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We Are Totally Over Our Issues With Rachael Ray

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AuntPenny
03/12/09

In reply to We Are Totally Over Our Issues With Rachael Ray
I have no problem with Rachael Ray as a person. As a cook, however, yikes. She is a terrible cook. I'd probably like her if we were hanging out and eating fondue or something, but jeez, her recipes are crap.
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kaiwhakamarie
03/11/09

In reply to We Are Totally Over Our Issues With Rachael Ray
I've never minded Rachael Ray. Her show isn't my favorite of all cooking shows, simply because I don't ever really learn anything from her. All the stuff she makes I could make of my own accord from my own ideas. I do like the approachable-ness of her and how her girl next door popularity encourages a new generation to get in the kitchen and cook something instead of eating KFC every day. She seems nice enough, and humble enough. And Maple loves her dog food. :)

Sandra Lee irritates me far more than Rachael. Somehow she manages to come off as kitschy and stuck up at the same time. I hate that whole semi-homemade thing. It's either homemade or it isn't. And those tablescapes are CHEESY!
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La Chica Lucy
03/11/09

In reply to We Are Totally Over Our Issues With Rachael Ray
Dear Sadie,

I think I love you.

*blushes*

xxoo,

lcl
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La Chica Lucy
03/11/09

@La Chica Lucy: And my love is for your WRITING, not Ray-Ray.

Not that I hate 30-Minute Woman. She's okay. My friend loves her and makes yummy meals inspired by her.
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randomthoughts
03/11/09

In reply to We Are Totally Over Our Issues With Rachael Ray
RR is best in small doses.

To all the Sandra Lee haters....whatever. She rocks. Her tablescapes are foolish, granted. But in all fairness, do you really think she expects anyone to go all out like that? I think they are so over the top to give maximum ideas.

I have one of her cookbooks. Her food is easy to make, doesn't require serious skills or special equipment. The dishes never cease to be a hit, and make it into the roatation for dinner at my house. And I love that she has a new drink for every episode.

I think SL taps into most 20-40 yr olds desire to have friends over for dinner and do something more than burgers on the grill and chips. But who has the time to plan that all out? Or the money or the skills to make special food, not to mention the time to do it or learn how to do it? If you are like me, you went off to college at 17 barely able to boil water (but I could bake cookies from scratch...I had my priorities). So you watch her shows, take one or two ideas from it, get a cookbook and start having fun. I think that is her appeal and the key to her success.

Look down your nose all you want, foodies, I am going to make some sausage florentine tonight in her honor. And yes, I will be using canned soup and frozen creamed spinach. There will be no leftovers.
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belle TL
03/11/09

@randomthoughts: I sent you a PM, but I wanted to say here as well--it is possible to make time during the week to make wholesome meals that don't require buying seasoning packets, and it is possible to make the perimiter of the store the primary part of your shopping bill. Is it more expensive than say, using SL's shortcuts? Perhaps as you adjust to it, but I assure you (as someone who grew up eating the kind of food, but better, that SL promotes) that the greater health benefits of eating more whole foods (and choosing smartly among the processed foods) will also make sure that everyone's eating well. And maybe there are leftovers, but from how I see it--that's how I avoid lunch drudgery day in and out.

And to keep it completely honest, the husband and I have a pantry filled with canned beans, dried pasta, and canned Petite Diced Tomatoes from Del Monte (they are a cook's BEST FRIEND if you need a quick tomato sauce), and a freezer stocked with chicken thighs, ground turkey, pork chops and sometimes lamb, plus a host of frozen veggies. But you will never see jarred garlic, prechopped onions, or a bottle of lemon juice in our kitchen.
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tscheese
03/11/09

In reply to We Are Totally Over Our Issues With Rachael Ray
Also, I once saw this huge giant billboard for some kind of...I dunno, show? Thing? That Mario Batali and Giada De Laurentiis were doing as a kind of...geez, was it a Caesar's Palace thing? It might have been - where they BOTH. LOOKED. SO. BAD. ASS. Here's big red-haired stocky Batali and smallish, trim De Laurentiis and she's of course got those huge giant eyes and pretty hair, and they were posed like SRS BIZNSS, and I was like "oh my god, is this for a superhero movie or is this for a cooking thing?"

(I secretly love them both. Do not ask me to explain.)
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belle TL
03/11/09

@tscheese: No explanation required--Molto Italiano is FANTASTIC, and MB wrote the sweetest forward for Giada's first book, which touches on how his mother wishes that Giada was single so that Mario could marry a nice Italian girl. :-) As for Giada, well, Anthony Bourdain said it best (though I am paraphrasing): "Get her a show where she cooks her way around Italy, because the woman knows her food!"
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hellosunshine
03/11/09

@tscheese: Then you will probably love that Mario clearly lives around the corner from me because I see him walking his kids to school on my block (I think they go to the one around the corner) ALL THE TIME. Orange crocs, flannel shirt and all.
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betterwithbacon
03/11/09

In reply to We Are Totally Over Our Issues With Rachael Ray
Alright, I'm annoyed by the obvious like everyone else, but in her defense (and I can't believe I, of all people am defending her...) She's no so bad because:

1) I once saw her acknowledge the shitty tips on $40/day and she said she always went back and left more

2) She seems like a boozer. (I'm not condoning alcohol abuse, but c'mon, I like a party like the next gal) Actually all those Food Network ladies seem like they like to party. Especially Ina Garten.

3) She's pretty self-aware of her lack of training and annoying demeanor.

and that's all I got.
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mariamariamaria
03/12/09

@betterwithbacon: I'd totally invite Ina to a party. Her and Paula Deen? I'm sure we'd all wake up in Tijuana with tattoos and no memory of the previous night.
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tscheese
03/11/09

In reply to We Are Totally Over Our Issues With Rachael Ray
I just have never been sufficiently bothered by her techniques, voice, quirks, show, appearance, etc to muster up one iota of disapprobation for her. She's a lady who does a food show about cooking pretty okay things on the cheap. Some people don't like her. Some people do.

Rachael Ray, I am okay with you. You are okay. Also you look nice in your odd shiny dress and you inspire me to do things with jarred pasta sauce. You're alright.
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Porcelina
03/11/09

In reply to We Are Totally Over Our Issues With Rachael Ray
What about Giada De Laurentiis? I love her cooking, but why does ever episode make me say "Holy Tits McGee!"

I am happy for her that she has nice breasts, but I want to watch her cook and I keep getting distracted!
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prestocaro fears the culling
03/11/09

@Porcelina: See, I'm more distracted by the GIANT HEAD. Her head isn't in proportion to the rest of her body... or the angle is crazy... or whatever.
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Liz11685
03/11/09

In reply to We Are Totally Over Our Issues With Rachael Ray
I've never liked Rachael Ray, the main reason is her voice! I also have an extremely grating voice, and would some day like to be a television personality that cooks. But her voice is a reminder of the pain I would bring the nation if I were successful. I wish I had a throaty Conneticut WASP voice like Martha.

Also: Eww to Sammy and EVOO. Just use the names!!
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aubonpam
03/11/09

In reply to We Are Totally Over Our Issues With Rachael Ray
So this is the backlash against the backlash? I'll go mark my calender.
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samethingwedoeverynightpinky
03/11/09

In reply to We Are Totally Over Our Issues With Rachael Ray
I don't know much about Rachel Ray, other than that I once saw half of her show and really wanted rigatoni with sweet peppers afterward, but does she really recommend stiffing servers in the interest of saivng money? If so, I am not cool with her. I've never been a server, but it you can't afford to tip 20%, you can't afford to eat out, or to order whatever you're ordering.
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DoubleExpresso doesn't know what to think....
03/11/09

@samethingwedoeverynightpinky: does she really stiff the servers? like you have evidence of this in real life? maybe it is not included in the teevee bill but i'm sure she gives them money, right? RIGHT?
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Cheeky
03/11/09

In reply to We Are Totally Over Our Issues With Rachael Ray
No, I do not like her. What she does is cooking in only the most technical of ways. Adding heat to pans and pouring things in does not a cook make. (Same for you Sandra Lee, you cocktail-swilling tart)

Cooking is about passion and enthusiasm. Paula Deen, that Aida girl on the weekends, Giada and her smile wide enough to be seen from space.....PUT LOVE IN YOUR FOOD.
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jigglyball
03/11/09

@Cheeky: Carla? My wonderful Top Chef Carla? Is that you?
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Ipomoea
03/11/09

@Cheeky: Tell me you're saying nice things about Giada? Otherwise I'm going to tell you to meet me behind the middle school to work out our differences.
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tscheese
03/11/09

@Ipomoea is the female version of a hustler: I think Monsieur Cheeky is admiring her sincere and radiant smile, which she flashes at least a zillion times an episode, and also kind of makes me want to be her and/or hug her.

I have an unexplainable adoration for Giada. I just want to hang out with her and find out how to have giant huge sincere grins while enjoying food. It's a lot less pretty when I do it.
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belle TL
03/11/09

@tscheese: A friend of mine took a copy of Giada's first book to a local signing for me to get it signed for my now-husband (who also adores her) because there was no way I could stand in line that day, and when said friend told Giada why she had two books, she thought it was the cutest thing ever.

I like her because she reminds me of a younger version of my MIL--they are both incredibly wee (my MIL is 4'11") and I wish I could keep her as my pocket chef. Besides--her recipes are consistently good, and often she'll offer ways to make something lighter.
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jigglyball
03/11/09

In reply to We Are Totally Over Our Issues With Rachael Ray
You guys have got to stop the Rachel Ray mentions 'round these parts. I've watched one Rachel Ray teevee segment ever, and in it she was eating a plate of warm, delicious, roasted brussels sprouts. Brussels sprouts are pretty much my favorite food ever, and I have this Pavlovian Rachel Ray> brussels sprouts thought pattern, and your recent mentions of her led me to eat an entire bag of brussels sprouts for dinner the other night. An entire bag. Do you know what that does to my digestive system? DO YOU KNOW? The air quality in my apartment kindly requests that you cease and desist with the RR posts.
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prestocaro fears the culling
03/11/09

@jigglyball: Oh, man. I love me some brussel sprouts. I think I'm doing some with bacon for dinner tonight.
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jigglyball
03/11/09

@prestocaro love/hates her kettlebell: My stomach is now grumbling for brussels sprouts. I really don't know if I can put my system through that again... but, oh, brussels sprouts and bacon.
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prestocaro fears the culling
03/11/09

@jigglyball: You have to eat something else WITH the sprouts. I have some thin steaks thawing.

Tho, I could eat a whole carton/bag of them on my own, I just know the terrible outcome... and with one bathroom between the Fi and I... no good.
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chinaplate
03/11/09

In reply to We Are Totally Over Our Issues With Rachael Ray
Who is this person?
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hellosunshine
03/11/09

@chinaplate: [lmgtfy.com]
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SpicyTamale is a GA peach
03/11/09

In reply to We Are Totally Over Our Issues With Rachael Ray
I don't mind RR- like i said before on mute with subtitles she can bring it home with some good recipes but that being said-

Nobody better talk trash about Miss Paula Deen.
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Horsford
03/11/09

@SpicyTamale is a GA peach: It's too late in the day for me to intelligently tell you all the reasons why I hate Paula Dean. I'll just end up gritting my teeth and repeatedly scream "MAYO-NAISE"
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Ceiling Cat
03/11/09

@SpicyTamale is a GA peach: Oh my god, I saw her make a salad once that was 1 part vegetables, four parts mayo and cheese, all layered in a shallow, rectangular dish and then served like a piece of lasagna! Truly incredible.
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prestocaro fears the culling
03/11/09

@Horsford: @Ceiling Cat: But Paula's so nurturing! So down to earth! So sane....

ok, last part redacted. But you don't want to mess with her. She'll kill your ass and feed you do some Georgia gators.
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Horsford
03/11/09

@SpicyTamale is a GA peach: Plus I get a weird feeling when she has her two sons on her show. Something ain't kosher there.
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Zombie Ms. Skittles
03/11/09

@Ceiling Cat: THAT IS WHY I LOVE HER!

Everything is all low cal and fat free and whatever. Paula Dean, however, makes the kind of good old fashioned southern cooking that my mother or grandmother (or um, I) might have called "man catching meals." She is my hero. I don't think I've ever seen her make a meal with less than a pound of butter in it. Hell, I once saw her make pork loin mini-sandwiches that included more mayo than bread. She gave me a recipe for booze to be served at a baby shower!

In my house, we call her "grandma" (kind of a joke because I say she's the kind of grandma I want to be) and we call her husband "Santa."
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drunken marmot
03/11/09

@SpicyTamale is a GA peach: Remember when she went to Yurp? Y'all know Yurp, it's where Yurpeens live...
Honestly, I LOVE Southern accents but hers makes me want to burn Atlanta or something....
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Ipomoea
03/11/09

@MissSkittles is not your kind of lady: Every time I watch her cook, my heart simultaneously freezes up from sheer fear and my mouth waters at all that lovely butter.

I'm going to spend a week in the South and I CANNOT WAIT FOR SOUTHERN FOOD.
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Hooplehead
03/11/09

@Horsford: And her sons have their own cookbooks. It's ridiculous.
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hellosunshine
03/11/09

@SpicyTamale is a GA peach: Damn straight.
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SpicyTamale is a GA peach
03/11/09

@drunken marmot: Then don't come my way honey! I have an accent that rivals Miss Scarlet herself.
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SpicyTamale is a GA peach
03/11/09

@MissSkittles is not your kind of lady: Eeep! We call her Miss Paula but i totally call Michael "Santa".

And the things i would do to that Jamie Deen.

I have YET to meet her but i have a friend who knows her and she swears she is just as cute and loveable in real life. Which makes me happy.
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kaiwhakamarie
03/11/09

@SpicyTamale is a GA peach: Paula Deen gets a pass from me no matter what. She makes unhealthy food, yes. She talks like Scarlett O'Hara, yes. She dotes on her sons like they are little Lord Fauntelroys. But man, I love her. Partly because she also had a shitty life before fame, but also because she's a fellow Georgian and she reminds me of my Grandma. And I bet she'd be a total blast to hang out with for a day.
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mariamariamaria
03/12/09

@SpicyTamale is a GA peach: Oof! That makes two of us, honey. I have a major Jamie Deen crush! He's a big, delicious hunk of man.
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