A letter to Rachael Ray

Rachael Ray Express Lane Meals : What to Keep on Hand, What to Buy Fresh for the Easiest-Ever 30-Minute Meals

Rachael Ray's 30-Minute Get Real Meals: Eat Healthy Without Going to Extremes

Dear Rachael Ray,

You are now almost famous. You have tv shows on the Food Network, several cookbooks, a line of cooking utensils and your own magazine. Congrats! However, you have no clue what the average American cooks and eats!

I, like millions of Americans, live on a budget. I have a million things to do and like to cook fast meals but swordfish doesn't sound tasty on a Tuesday night. Have you looked at the price of swordfish or tuna lately? I am happy that you can afford to eat it but what about me?

Rachael, you claim that all I need to do is keep a couple of specific items on hand for your recipes but this isn't true! You've tricked me! I cannot afford the specific items, nor the other items to make the recipe! What am I supposed to do? Why do you tell me that all I'll need are a few items then send me to the store again?! THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE AN EXPRESS LANE BOOK! SHOPPING TAKES TIME!

Also, where am I to find a jar of fire-roasted tomatoes? or some chipotle liquid smoke?

By the way, frying bacon in EVOO, oh wait I'm sorry Extra Virgin Olive Oil since that is what its known as, is not healthy!

Rachael, you've left me feeling sheltered, poor and not a sophicated enough eater. Your books are not helpful and I'm returning them tomorrow!

Kim


Grade: C-