Chops with Salsa Verde.

Everyone knows what a DWTS junky Rachael is, and today she’s got none other then Samantha Harris, one of the hosts, to give us the inside scoop on this season. Rachael says she’s a fan of so many of the stars this season she doesn’t know who to root for. Samantha says that Pricilla Presley looks and dances amazingly, especially for her age. Adam is the ‘every man’, the guys’ guy. Samantha has something nice to say about all of the contestants, of course. There’s talk about Marlee Matlin too, as the season’s first hearing impaired contestant, and Rachael says she might have to go with her for the win.

Something you might not know, but Samantha is a floss freak - flossing while watching TV, all part of the prep that goes into looking fantastic on the red carpet at the Oscars - where she had to sew up the slit in the dress to make it a little less riske.

What would be a segment with a new mom with some dishing about the itty bitty? Samantha’s daughter is now 5 months old, and in discovering her daughter, Jocelyn’s smile she realized she wanted to help those less fortunate kids to enjoy their smiles too. She’s now involved in Operation Smile, an organization that repairs facial disfigurements for children around the world.

Want the look of Rachael’s kitchen? Fun and spunky and great for the kids too? Evette Rios is on the job to help a family achieve just that. Todd and Laura want a place for the whole family - she hated her boring kitchen, and Evette helps them “Rachael-ize” on a budget! Black and white checkered tile from Home Depot liven up the floor, a magnetic primer with chalkboard paint on top turns one wall into a multi-purpose delight, then small touches liven it up even farther, with purchases from HomeGoods. Don’t forget the countertops - with a secret weapon, the DVD called Countertop Transfauxmations, which teaches ways to make your countertop look brand new. Fridge magnets of the ULTIMATE style change the look and color of the boring white fridge, some graphics on the dishwasher to add color splashes, and Laura loves it - she’s ready to spread the EVOO around with abandon. Click here for some more tips from Evette.

Don’t forget to hit the giveaway button for a chance to win a set of Rachael’s pots and pans for your own kitchen!

Next up, Rachael calls on a pet therapist, Sonya Fitzpatrick who talks to animals and “hears what they’re saying back. Not verbally, but with feelings, emotions, senses, pictures and telepathically.” Okay. She tries to help three pet owners, one with a shy dog, who Sonya says is missing a friend, saw a lot of dogs coming and going as they worked with their rescue dogs, and fears she will have to leave too. Potatoes the cat is very mischievous, knocking things over, stealing jewelry and not using the litter box. Sonya says its because they use a disinfectant to clean the littler box. Last but not least, Mickey the jealous parrot doesn’t like the woman of the house much. Sonya says that parrots are like that and will often see their human as their mate and she considers Candy a rival - she suggests that she talk to her sternly, like a parent, and don’t take it personally.

(…as for me, I think this is probably the most ridiculous segment ever…)

And we end the show with a slower cooked Coq au Vin - shocking, I know!

Only two new shows this week - Monday and Tuesday. The original recaps of W/T/F are linked as available!

Monday
Dancing with the Stars Scoop - New

Want to know who’s got the edge this season on Dancing with the Stars? Host Samantha Harris is breaking it all down! Then, meet a woman who says she can communicate with animals, and see what happens when we put her to the test. Plus, Evette’s incredible (and budget-friendly!) makeover for a family that wants their kitchen to look just like Rachael’s.

Tuesday
April Fool’s Surprises - New

It’s April Fool’s Day so get ready for an hour of the unexpected! First up, Jarod Miller is back with jaw-dropping animals … and wait until you see his idea of a practical joke! Next, a hilarious star drops in for a round of celebrity “Stump the Rach,” and for dinner there’s no foolin’ that it’s the perfect spring meal.

Wednesday
The Rock

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is showing his softer side when he sits down to talk about becoming a father. Then, do you love designer jeans but don’t want to spend the money? Gretta is showing you how to get the season’s hottest looks for less. Plus, a takeout style dinner that’ll be done quicker than the delivery guy could make it over!

Thursday
30 Rock’s Back!

The hit show returns next week, but we have Tina Fey right now! She’s sharing stories from the show, reminiscing about her SNL days, and bragging about her 2-year-old’s artistic masterpieces! Then, is your struggle to look young getting old? Our beauty pro has five easy makeup tricks that can take years off your face.

Friday
Nicollette Sheridan

The sexy Desperate Housewives star has the scoop on her co-stars and her life at home with fiancé Michael Bolton. Plus, Lara Spencer has the latest celebrity Dish, and Rachael has a classic German meal with a smokey new twist!

Today we start with Rachael crawling in the back window of her set after a wave, and bumping her head. She laughs and says she didn’t think she had that much flexibility left, and then moves into talking about how easily someone can break into your house - even if you think you’ve taken enough precautions.

Former Jewel thief Walter Shaw is on the show to talk about home safety which he now teaches after 20 years of being on the wrong side of the efforts. A reader, Erica, allowed them to come in and set up cameras, and she swore there was no way someone could break into the master bedroom while she was downstairs with her family for dinner - 15 people were right under the room in question. The video, of course, shows that Shaw used Erica’s ladder to climb through a window and raid her bedroom, making off with jewelry, passports and social security cards. He made it inside and out in just 8 minutes, and called it “a piece of cake” and that there was “nothing to it”.

Erica was shocked, though relieved it wasn’t a real robbery, and glad she could help teach her family the lesson about safety. Through a very long segment where Rachael kept things light, there were some good tips to help protecting your family:

* Keep the window alarms on at all times - even when you are home.
* Choose clever hiding places for valuables. Five key areas are usually targeted - between the mattresses, the night stand, the bathroom, the vanity, the closet - so pick other places.
* Wire the floor of your bedroom closet with silent alarms
* Place heat sensors outside of the house to trigger lights.
* Consider smaller dogs as watch dogs - they’re yappers and hard to catch. They’re the most annoying.
* Lock the shed and the garage, and make sure your ladder is chained to stop a burgler from using it.
*The most important tip is to keep your mouth shut - don’t tell people of your new, expensive, possessions. There’s no reason to tell your stylist that your husband just bought you a diamond necklace. Don’t advertise.

You can hit the giveaway button down there, and win Walter’s book, where he talks about all this and more about his experiences. Even as light as the conversation was kept, remember that being burglarized is no joke, and very invasive as well as potentially dangerous.

Next up, Skeet Uprich is in the house, talking about being the town sheriff in Jericho (which we all know has recently been cancelled, though hadn’t been at time of taping, apparently.). They talk about the cultlike following of the show, and Skeet says it’s pretty humbling and great to be a part of something like that. It’s the first time in 26 years that a show has been brought back from the dead.

Skeet talks about being a dad to twins, and says it’s the best of life. He calls them an old married couple, very alike in ways, different in others. They have each other’s backs, but are the first to turn each other in. He loves the experience of being a dad, and he’s started taking cooking classes with his kids. They end the segment by doing some skeet shooting on a WII where they both did pretty awful, but Rachael came out on top by a score of 17-2.

To be honest, this is one of the shortest, and disappointing, TV star interviews ever - what’s with that?!

Next up, two moms who document their crusade to improve school lunches in a film called Two Angry Moms. Independent filmmaker Amy Kalafa teamed up with Susan Rubin to document how schools need to improve their lunches and how some have taken steps to offer healthier choices for kids. They’re even offering free teleclass, School Food 101. For more tips on what to be aware of and some tips - check out the Better School Food website.

So, what’s for dinner? Pork Chops in Tangy Fire-Roasted Tomato Sauce with Bacon-Pea Polenta.

PS - sorry it’s been so long and slow in the recaps lately - between show repeats, and the business that comes with hamster watching over at Big Brother Craze, I’ve been swamped! I’m doing my best though!

A mixture of new and repeat shows this week - I’ll link to my original recaps in the title for the repeats where available.

Monday
A Burglar’s Tricks Revealed - New

Meet a man who says he can rob you and get away clean in only eight minutes while you’re home eating dinner! Don’t miss a shocking hidden-camera investigation and get tips from a reformed burglar about how to protect your family. Plus, Skeet Ulrich is one tough sheriff on the hit show Jericho, but is he a big softie when it comes to his twins?

Tuesday
Christie Brinkley’s Beauty Secrets - Repeat

She’s been America’s favorite cover girl for decades, so what’s Christie Brinkley’s secret for staying sexy after 50? The supermodel and super-mom reveals her head-to-toe beauty secrets, and then heads to the kitchen to help Rachael whip up a recipe from her latest cookbook!

Wednesday
Survival Guide for Moms - New

The kids, the housework, the job … do all these demands have you on the brink of a breakdown? We have the four simple steps you need to get your life back! Plus, a new bottom-of-the-jar recipe, Evette’s space-saving ideas, and an incredible story about pets rescued from a raging fire.

Thursday
Donald Trump - Repeat

He’s unstoppable in the boardroom, but is Donald Trump “unstumpable”? See if Rachael can Stump the Trump! Then, the “Human Lab” has three smokers who are trying new products to kick the habit for good, and Rachael’s cooking up a power burger that Trumps all others.

Friday
Rashida Jones - New

Actress Rashida Jones is talking about her new show Unhitched, her famous parents, and revealing what she never leaves home without! Then, check out the shopping cart that tells you how much your groceries cost, get an update from a guy who went around the world for free, and Lara’s on a top-secret mission in Panama to find the latest 007 Dish on the new James Bond movie.

There’s mostly repeats this week - so hit the Title Link to go to my original recaps!

Monday
Rach’s “Biggest” Mystery Taster

The elevator is coming down with a superstar, and he’s literally our biggest Mystery Taster ever! Plus, Dancing with the Stars winners Helio and Julianne are dancing into Rachael’s studio … and even taking her for a spin!

Tuesday
Teri Hatcher

Sexy TV star Teri Hatcher is our celebrity guest, and then we’re having breakfast, lunch and dinner with the stars of the smash hit High School Musical 2. Then, can the food you eat really boost your sex drive? You won’t believe what happens when we put three viewers to the test!

Wednesday
Michael Bublé’s Dream Date

Is your body image wrecking your sex life? Get tips for feeling sexy in your own skin and find out the one thing that could heat up your love life forever! Next, Michael Bublé drops in to perform his hit single, and he’s whipping up the perfect date dish with Rachael.

Thursday
Human Lab: Makeup

Kaley Cuoco from The Big Bang Theory takes you inside her fridge and shares memories of her TV dad, the late John Ritter. Then, our buddy Gretta is putting all the makeup claims you hear about to the ultimate test. Is there really such a thing as “no-smear” mascara and do those lipsticks that are supposed to last all day long really work? Find out which products survive our “Human Lab.”

Friday
Steve Carell

The hilarious actor stops by to talk about his movie, Dan in Real Life, and shares why it’s so difficult to discipline his precocious 6-year-old daughter. Plus, Lara Spencer’s sharing the latest Hollywood buzz, and you’ll need to open a can of beer for Rach’s chicken dinner!

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!

First off -I love the cut of that shirt on Rachael! Not too fond of the lace, but the shape of it is really nice. Anyway, we start off talking about Oprah and her new show, The Big Give, and how it’s better then reality shows that are the worst of the worst, but this one challenges you to be as good as you can be. The host of the show, Nate Berkus is there to talk a bit about being picked as host of a show that’s so big and beautiful - he says it’s like an out of body experience. He’d done makeovers on the Oprah’s show before, and he wasn’t sure he wanted to be on TV more - but he did it because it’s an amazing show.

It’s a complete emotional roller coaster, but more of an inspiration to think of your life different. The Big Give is basically a search for the next American Hero - they’re everyday people, not angels. One woman was there because she’d made a lot of bad choices, and figured it was time for botox and a boob job, or to turn her life around. That’s why she’s on the show.

Rachael issued a challenge of her own in tribute to the show. She challenged 10 PTA moms to make a difference with one week and 40 gallons of paint and supplies at their disposal. The ladies clean up the local playground that was in bad shape, as well as spent time to help a local little girl and her mother. Victoria is 10 years old and has cerebral palsy and had recently spent 5 weeks in the hospital after a surgery. They painted and decorated her room, and raised $1500 to go toward the medical bills with a bake sale. The giving continues with donations of a chair lift, free groceries for a year, and $20,000 n gift cards from Sears and Kmart.

One of the judges on The Big Give is Jamie Oliver, the Naked Chef. He joins Rachael and talks a little about being on the show, but he’s really there to show off the clip of them at the South Beach Food & Wine Festival, where they had a healthy kids cook-off. Justin Willman was the MC and a team of mom and dad judges tasted the offerings whipped up by Team Ray - with Sydney and Ramal - and Team Oliver -with Jenna and Justin

After 20ish minutes, they served up Monte Cristo Sandwich with Fruite Compote, against Flapjacks with Sernifredo Ice Cream Sundae. The judges declared it a tie, with all the kids getting gift certificates to Willams Somoma. Check out the Yum-o organization for more kid friendly meals!

And what’s for dinner? Talapia Sammies.