Rachael Ray: Rachael's Daytime Talkshow

ask rach

Got a question for Rachael? Ask it here or tweet us @RachaelRayShow!

Latest Questions

What is the difference between a rice cooker and a slow cooker?

They are not one in the same but you don't need both because your oven is a slow cooker! If you cook something stove-top in a Dutch oven, you can then just transfer it to the oven at a low heat (275-325°F) and slow braise anything for hours. "

How do you clean a hand grater after grating garlic?

We throw ours in the dishwasher or you could use soap and water. "

What spices should I use for making a great steak?

Kosher salt, lots of black pepper, olive oil, fresh herbs and minced garlic. "

What determines which kind of pots and pans are used for cooking?

There are no rules. Use what you like! If you don’t use non-stick, you may need additional oil, butter, or cooking fat of some kind. Mine come in stainless steel, hard anodized, porcelain enamel … there are a ton of varieties but no set rules! "

What’s the difference between EVOO and regular olive oil?

Most grocery store EVOO is thin enough for cooking but real expensive fruity EVOO is too heavy for high temperatures, so use that for dipping or as a dressing. "

Is there a way to salvage meat with freezer burn?

Nope! Time to throw it out. "

How do you personally not cry while cutting onions?

I do cry! Who cares. There are lots of things you can try to do to prevent crying, but I say just cut the onions and throw ‘em in the pan. "

What's your favorite dish to make/ take to a party or get together?!

I usually bring whatever the hostess asks for, or I bring a bottle of wine. "

My 15 year old son is interested in becoming a Chef. Is there any advice you can give him?

Tell him not to take food too seriously, work harder than everyone else, and don’t complain about it."

Hey Rach, if a recipe calls for cream & you used NonFat half&half would the taste be compromised? I have to lighten up.

Of course! It won’t taste the same at all so I suggest you make something else."

You cook a lot with wine. Could you explain how to pick a good white wine or red for cooking purposes?

The easiest method is to ask the wine shop owner to help you; tell them you don't want to spend more than 10 or 15 bucks a pop and you always buy a dry wine, you don't cook with sweet wine. "

Is there a certain food you don’t like? For me, it’s lima beans! Always curious if there is something you won’t eat?

I didn’t grow up in a house that used mayo, so mayo is a weird consistency for me. But I still use it in deviled eggs."

When did you start cooking?

I grew up in a kitchen so I was always around food but the first meal I made by myself I was 11 or 12. "

Is it alright to freeze fresh garlic? My daughter does this.

No"

What’s your favorite dish from your grandmother?

My grandmother was a seamstress not a cook. My grandfather made great everything."

What is your #1 kitchen gadget must-have?

I’m not a big believer in gadgets; a good sharp knife, a big cutting board. The closest thing I use to a gadget is a microplane."

Can I use ceramic or enamel cookware on an electric ceramic cooktop?

Yes."

Cooking show, merch, magazine… Rachael, what’s the next big thing in line for you? I’m hoping it’s a guest spot on CSI?

Me too, I love cops and robber shows. I’d like to see our work with Yum-o! become more meaningful, especially with the first lady taking up the cause of childhood obesity and health. "

My hubby and I are building a home in Schroon Lake, NY … are there any great restaurants you could recommend in that area?