Rachael Ray 365: No Repeats: A Year of Deliciously Different Dinners by Rachael Ray (2005, Paperback)

I have watched Rachael Ray off and on for several years. Did you know she used to be a food buyer for a gourmet restaurant? Did you know she used to have a LIVE audience and she would do the same thing, prepare 30 minute meals right in front of them? Now that's some hustling! That was in the early days before she became a star!

I purchased this book at a book signing 2 weeks ago. I know I will love making the recipes. I work 2 jobs and I need a way to make interesting meals without making the same thing over and over! Rachael has been criticized by FOODIES (gourmet food addicts & experts) for the very thing that makes her great. FOODIES say she doesn't use gourmet foods and when she is cooking she talks so that even the inexperienced cook can understand what to do.

Is she really cooking in 30 minutes? On Rachael Ray's show, she cooks from start to finish in 30 minutes. One must realize that she is well practiced at this but she gives you tips on how you can do it too. In fact, I learned some of those same tips when I was in some CULINARY ARTS classes in college. It's like you get the knowledge without attending the class! (Now these tips are not all that I have learned, but I thought they would help)

1. Use a GARBAGE BOWL for all your garbage until you're done.

2. Pre-wash your vegetables and herbs (Rachael does it after shopping)

3. Use proper cutting techniques and good knives. (a dull knife requires more work and effort and is actually dangerous to use)

4. Use a tray to collect everything you need and get it out all at once at the beginning of your cooking.

5. Have a well organized kitchen. Now I did watch an episode where even Rachael couldn't find one of her utensils, but for the most part she knows where everything is. The only thing that really changes on her set is the ingredients that are in her little cabinet. I will say this, it is very easy to have too many pots, pans, dishes, utensils, and ingredients. Right now, I know I'm about to get there if I don't act fast and tidy it up. You really don't need 10 wooden spoons and 5 spoonulas. If you pare down your kitchen equipment, it will be easier to find what you need.

6. Plan your meals. You can plan your meals even up to a month ahead. Shop based on your menu. Keep in mind what is on sale and in season.

7. Know your recipe. Yes you can cook more than one thing at a time! It has taken some practice, but my family appreciates when everything is done at the same time. Start with the most complicated or longest cooking item first (usually an entree or meat dish). If you're having rice and steamed vegetables, get those pots ready and hot. Then get those cooking while you're working on the first menu item.

8. Take shortcuts. One of Rachael's favorite shortcuts is the use of chicken stock. She says it often gives that all-day-cooking kind of taste. There's even some tips on shortcuts in this book.

9. Make variations of a recipe. Once you know a master recipe really well, you can make a variation by substituting ingredients.

10. Use cuts of meat that cook quickly. If you have a large chicken breast, you can cut it into smaller portions so that it will cook faster. Also, if you cut your vegetables all about the same size, they will cook more evenly and will be finished cooking at the same time!

I hope this helps! Please send me a message if you have any questions. Please also see my auction for Rachael Ray's SIGNED 365: No Repeats

Love this book! I have all of Ray's previous books, and I often watch her show when I am cooking my own family dinner. We are huge fans of her Cooking Round the Clock book and her Cooking Rocks (for kids) books. On average, I use recipes from those books at least twice a week.

Her first book that I purchased was her 30 Minute Get Togethers and the first couple menus that I used were NOT 30 minute meals for me. However over the years I have learned to adapt. I have gotten quicker at chopping veggies and will use already prepared things if necessary. Ok, on to the new book.

This is her biggest book by far. I got it the day it came out and spent at least two hours pouring over the recipes and marking ones I want to try. For the most part I was thinking I would be anal here. I would start with recipe number one and go from there, making every single recipe and not skipping a one. But I husband really wanted to try #37-Warm Lemon Chicken Sandwich with Arugula and Pears. Not something I would normally make, but it sounded intriguing. WONDERFUL! Even my picky eaters (I have two) gobbled it up. We then went on to #38-Grilled Flank Steak Sandwich again we were not disappointed.

If you are looking for a cookbook that offers quick, but unique and tasty meals, this is the one!

LOVE< LOVE< LOVE!!!! Rachael Ray's cookbook has a meal idea for everyday, so you dont have to eat the same stuff over and over. Her recipes are easy and quick for those of us who are busy and barely have time to eat, let alone cook. I also love how you can keep a recipe, and she tells you what to omit and add, so you can try different variations of a dish you may love. Great cookbook!!

NEW A Year of Deliciously Different Dinners

A 30 MINUTE MEAL COOKBOOK

A Best Selling Author and Host of 3 top-rated 3 Food Network Shows, son to have her own show on ABC promoted by Oprah.

This cook book is easy to follow and all food items are pretty easy to get a hold of. This one actually has some pictures, where as usually in her books there are no picture to go by. I've already read the whole book and I just got it. I will be cooking out of it and it will never leave my kitchen. This is a must have if you're tired of eating the same things week after week. Way to go Rachael!!!