Watching Rachael Ray

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.