Rachael Ray

Categories: Cookbooks

It’s pretty difficult to avoid the indefatigable Rachael Ray these days.  She hosts her own TV talk show (The Rachael Ray Show), four Food Network programs (30 Minute Meals, $40 a Day, Inside Dish, and Rachael Ray’s Tasty Travels) and now she even has her own food and lifestyle magazine (Every Day with Rachael Ray).  But wait, there’s more!  She just published two new cookbooks, Classic Rachael Ray 30 Minute Meals and Rachael Ray 2, 4, 6, 8: Great Meals for Couples or Crowds, jam-packed with recipes for her trademark 30-minute meals. 

Classic Rachael Ray 30 Minute Meals, a compilation of recipes from her earlier books, is organized by occasion.  Need to pull together a quick weeknight dinner?  You’ll find plenty of tempting candidates in the “Everyday” section.   Or maybe you’re looking for something to prepare with the budding young cook in your family?   There’s a nice variety of recipes (all categorized by age) in the “Kidchefs” section.  

Rachael Ray 2, 4, 6, 8: Great Meals for Couples or Crowds takes a slightly different approach.  Instead of grouping the recipes by occasion, they’re arranged by the number of people you’ll be serving.  Whether you’re whipping something up for your squeeze or your entire family, Rachel has plenty of suggestions for creative, nonfussy meals that can be prepared in half an hour. 

If pressed to choose between the two cookbooks, I think I’d have to vote for Classic Rachael Ray; however, that’s just a matter of personal preference (I have a weakness for “best of” books). You really can’t miss with either one.