Watching Rachael Ray

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.