Rachael Ray

Pasta is one of my favorite weeknight dinners. Most sauces, whether it be something classic like carbonara or different such as sun-dried tomato cream, come together in no time at all. The latest recipe to be added to my pasta rotation? This vegetarian-friendly lemon spaghetti. The just-cooked pasta is tossed with a creamy lemon-garlic sauce, tons of grated parmesan cheese, and a heavy sprinkling of fresh herbs. On its own, it's a delightfully light dinner; however, it would make an excellent side to grilled chicken or shrimp. I prefer to enjoy it with a chilled glass of sparkling Rosé. Here's the uncomplicated technique!

At her South Beach cooking demo, Rachael Ray and Guy Fieri announced they'd be hosting a new show on Food Network later this year. Ray was pretty mum about the details, but did say it'd be a "culinary version of Dancing With the Stars."

Well, Rachael and Guy took to the airwaves today to formally announce their upcoming show, amid a cheering crowd and a culinary assembly that included Mario Batali, Sara Moulton, and Graham Kerr. Said Fieri: It's going to be "a brother and sister culinary battle. We're going to get some celebrities that are going to come on the show, with different levels of culinary ability but who are all into cooking. Rachael's going to get five, I'm going to get five, and it's going to battle royale."

It remains to be seen who'll win — or, even more important, which stars will face off on the show. We're hedging our bets on former Fieri sidekick Matthew McConaughey, as well as celebs-turned-chefs like Gwyneth Paltrow, Eva Longoria, and Sheryl Crow. Is this new show worthy of your TiVo? Who do you want to see on the competition?

Having a successful show on the Food Network may not get you industry accolades like the recent James Beard Awards, but it can get you a nod from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. This morning the daytime Emmy Award nominations were announced, and among the nominees are many culinary personalities.

Rachael Ray and Giada De Laurentiis received three nominations each, while Martha Stewart was nominated for two awards. America's Test Kitchen, Avec Eric, Cook's Country, Lidia's Italy, Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, and Paula's Best Dishes will duke it out in the outstanding culinary program category. Semi-Homemade with Sandra Lee is up for outstanding achievement in hairstyling.

Since I'm a huge fan of Anne Burrell, I'm rooting for her to win outstanding lifestyle/culinary host.

If dyeing eggs for Easter isn't a hit with your family, or too messy for the kids, you can still get crafty when you use eggs to make your own Spring bunnies and little chicks. This little trick from Rachael Ray turns ordinary eggs into your own little Easter creatures that are bound to be a hit with the fam. All you'll need is some colored construction paper, washable markers, glue, and scissors. They're easy to make, require little cleanup, and would make festive centerpieces or adorable party favors. It's a great activity to busy your children during brunch or dinner too!

Source

• The complete guide to ribs of the world. — Serious Eats
• Richard Blais chats about his Top Chef All-Stars victory. — Eatocracy
• Would you eat these super spicy dishes? — Woman's Day
• Menu prices are on the rise. — Wall Street Journal
• Critic Michael Bauer names the Bay Area's top 100 restaurants. — The San Francisco Chronicle
• Food & Wine's Dana Cowin chats about the chefs who weren't named Best New Chef. — The Feast NY
• How to find and cook with morel mushrooms. — Huffington Post Food
• The next season of Scott Conat's 24-Hour Restaurant Battle debuts on Thursday, April 21. — Grub Street NY
• Paula Deen makes a hysterical appearance on Rachael Ray's daytime talk show. — Eater
• Amazing: a breakfast sandwich with a runny egg surprise inside. — Chez Us

Over the weekend at the Food Network's South Beach Wine and Food Festival, I attended a packed demo led by Rachael Ray. The self-proclaimed "burger and taco girl" sipped a kumquat margarita while she made fish tacos and a French bistro-inspired burger in a slinky black dress. Instead of focusing on teaching the crowd how to cook, Ray declared that "we're going to have a nice chat," and invited people to stand up and ask her questions. The result was an interesting look at Rachael Ray, the person, rather than Rachael Ray, the mega culinary personality. I learned some fun things about her — including what her next project with Food Network is! — so to find out about it, keep reading.

The sting of shots and the burn of bandage removal are two things sick kids endure, and watching the processes can be equally painful for their parents. This morning, Dr. Travis Stork showed Rachael Ray a few of his favorite products to quell the pain. The first is a natural tonic concocted by an 8-year-old girl called Taking Off ($7 for 4 oz. bottle) that eases the rip of removing a band-aid. I wish this genius potion had been around when my epidural tape had to come off! And the second must have is Buzzy ($35), a vibrating bee, that distracts a tot's attention away from the needle that is being injected. The insect comes with gel and ice wing sets, batteries, and a Velcro strap.