NATIONAL NEWS
May 6, 2008
Cooking Up a Conversation With Rachael Ray
TFK Kid Reporter Yunhee Hyun chats with celebrity chef Rachael Ray
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Rachael Ray, the star of such popular Food Network shows as 30-Minute Meals and Rachael Ray’s Tasty Travels, has a new book out, Yum -O! The Family Cookbook. It is filled with simple, healthy recipes designed to get kids and their parents slicing, dicing and stir-frying together. All proceeds from the sale of the cookbook will benefit Ray’s nonprofit organization, Yum-O!, which works with families and schools to teach healthy eating habits to children. As Ray might say, “How good is that?” TFK Kid Reporter Yunhee Hyun met up with Ray at a bookstore in New York City.
TFK:
Were you interested in cooking when you were young?
Rachael Ray:
Yes. My mom worked in a restaurant. She didn’t trust babysitters, so we went to work with her. We were always in the kitchen, both at my mom’s work and in our own home.
TFK:
What was your experience like growing up in a family that ran a restaurant?
Rachael Ray:
I was very lucky because there was no shortage of good food when I was growing up. And the experience of working in the restaurant inspired me to do what I’m doing now. So that’s pretty cool, right?
TFK:
Your new cookbook is for families. Why do you think it is important for families to get together to cook?
 TFK Kid Reporter Yunhee Hyun sits down with Food Network star Rachael Ray. | |
Rachael Ray:
It’s a great way to tell and hear stories about where your family comes from. It’s a great way to talk to your mom or your dad, too. If you have something that you’re afraid to tell them, you should do it around food because people are just in a better mood when they’re eating.
TFK:
When you make up a recipe, where do you get your inspiration or ideas from?
Rachael Ray:
I get my ideas from all different places. I get them from eating out or traveling. Sometimes I get ideas from my mom or someone else in my family.
TFK:
Did anyone encourage you to become what you are today or was it always your dream?
Rachael Ray:
It was a happy accident. I haven’t planned too much so far.
TFK:
Do you have more fun cooking on your show or cooking at home?
Rachael Ray:
On my show I get to tell stories about where the recipe comes from and that’s really cool. At home, I get to share food with the people I love. It’s a different kind of pleasure, but they both make me happy.
TFK:
What advice do you have for kids who want to learn to cook like you?
Rachael Ray:
Get in the kitchen! Don’t be afraid to try new things. I think everyone should try one new food per week.
TFK:
It seems like you are doing a million things. How do you do it all?
Rachael Ray:
I drink too much coffee!
