Watching Rachael Ray

Well, here’s a video just for you! Kirsten, a novice cook, picks a stoup and makes it - including making some of her own substitutions as needed for what she has on hand. The video is 7 minutes long, and with the sped up in parts, but it makes it pretty clear she didn’t have a problem completing the meal - and that it tasted good too, even with her substitutions!

If Kirsten can do it - so can you! Yum-o!

Do you obsess over sneakers? Do you simply have to have the latest in great footwear? Well then have I got a deal for you!

Alright, not exactly. However, all around New York city there have been commemorative Sneaker statues, 3 feet tall and 5 feet long, popping up to help aid the Blue Planet Run to raise awareness of Global Water shortages which are being auctioned off via Ebay. Some of the designers of the statues include: David Arquette & Courtney Cox-Arguette, Rosie O’Donnell, Rachael Ray, Mena Survari and the New York Giants Football Team. Each Sneaker Statue is a one-of-a-kind, and proceeds of the auction goes to benefit the Blue Planet Run Foundation, which funds water and sanitation projects to help people around the world who lack access to safe drinking water.

To create the statues, each celebrity designer received a standard-sized sneaker along with art supplies and inspiration about the official Blue Planet Run athletes. The designs were then transformed into larger-than-life sneaker statues and placed all over New York City to mark the start of the 2007 Blue Planet Run®.

Unsurprisingly, Rachael Ray’s sneaker is bright orange with red accents. You can bid on her sneaker until July 20th, as well as 17 other celebrity designed Sneaker Statues! What are ya waiting for?

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First Lady Laura Bush - repeat
It’s a show you’ll never forget when First Lady Laura Bush stops by! She’s talking about her crusade against heart disease and offering a rare look behind the closed doors of the White House kitchen, right down to the junk drawer! Then, The Insider’s Lara Spencer dishes on celebrity beauty secrets (stuff you can get at the drugstore!) and we’re backstage with Kelly Ripa as Rachael hits the runway for a good cause.

Susan Lucci - repeat
We searched for the Ugliest PJ’s in America, and you won’t believe how bad it can get! Soap opera legend Susan Lucci comes to the rescue, giving several women a sexy PJs overhaul that their husbands will love! Then, Dr. Brantley explains what your cravings are trying to tell you, Stacey Ballis has last-minute gift ideas for your sweetie, and Rachael is cooking a three-course romantic dinner that’ll give you a reason to stay in tonight. Enter for a chance to win a necklace or bracelet from the Susan Lucci line!

The ‘O’ Factor - repeat
Does it get any better than a visit from Oprah? See what Rachael has in store for her! Also, Rachael’s second favorite subject after food: shoes. Get tips that will have you looking good, getting more for your money - and actually able to walk a mile in high heels!

Cybill Shepherd - repeat
Cybill Shepherd is dishing the details on her hot Hollywood kisses! Then, three medical breakthroughs that could save your life, and beauty expert Sonia Kashuk reveals her lipstick dos and don’ts. (Those won’t save your life, but they’re darn good tips that’ll have you wearing the perfect shade!)

Judge Judy - repeat
It’s Judge Judy as you’ve never seen her before! See how she’s a softie with her 11 grandkids, find out how she found the courage to start a brand new career after 50, and get the two pieces of advice she swears by. Then, when two friends wear the same outfit, we’re playing “Who Wears It Better?” with bombshell Daisy Fuentes caught in the middle!

Don’t Forget!

Today on the Rachael Ray Show, the three finalists from the Next Food Network Star will appear and have five minutes with Rachael in the kitchen to make their signature dish. The judges will be sitting front and center with the audience. Should be a great show!

Go AMY! Knock ‘em dead!

Ok, seriously, this is getting ridiculous. Floating about is a scan of the new National Enquirer cover, which has gone the way of all the suxxors and decided to bag on Rachael Ray’s weight.

Now, I hated on that outfit the night of the Daytime Emmy awards because it does absolutely NOTHING for her figure - it was a horrible choice, and her hair wasn’t it’s best, and she was shiny and well. It was generally not a good night for our EVOO Diva.

And, for the record - if she’d gained weight like they suggest? Why didn’t they Photoshop her in some cleavage? She’d have some with extra poundage. I’m just sayin’. And yes, it’s clear that the picture WAS manipulated if you know where to look. And poorly done, too. (Check the facial features, the lift of the brows, the height of the hair - it’s the exact same picture, just badly Photoshopped) At the very core, it is quite simply a dress that’s awful for her figure on a bad day. No more, no less.

Now perhaps you’re wondering (and who isn’t) if Rachael Ray is really isn’t as fat as everyone says, where’s the proof? Here you go. She is no size 0 like the anorexic models out there, but she is certainly not fat in any way, shape or form. These pictures are from yesterday in New York where Rachael Ray helped kick off the Dunkin Donuts Serving Heroes Program:

Now - her horrible posture aside (My mama is wanting to poke her between the shoulder-blades AS WE SPEAK…) it is CLEAR that Rachael Ray is NOT fat, she is a NORMAL and HEALTHY woman, and all of ya’ll suxxors should just give it a rest. Talk about hating her food. Talk about hating her voice, her gestures, whatever - but for crissakes, LAY OFF her weight!

As a larger than normal woman - I demand it ya’ll eat a freakin’ donut, already, and chill.

Rachael, Ray, Rachael Ray, 30 minute meals, RR, TV, a day, Food Network, Everyday, Dunkin Donuts, weight, fat, National Enquirer.

Today, Rachael Ray and Dunkin Donuts celebrated those who serve the American public with the first-ever “Running of the Cups”. Fifty costumed people dressed as giant iced coffee ran through Manhattan delivering coffee and baked goods, paying tribute to police officers, firefighters, nurses, construction workers and train conductors.

At the event, Dunkin’ Donuts and Rachael Ray announced the launch of the Dunkin’ Brands Community Foundation Serving Heroes program, an ongoing program in which customers across the United States can nominate the hero who serves their community, especially in times of crisis. Nomination forms will be available at www.ServingHeroes.com. Each month one hero will have his or her story prominently featured on the website and will be awarded with a year’s worth of free Dunkin’ Donuts coffee. Submissions will be reviewed and selected by the Dunkin’ Brands Community Foundation.
[...]
“I’m thrilled to be part of the celebration, and to present $25,000 to the Leary Firefighters Foundation — a cause I personally support — to help rebuild firehouses in New Orleans,” said Rachael Ray. “We know that there are everyday heroes doing extraordinary things everywhere in this country, and the Dunkin’ Brands Community Foundation “Serving Heroes” program is designed to help recognize the hard work and support that these men and women provide their communities.”

There will be many other “running of the Cups” events in other cities in the coming weeks. Find out more about the organization at Serving Heroes and nominate your home town hero!

As a bonus - While talking to access Hollywood about the event and cause, she also talks about those pesky divorce rumors. Check it out here!

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Doing some traveling this summer? Looking for the hottest hot spots, and ready to take a Bite Outta America? Well check out the Everyday with Rachael Ray Magazine website for her new Mapped Out feature!

There, you can pick a destination, or see them all at a glance, and discover some of Rachael Ray and her crew’s favorite spots to stay, eat, shop and play! They’ve a demo to show you how it all works though it’s all pretty self-explanatory. Not only that, but you can submit your favorite destinations and spots as well and get yourself on the map!

Take Chicago, for instance! Are you headed there in a couple weeks with all of the BlogHers for their 2008 conference? Check out some of the hotspots and must sees - as well as find great places to eat!

What a fun and interactive tool to help plan your vacation! Oh yeah - while there, don’t forget to enter to win the Wild Week at Pikes Peak prize package, too!

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Obsess much, darling? Yes, Perez Hilton has posted not once - but TWICE this week already (and it’s only Monday!) about Rachael Ray and the rumors (that he gleefully helped start and spread!) of her impending divorce. The Queen of Mean has even pointed to the New York Post who is also spitting out ‘details’ and ‘confirmations’ that things are rocky, without a Ray of Hope to be seen! Says the NYP:

A source close to the couple told Page Six, “Her mother is in town from Lake George to help Rachael find an apartment.” Rumors of their split have been circulating ever since the National Enquirer reported last November that Cusimano paid Jeaninne Walz up to $500 a session to spit on him and rub her feet on his face in 2000, before he met Ray. Rumors are also circulating that Rachael “has been flirting” with Colby Donaldson, the ex-”Survivor” cast member who joined the “Rachael Ray” show in February, on and off the set.

First off - who WOULDN’T flirt with Colby Donaldson? Raaaaaaawr! (And I say that as a Survivor Addict, too!) The NYP does continue to quote the reply by Rachael’s rep as well, who of course denies the accusations and rumors. Now, as Perez says, reps are paid to lie - so he continues to believe that things are still going south.

Secondly - Really, who believes the National Enquirer? Do people SERIOUSLY really and truly believe that stuff? Tsk, tsk, tsk.

But it looks like Rachael Ray has come forward to Entertainment Tonight to finally refute the rumors herself:

“It’s ridiculous,” RACHAEL RAY tells ET of the reports she and husband JOHN CUSIMANO are splitting.

She explains that she first heard about the rumors when a friend text messaged her there were reports on the Internet that said she and John were ending their 2 1/2 year marriage.

“We were planning our anniversary when we got that text message,” she reveals. “We are extremely happy — couldn’t be happier.”

Rachael, who just returned from a trip in the Hamptons with John, says it boggles her mind where gossip like that begins. “I don’t know where something that outlandish comes from,” she says.

And it’s certainly not something that is bogging her and John down. “[It's] not hurtful at all,” she admits of the reports. “It’s hysterical!”

Well, WE know where such outlandish reports come from!

But there you have it! Of course, one could point out that ET is essentially a television tabloid, but what’re ya gonna do? The same thing the rest of us are - wait and see!

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All new episodes this week, kids! Check it out!

Do-It-Yourself “Spa-rty” - NEW
Do you like going to a spa, but hate paying big bucks for the treatment? Gretta shows you how to throw a spa party right in your own home for a fraction of the cost! Then, meet some “little Rachs” who give the real Rachael a run for her money in the cooking department! And what’s for dinner? How about breakfast!

Rach’s Road Trip - NEW
Hop in the car with Rachael, John and Isaboo as they head to one of the best vacation spots that nobody knows about! Then, meet a husband who left his wife at a rest stop for five hours! Plus, kids get a chance to “Ask Rach” and it’s a fancy French chicken dinner without the fuss.

The “Last-Minute Ideas” Show - NEW
Running out of places to hide your clutter when last-minute guests arrive? Rachael’s got some easy solutions. Then, need to pick up some last-minute gifts? We have some fun and unique ideas to fit every budget. And get Rach’s list of things she just can’t live without - including one of her favorite recipes.

Kids in the Kitchen - NEW
Smile and say cheese because we’re bringing in the experts to show you the top tips for taking the perfect picture. Then, learn the art of pizza dough tossing from the best in the business. And when Rachael meets a kid cook named Rachel Ray, she shares some of her favorite cooking tips for kids.

Next Food Network Star Showdown - NEW
Who will be the Next Food Network Star? The heat is on when the final three hit the kitchen for a challenge. Then, how making over your teeth can have you looking 10 years younger, and some viewers’ inventions you’ll wish you thought of creating!

The man everyone loves to hate has once again revealed that his insider ’source’ has told Perez Hilton the ever popular tidbit that Rachael Ray is this close to filing for a divorce from her husband John Cusimano. Rachael and Jon aren’t strangers to controversy, having been the subject of reports of sex and drug scandals (all on his side, of course) for some time. Leave it to Perez Hilton to jump on the bandwagon and point fingers!

But don’t worry fans! It seems that this report was near instantly rebutted by US Magazine, where reportedly Ray’s rep told them:

“”There is no truth to it and it’s a non-item….Rachael and John are happily enjoying the holiday week up at their cabin.”

So, as with all Perez Hilton’s “news” - take it with a grain of salt. With some extra thrown over the shoulder for luck, of course.

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So, did anyone else’s TV network show Thursday (today’s) Rachael Ray Show yesterday on the 4th? Mine did! I can only hope they play yesterdays today so that I can see it! Harumph.

Today’s show has some great tips for making small kitchens work better. I thought I had a small kitchen until they showed the second clip of the girl who doesn’t even have a stove, and still cooks amazing full course meals!

Some of the tips are things I already use - get a big cutting board that covers your stovetop (I use an upside down cookie sheet to cover both burners on one side, then place a cutting board on top of that), and that will increase counter space for preparing meals - especially if you only need one or two burners. (Or, in my case, only two burners work well! It’s a 30 year old stove!) You can also get a butchers block that fits over your sink, which gives you that additional space while preparing meals as well.

When buying pans and dishes and such - stay away from sets! Buy only what you need, and can store effectively. For instance, the only pans you really need are: a deep skillet for sauces, soups, and the like; Medium size pot for rice, etc; a pasta pot; and a skillet for eggs, etc. You don’t need that full knife set - you actually only need three - a chopping knife, a serrated knife for bread and a paring knife. Other sets can be broken down the same way.

Also on the show - more of Rachael Ray’s addiction to the hotdog in all forms! There was her Chicago Dog ’saint’ meal which included more veggies then bratwurst, and her panchetta wrapped Dog ’sinner’ meal. Yes. A hot dog wrapped in bacon. I gotta say that sinner meal had my son agreeing with Joey Hot Dog who has run a Hot Dog Cart in Queens for 48 years - it looked fantastic! And oh so un-figure friendly. But hey, sometimes ya gotta do, what ya gotta do. We’ll likely try them both out at some point for the Cook-off and see if it tastes as good as it looked!

How about you? Do you share Rachael Ray’s love for the hot dog?

Rachael, Ray, Rachael Ray, 30 minute meals, RR, TV, a day, Food Network, Everyday

Happy Independence Day to all my American friends - Happy Random Summer Day to everyone else! (Unless you’re in Australia, then Happy Random Winter Day!)

Don’t forget - today there’s a brand new episode of the Rachael Ray Show, so set your DVR/TIVO before you head out for your local festivities! My kids and I will be getting our annual “it didn’t LOOK that hot” sunburn through however many layers of sunscreen we put on, in between the random rain showers. Happens every year, you’d think we’d learn. Heh.

Seems the Rachael impersonator that I mentioned last week got herself an agent too - which means they redid the video and allowed embedding. So here ya go, some laughter to start off your holiday right!

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While the pages for the Rachael Ray Show, Yum-O, and the Everyday With Rachael Ray Magazine are still the same, the front portal at RachaelRay.Com has been updated! It loads much faster, is cleaner, and still has the fun and funky vibe we expect from everything RR!

I really dig the new design - it speaks to my designer soul. I sure hope the rest of the sites follow suit!

Of course, while you’re there, don’t miss the current special in the shopping section! Half off on all shipping for a limited time! That plus the Satisfaction Guarantee, how could you possibly go wrong? T-shirts, Cookbooks, Knives, Cookware, Kitchenware, music and even EVOO - there’s bound to be something there for you, or someone special! Check it out!

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Everybody Loves Patricia Heaton (repeat)
Patricia Heaton talks about life after Raymond, wild nights out in New York City and her off-Broadway role. Then, a complete guide to breakups for both the “dumper” and the “dumpee,” and Rachael’s take on the Sloppy Joe!

Antiques Throwdown (repeat)
Decades ago, Rach was kicked out of the Girl Scouts … now she’s ready to call a truce by teaching a troop to cook a badge-worthy meal! Then, it’s our first-ever antique-hunting challenge with the twins from Antiques Roadshow and The Insider’s Lara Spencer!

Fourth of July with Kyra Sedgwick - NEW!
It’s Rach’s 4th of July spectactular! The Closer’s Kyra Sedgwick shares her secrets for keeping the fireworks in her 19-year marriage to Kevin Bacon. Plus, fashion buddy Gretta shows you how to liberate your legs with shorts that work and a mom of seven has kid-friendly tips for the summer.

Space-Saving Ideas - NEW!
Have a small kitchen? Rach shows you how to increase your counter space and which pots and pans are the bare essentials. Plus, a legend on the streets of New York rolls his cart into our studio as Rach makes two hot dog dinners.

Valerie Bertinelli (repeat)
Valerie Bertinelli shares why she’s trying to lose 30 pounds with the whole world watching, and how a drawing by her son years ago made her decide to take a break from acting. Plus, how to control the amount of sex and violence your child sees on the tube, and a new look for a woman who’s had the same hair style for 20 years!

Rachael, Ray, Rachael Ray, 30 minute meals, RR, TV, a day, Food Network, Everyday

US Magazine.com is running a poll that’s right up our alley! Which celebrity chef/cook would you rather have in charge of your Fourth of July BBQ feast?

Bobby Flay - self professed King of the BBQ, or Rachael Ray, self-proclaimed Burger Queen.

Head over and place your votes and comments!

And of course - Rachael Ray is currently in the lead! We’re not surprised… are you?

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