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30 Minute Meals (Food Network)

common sense media says

Ubiquitous Ray teaches basics. OK for young chefs.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that although this foodie show is targeted at adults, kids who like to cook will pick up some basic instruction and exposure to different foods. Because the show is about preparing, cooking, and serving a meal within a short time span, the meals are relatively simple and easy (another kid-appeal factor). Perky hostess Rachael Ray is swiftly developing a brand awareness to rival Martha Stewart's; once they're familiar with Ray, your kids will see her everywhere -- cookbooks, magazines, even on the back of a box of crackers. She's very lively, chatting with viewers (sometimes about preparing a great "date night" meal or how to get through to the person you love through the kitchen) but not always touching on the health aspects of meal preparation.

Positive messages: Ray enjoys what she does -- teaching about preparing and cooking food for others. She frequently speaks nicely about her friends, family, husband, and dog.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Sexy stuff: Very mild innuendo. Ray occasionally talks about a meal being great for date night.
Language: Nothing to worry about. The worst are phrases like "if you screw up" and "my mom will kill me."
Consumerism: Ray is everywhere, and she's becoming a brand to rival Martha Stewart -- cooking supplies, cookbooks, magazines, boxes of crackers, more TV shows.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Ray will recommend wines to drink with meals. She's sometimes seen drinking while she eats her cooked meal at the end of the show.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on 30 Minute Meals

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about different meal ingredients and their origins throughout the world. Which ones are healthy? Which should you avoid? Parents should also address kitchen safety -- using sharp instruments, cooking on a stove top, using an oven, etc. If kids are interested in cooking, this is a great opportunity to whip something up together from start (meal planning) to finish (chowing down).

What's the story?

What's the story?
With 30 MINUTE MEALS, the now-famous Rachael Ray proved herself to be the Martha Stewart for busy adults who want good food but have little time or energy to cook. Her spin is to take traditional dishes and re-invent them, which can be a hit-or-miss concept for kids. Her tendency to act like a big kid in the kitchen -- with lots of exclamations of "yum-o" or "this is awesome!" -- has made her popular among school-aged kids interested in cooking. She likes working with kids and occasionally includes them in the show.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Although Ray sometimes says things like "And if you screw up..." or "Make this on date night and watch out," overall her vocabulary is relatively tame. Her energy level is contagious to kids, and her basic instructions may encourage younger viewers to want to help in the kitchen and/or eat more adventuresome meals.

She's been called a "bobble head" by famed chef and critic Anthony Bourdain, and Ray's perky style of performing while teaching cooking is a big turn-off to many. She also has her own vocabulary, which kids may need translated: "EVOO" (extra virgin olive oil), "figure-friendly food," "sammy" (sandwich), "stoup" (soup/stew), and others. But while Ray may be annoyingly perky and too conspicuous as a brand to win skeptical parents over, she clearly enjoys what she does and may give kids some fun insight into cooking. And who knows? You might get a home-cooked meal to boot.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-G
Network: Food Network
Cast: Rachael Ray
Genre: Educational
Where to watch: Food Network
This review was written by Pam Gelman
 
 

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What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

DisneyFan
adult
 
Yummo!!!
I don't know how anyone could find anything offensive about this show! I understand that some people find Rachael's perkiness and sillyness annoying, but believe me, she grows on you. A fun show with good looking food and a woman who isn't "perfect" is just what young girls and boys need!
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Meerdog
teen, 14 years old
 
Curse you Racheal Ray!!!
As far as I can remember, every Racheal Ray recipe my mother has ever made has been disgusting! There was even one incident with something we call "The Loaf", which was a meat loaf-type thing made with turkey, and it was positively REPULSIVE. Another thing was the Stoop(Stew mixed with soup), and once I saw it I refused to eat it. Everyone said it was disgusting. I forever hate Racheal Ray for ruining countless dining experiences for me.
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A5
adult
 
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themoviefinder
teen, 16 years old
 
dadadad scary itaian woman
ahh this stinks
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gospurs57
adult
 
A clean cooking show for all ages
How can anyone find this show iffy for kids? This is the Food Network!! The only thing truly objectionable is when Rachael recommends alcohol in some recipes, but she usually provides an alcohol-free alternative to any recipe which may need alcohol. Come on, this show is appropriate for all ages!!
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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
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