So I’m not sure why I haven’t written about this before. It has actually been on my mind alot and every time I see a Rachael Ray commercial I keep saying I better blog about this.

Has anyone noticed how huge Rachael Ray’s Empire has grown? In a short amount of time, she has built several successful shows on the Food Network, has her own daytime talk show, has a cutlery line, then she debuted her orange handle cookware. Next she comes out with table and serving ware. Oh, and let’s not forget all of her cookbooks.

Well several months ago I was at the market and in the cooking oils section, specifically Olive Oils. Lo and behold, there it was: EVOO as she lovingly refers Extra Virgin Olive Oil as. But that wasn’t all, she also has Modena Balsamic Vinegar! But it doesn’t stop there when it comes to pantry items. Rachael also has her own beef and chicken stocks. Made to her specification by the folks at Colavita, she doesn’t want to sacrifice flavor for the convenience of a prepared stock.

But it doesn’t stop there…I’m sure you have all seen the commercials on TV for her new line of dog food, Nutrish. High quality pet food made to exacting specifications by Rachael. Proceeds from the sale of Nutrish also benefit her charity Rachael Rescues which helps distribute funds to pet charities and organizations that help animals in need.

Oh! One more thing, Rachael also has a line of bed linens and towels for your home as well. Just think, your home can be a Rachael Ray home. Martha, move over!

It’s probably safe to say that her start on the Food Network propelled her to where she is today. If she were to leave the Food Network, that would send a blow to the Food Network that in my opinion has shows that aren’t up to par with other cooking shows of the past.

So here is my personal take on Rachael Ray. When she first came onto the scene on the Food Network I watched her shows. The whole “30 minutes” idea was kinda kewl and we all need ideas for fast, easy meals. Well Rachael came to the rescue. The fact was the food was real. No fancy this or that, just easy to cook meals that anyone would enjoy eating. Yes the episodes really take like 7-9 hours to produce, but all in all, those meals can be cooked in 30 minutes or less.

Her little quirks like the “EVOO” and her “mmmmm” where kinda catchy and I never had a “garbage bowl” until Rachael came along. Then Rachael started doing more “lifestyle” shows like here $40 a day. Interesting concept. I thought to myself, could I really do that in real life? While a good idea, I know that while on vacation, spending only $40 a day was pushing it. But it was nice seeing her travel from place to place, around the world, showing us that you can eat on less than $40 a day. It was kinda inspiring, but I know my eating habits! :)

When her daytime TV talkshow came to CBS, I have probably only watched it like one or two times. If I remember correctly, the two times I watched was when the contestants from “The Next Food Network Star” would come to her show. Rachael is very involved with the community and does alot of charity work.

I have never purchased any of her products, though I do own two pieces of cookware that my sister got for me one Christmas – yep, orange handles and all! Maybe I will try out some of her EVOO or her chicken stock just to see what the quality is like.

Have you used any of Rachael’s pantry items? What’s it like?

Photo Credits: rachaelray.com and foodnetwork.com