I love Rachael Ray’s 30 Minute Meals. I know people tend to find her annoying, and I’m amazed that she manages to have 5 shows (30 Minute Meals, $40 A Day, Inside Dish with Rachael Ray, Rachael Ray’s Tasty Travels, and The Rachael Ray Show) and a magazine (Every Day with Rachael Ray). I’ve seen the magazine and all the shows, and while they are all okay, my favorite remains the original 30 Minute Meals, to the extent that I have my mom tape it and mail it to me on a regular basis (I don’t have Food Network). I just love to watch Rachael cook. She’s goofy and hyper, but she gets it done every time. Frequently, she makes things that I would never eat, like veal and anchovies, but I’ve gotten some really great dessert recipes from her (peanut butter cup sundaes!), and I know how to make cheese sauce now. I pick up tips all the time, and I know all sorts of things about herbs that I’ve never eaten: thyme is lemony; cumin is smoky but not hot; if you can’t handle cilantro, try coriander, etc. I never thought of grilling a pineapple until I saw her do it, and her raves inspired me to try arugula (hated it). The woman eats a ton of vegetables, and I think that must be her secret. How else would she have so much energy (and look so good)? While I haven’t jumped on her cauliflower bandwagon, I am eating more spinach, and I’m always hoping she’ll make an entire meal that I’ll be willing to try. My fingers are crossed.