Rachael Ray

As the warm weather approaches, so does that amazing time of year when summer fruits and vegetables overcrowd produce stands. When the cup runneth over, the best deals are had as prices drop to move the surplus. In other words, it’s time to come up with some new ideas to use up one of my favorite summer veggies: red bell peppers. Check out these three fresh new ideas to make the most of this summer’s bumper crop: ROAST ‘EM! I know that by now the idea of roasting a red pepper probably feels pretty familiar. It’s a simple way to get them cooked and ready-to-use after a few minutes of charring on a grill, gas burner, or under the broiler. What’s [...]...

Those of us familiar with the fabulousness that is tahini may know it as that rogue jar of peanut butter-ish spread that we pull out every few weeks to make hummus.  I promise you, though, that this staple of Middle Eastern and North African kitchens has a wealth of potential far beyond a run-of-the mill cracker spread. Tahini is an Omega-3 & Omega-6 rich paste made from ground sesame seeds that can often be found in the same area of the supermarket where olives, capers, and salad dressings are shelved.  Don’t be alarmed if you pick it up and it looks separated – that’s completely normal!  Just like natural peanut butter, the solids will separate from the oils over time.  What [...]...

If ever there was a spice more stereotyped by “one trick pony” status, cinnamon would take top honors.  We all know it as the backbone of Sunday morning French toast, the bit of lovin’ that makes snickerdoodles so delightful, or even that inedible stick floating in your warm apple cider. Cinnamon is so much more than all that!  It’s used the world over as an ingredient in cleaners and mouthwash and even makes a great alternative to moth balls in keeping critters out of your wardrobe.  Cinnamon is also highly acclaimed as an addition to savory foods in many types of cuisine all across Asia and North Africa.  Check out these three unexpected places to incorporate cinnamon that will give your [...]...

Last week, I posted a “Supermarket Score” blog with some new ideas for using up buttermilk.  One idea in particular – the homemade ricotta cheese – elicited some facebook comments and emails from some of my friends.  They were intrigued, but wanted to know more.  “It can’t be that simple to make at home!” some said.  “How do I know if I’m doing it right?” said others. Be not intimidated!  I’ve got a Play-By-Play coming your way to walk you through the whole thing so that you, too, can show off your own homemade ricotta cheese to your friends and family. GATHER YOUR EQUIPMENT & INGREDIENTS To make about 1 3/4 cups of fresh ricotta, you’ll need: · A medium saucepot · A fine-mesh strainer · [...]...

“Supermarket Score!” is all about taking a look at the great deals and delicious meals that are hidden in commonly found supermarket items. I’d be willing to bet that when you hear “buttermilk”, you probably think of either (A) pancakes, (B) biscuits, or (C) that mystery carton of dairy in the back of the fridge that only makes an appearance for Sunday morning pancakes and biscuits. Buttermilk often finds its way into our baked goods because the culturing process it goes through renders it full of lactic acid, which reacts with leavening agents like baking soda to create a higher rise and more tender product.  So carry on with your light & fluffy pancaking ways, Saturday morning champions! Why let [...]...

“Supermarket Score!” is all about taking a look at the great deals and delicious meals that are hidden in commonly found supermarket items. So I know what you’re thinking and I agree: nothing says “bring it on” like a post that has white beans in the title. But seriously, I know I don’t have to sell you on the merits of the great & mighty bean! This member of the legume family manages to find its way onto my table at least once (and often more) a week. When I’ve got the time I cook them from scratch, but the prepared canned varieties are a great way to add fiber and protein to a meal that either contains no meat [...]...

“Supermarket Score!” is all about taking a look at the great deals and delicious meals that are hidden in commonly found supermarket items. I can remember, clear as day, being a kid at my babysitter Kimmy’s house and watching one of the boys across the table from me eat raw ramen noodles with his lunch.  Horror.  Or so I thought with the worldliness of a five year old. How behind the curve I was on the universal glory of ramen noodles. Being a college student at culinary school has a way of necessitating some fascinating dorm room inventions, often times with the most classic of college foods – ramen noodles – at the core of it all.  Taking a bit of that alma [...]...

So last week’s “Supermarket Score: Pumpkin” post garnered quite a few comments (much to my appreciative surprise).  I heard from many a die-hard baker out there that could appreciate the suggestion of a Pumpkin Corn Muffin, but didn’t want to go the boxed mix route.  They wanted to go old school and make them from scratch. So this week’s post is all about you, at-home-bakers!  A Pumpkin Corn Muffin to call your very own (and kudos to you for shirking off a boxed mix in pursuit of getting your hands a bit dirty)!  What I particularly enjoy about this recipe is the amount of salt in it.  While it does have some brown sugar to help bring out the sweetness in the [...]...

“Supermarket Score!” is all about taking a look at the great deals and delicious meals that are hidden in commonly found supermarket items. It’s that blissful time of year where pumpkin starts emerging in all forms from muffins and martinis, to lattes and lobster rolls (well, maybe not so much the latter).  The point is, now is our chance to savor as much pumpkin as possible - and with good cause!  Pumpkin has a low glycemic index and is a great source of fiber and vitamin A.   Plus it’s readily available (en masse especially this time of year) in the supermarket baking aisle But what to do with it beyond quick breads and pies?  Check out these four great ideas for making [...]...