Rachael Ray

we love to hear Rach talk about how she came up with the designs of her products.  Here she talks about the two or three essential pans everyone needs.  See our Video page for all of her product vids. ...

I had the pleasure of having some friends over for dinner on Sunday afternoon.  This included three professional chefs and one food writer, plus their partners, my boyfriend and my children. Two of the chefs and the writer are meat experts and the other chef is a pastry chef.   I thought about all of these recipes I had been wanting to try, but then realized that I might mess up if I tried something new, offend them because it was mundane, or worse, what if I accidentally chose a recipe that I learned from them? I decided the only thing I could do is to cook what I know-the food of my people. I grabbed my boyfriend, a fellow Sicilian, [...]...

Has anyone else been following this juice craze?  For years I have been making smoothies in my normal, cheap blender, using something like skim milk, berries and bananas.  Sound familiar? These were always my go-to way to get my kids to drink their fruits, but boy has that drink evolved into something completely different. It seems everywhere I turn, a juice bar has popped up and everyone is walking around drinking green juices.  I always thought these wheat grass concoctions were reserved for the ultra health-conscience vegan extremists, but then one day, I decided to try one. This one mixed lemon, parsley, ginger, apple and kale.  It is so delicious and surprisingly refreshing and I actually do feel like I get a [...]...

As I was strolling through the farmer’s market the other day, I was admiring the araucana eggs, all light blue and fresh looking, but they cost a fortune!  I bought them anyway to remind myself that they do in fact taste different, not only because of the breed, but also because they are organic and straight from the farm. I decided to have hard boiled eggs the next day for breakfast so I could eat really the egg and nothing else.  Someone with more courage may have even eaten them raw but I am no Rocky.  The egg yolks were such a beautifully vibrant and yellow color, and they literally tasted like the earth and grass that those chickens must snack [...]...

Come join Rachael and friends once again this year for her annual Feedback party in Austin, Texas.  We will be returning to Stubb’s BBQ for the third year in a row.  This event is open to the public, ages 21 and older.  There is NO RSVP, just come early so you can get in, it’s first come first serve until we reach capacity and then it’s one out one in after that. Details: March 17, 2012 10:30-4 Stubb’s BBQ, Austin, Texas ...

How did I live so long and not discover the Lemon Icebox Pie?  Recently I purchased David Gaus’ book called Dam Good Sweet, all full of sweet recipes from his home town of New Orleans.  I was so intrigued by it as it reminded me of a Key lime Pie but one that had been frozen.  I looked around to see how others made the pie and decided his, with a few minor alterations, was the best out there.  Apparently this is a favorite of truck stops nationwide, but seriously it is the best non-chocolate dessert I have ever had! It’s super easy too.  Here’s what I did: I took a box of graham cracker crumbs and mixed them in a [...]...

Pudding is one of those things that I refuse to buy from a store, unless it’s Kozy Shack, which is really good in a pinch!  Otherwise, why buy a powdered mix when you can easily make it at home!  I made this chocolate pudding in about 15 minutes this morning and could easily serve it by lunch with enough time in the fridge to cool.  With added toppings, like freshly whipped cream or a fat marshmallow, you’ve got an elegant dessert.  A few key things to remember: Chill in individual ramekins or glasses instead of one big bowl.  It makes serving the dish more elegant looking. Use only the highest quality ingredients.  You can really taste everything in this dish so it [...]...

I am 41 years old and how I didn’t know this is beyond me.  When I think of buckwheat, I think of pancakes and pancakes are usually made with flour, right?  I thought buckwheat was some kind of whole grain flour, but that’s not the case at all! Buckwheat is not a wheat at all, instead it is related to, of all things-rhubarb, sorrels and other weeds and flowers.  It is not a grain and not a wheat, it’s a seed!  I was so happy to hear that I might actual be able to eat something that feels bad for me, ie pancakes or crepes, but isn’t! The uses for buckwheat are endless, from using the groats to make porridge or kasha [...]...

Today is the second birthday of my kids’ pet guinea pigs.  Who cares, you say?  I certainly don’t but my kids think it’s quite the reason to celebrate so we are having a party.  My daughter went ahead and created invitations using Smilebox, a for-fee service that allows you to create all kinds of custom made cards and invitations.  We’ve been having fun using it and it makes this sort of thing, well, easy enough for a child. Unfortunately I will be at work when my kids come home from school, so I won’t be there to join in the fun.  Last night I was too exhausted to bake the cupcakes or “bug cakes” my daughter begged me to make, using [...]...