Rachel Ray is a busy girl, in the past year she her career has sky rocketed, she hosts four shows for the Food Network: 30 Minute Meals, Rachel Ray's Tasty Travels, $40 a day, and other Food Network specials not to mention her daytime emmy nominated show "The Rachel Ray Show". Rachel is all over the place and her newest gig is a Dunkin Donuts spokeswoman. How does she do all of these things and still have time for her husband, entertainment lawyer John Cusimano, she doesn't! Rachel admits to not spending a lot of time with her husband but says that it does not bother either of them, her marriage is a happy balance for her and she does not have to try very hard to make things work for her husband . John and Rachel both have crazy schedules so when they actually do get to spend time together they truly enjoy each others company while they lie in bed with their "kid" Isaboo.

Something I have been wondering about.

I am a big fan of food, I am sure to a certain extent we all are. Everyone has their favorite meal or their favorite restaurant. What I don't understand is what the deal with cooking shows such as 30 Minute Meals and Quick Fix Meals is. The Food Network is a very popular channel and many people tune into it to learn new techniques and new recipes but 30 Minute Meals are not that hard to make. When you think about it pretty much anything you want to make can be made within 30 minutes. Rachel Ray became infamous for her 30 minute recipes but everyone has their own 30 minute recipes. I give her a lot of credit she definitely comes up with some great ideas but so do many other people. I think I am just bitter that she became super famous for the idea of 30 Minute Meal, why couldn't it have been me!

Daily recap

Sorry guys it was a slow day! but here is my recap.

• Angelina got her new son Pax Thien Jolie , who is now happy and healthy and at home with the Brangelina clan.

• Rosie did it again, it might not be as bad as her comments before, but she is still mocking "American Idol" she made fun of Sanjay Malakar today on "The View" because apparently he is tone def. I think we should all be able to judge for ourselves.

• Britney is addicted again. She drinks close to a case of coke a day. Isn't rehab supposed to help you get over an addiction.

• Rachel Ray is more than just "30 Minute Meals" She has gotten sevenDaytime Emmy nods, which include best morning show and best host. I guess it pays to be a goofy chef who love EVOO!

• Regis is out of surgery and is fine. He will be out of commission for almost five weeks. Poor Kelly what is she going to do without her "Big Daddy" for all of you that watch "Live With Regis and Kelly" you know what I am talking about.

• Sandra Bullock got her revenge today on "The Ellen Degeneres Show" she broke a bottle over Ellen's head, I definitely don't think it was as bad as her eating a pepper but maybe it made her feel a little better.

Recipe Of The Day

Today's 30 Minute Meals is all about meat and potatoes, but it is definately not your average steak dinner. It is a hot and spicy version of the all american dish. Fiery Hot Texas T-Bones with Chipotle Smashed Potatoes and Hot and Sweet Pepper Saute is a meal that will clear your sinuses. The steak is rubbed down with grill seasoning, cumin, chili powder, and smoky chipotle chili powder, it is Sauteed in a pan and topped off with a combination of colorful bell peppers and smoky jalepeno and chipotle peppers. It is a perfect balance of hot and sweet. If that does not sound spicy enough for you, get another kick in your mouth with chipotle smashed potatoes.These potatoes have a tremendous amount of flavor. Bacon, onions, and chipotle chili powder are cooked together then smashed up with sour cream and the potatoes. Warning! this meal is not for people with a sensitive spice pallete, this meal will definately get your eyes watering. Enjoy!

Recipe of the Day

Today's episode of 30 Minute Meals is all about fast and quick takeout favorites. Chinese food is on the menu today. Two of the most common take out cuisines are Italian and Chinese. Well today instead of picking up the phone and ordering out, make your own version of take out at home. Spicy Shrimp and Bok Choy Noodle Bowls is a healthier version of shrimp lo mein. It is a spicy and delicious twist on a common Chinese take out favorite. For me the best part of this meal would be the Scallion and Egg Pancakes. Scallion pancakes are one of my favorite foods and Rachel Ray's version is not as greasy as you would get from a take out restaraunt, which is the best part because you can eat a lot more of them. Try re creating a favorite take out meal at home and I guarantee those menus will find there way into the trash. Enjoy!

Recipe of the day

Today's episode of "30 minute Meals" is all about the tastes of Havana. This is a Cuban twist on American favorites. Mojito Mashed Sweet Potatoes, is definitely an inventive version of classic mashed potatoes. It is a way to "eat your drink." Everyone has heard of the popular drink mojito, well this version of mashed potatoes has all the flavors of the classic drink. Sweet potatoes are mashed up with rum, mint, and brown sugar. It is almost a dessert but it is a wonderful side dish for Cuban Sloppy Joe's. This sandwich is a take on the classic Cuban meal (RopaViejos.) ground meat is mixed up with green olives, tomato sauce, coriander, chili peppers, and cumin. It sounds weird but It promises to be delicious. When you think about it how bad can spiked mashed potatoes be? All of the ingredients needed for this meal may seem a little foreign to you, but they can all be found in the regular grocery store. It is the weekend, instead of going out and spending a lot of money on a meal like this invite some friends over and try to make it at home. it is easy and exotic. Enjoy!

Recipe of the day

Today's "30 Minute Meals" is all about being indulging and getting stuffed. It is all about pasta, after the whole low carb movement pasta was like an omen, everyone steered clear of it. Well time to get back into eating pasta. Spinach and Hot Ham Fake-Baked Pasta with a Crispy top is delicious and very satisfying. It is fake baked because it will look like it was baking in the oven all day just like the traditional baked ziti would be. The hot ham is spicy capicola ham which is a traditional Italian favorite. The crispy crust comes from mounds of melting parmesan cheese that bakes into a golden crust on top of pasta, and of course to feel a little less guilty throw some spinach in there. To balance out the meal there is a salad involved. Celery and Portabella salad makes you feel better about eating heavy cheesy delicious pasta. Don't worry about the carbs for one night, sit down and enjoy this deliciously cheesy pasta. Almost makes your mouth water. Yummy!!!!!!!!!

Recipe of the day

Today's episode of "30 Minute Meals" is about a retro classic. It is all about fondue! It is perfect way to get all of your friends together and enjoy a classic way of cooking. Fondue has become more and more popular in the past year. With restaurants like The Melting Pot, and new sleek fondue pots, it has become a very popular way to dine. It is not the retro way of the classic fondue, with the little green pots. Fondue makers come in retro styles as well as silver, which makes it look much more modern. Today's recipe is Smoked Gouda Fondue with Bacon and Almonds. It is very updated version of the classic cheese fondue. Cheese fondue is normally made with a cheddar or the all American Velveeta cheese. This version takes Gouda cheese and adds small pieces of cooked bacon and toasted almonds for extra crunch and flavor. Making fondue is extremely easy to prepare and entertain with. You get everything cooked before hand and place it on a platter while your fondue mixture remains warm all night. It is stress free entertaining and it is delicious. Try entertaining with a classic fondue recipe with and updated twist, I guarantee your friends will never want to leave.

Recipe of the day

Today's episode is all about take out. When you have a long day and are super hungry most of us just look for something quick to grab. On today's "30 Minute Meals" Rachel show us that in the time you can get take out, you can make your own version that is delicious and much more healthy. Today's episode is all about Thai food. She creates a menu of Thai Chicken Noodle Soup, and Shrimp and Pork balls with a Spicy Lime Dipping sauce.
The recipes are super fast and easy to make. The chicken soup combines traditional flavors used in Thai cooking. It is a combination of sweet and spicy because their are some hot peppers and basil in order to balance out the spice. It is a fresh clean tasting soup that is made in less than half an hour. The ingredients are simple and can be found in any grocery store. The Shrimp and Pork Balls are a twist on the conventional dumpling. The same ingredients are used such as, ground pork, ground shrimp, cilantro, poblano peppers, and scallions. All of the ingredients are combined in a food processor and are pan fried in a skillet, they are like Thai style meatballs. They are much more healthy than the traditional dumpling because they are not wrapped in a thick dough and fried, you can eat as many as you want and feel no guilt. It is not like traditional take out food, after this meal you won't feel overstuffed, tired and sick. It is a healthy twist on a take out favorite. Enjoy! For other Thai recipes and videos that walk you through the recipe click here.

Recipe of the day

As the weekend rolls around everyone is looking for a way to relax. This episode of 30 Minute Meals will give you a chance to sit at home pop in a few of your favorite movies and enjoy a tasty pizza without it being from a box. This episode is all about making your own Mega Meatball Pizza and Zippy Italian Popcorn. This meal will be made in the same amount of time it would take to order delivery. She creates a pizza that is like eating a huge meatball sandwich. She combines typical meatball ingredients such as, ground sirloin, garlic, tomato sauce, basil, and alot of parmesan cheese. It sounds very heavy but it is the perfect movie food. Definately not your typical greasy pizza! Zippy Italian Popcorn is fresh popped and topped with crushed red pepper, garlic powder, melted butter, and again more parmesan cheese. It is a delicious and healthy way to stuff your face while you sit on the couch and watch television. Enjoy!