In defense of "30 Minute Meals"

Rachael Ray - Why food snobs should quit picking on her.

I just thought this article was interesting as I really enjoy Rachael Ray's shows on the Food Network and own one of her 30-minute-meal cookbooks. I like the fact that I can FIND all of her ingredients at the regular grocery store. While it's nice to make something unusual and special on occasion (like during the holidays when I'm on vacation from work and have TIME!) but normally, I just don't have the time or the resources to go to two or three different stores looking for specialty ingredients. I've got a full-time job, a side business and a toddler (not to mention a husband and a house and two parrots) - I need quick, easy and inexpensive!

The other thing I like about her recipes is that they are relatively healthy. Sure, there are a few fried things and desserts here and there, but they're usually paired w/ lower calorie items so you get an overall healthy experience.

I had no idea that there's a whole "anti-Rachael" movement out there but I suppose it's a measure of how popular you've become once people start taking the time to hate you (in print no less).

If I have any complaint about Rachael it's that I've never successfully completed one of her meals in 30 minutes, but I think that's more due to the layout of my kitchen and my serious lack of knife skills (plus, I don't have that super-cool knife she always uses which DH won't buy me because he KNOWS I'll cut off a finger with it).

KJ