Get Togethers: Rachael Ray 30-Minute Meals

by Rachael Ray

Presents a series of simple, easy-to-prepare dishes for brunches, parties, date dinners, holidays, and picnics.

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Nonfiction, Food, Reference, Food and Drink

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Rachael Domenica Ray is an American cook, television personality, businesswoman, and author. She hosted the syndicated daily talk and lifestyle program Rachael Ray. Other programs to her credit include 30 Minute Meals, Rachael Ray's Tasty Travels, $40 a Day, Rachael Ray's Week in a Day, and the reality format shows Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook-Off and Rachael Ray's Kids Cook-Off. Ray has written several cookbooks based on the 30 Minute Meals concept, and launched a magazine, Every Day with Rachael Ray, in 2006. Ray's television shows have won three Daytime Emmy Awards.

Reviews

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

She may be popular to make fun of now, but she really could come up with accessible recipes. This has a wide variety of celebrations and the food that goes with them. Lots of ethnicities represented too. Really a decent volume.

[Perrin · Rating 1 out of 5]

RACHEL RAY IS THE ANTI-CHRIST!!

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A gift from my mom and a fun cookbook, to boot. This is the only Rachael Ray cookbook that I currently own. I don't watch a lot of cooking shows on TV. It took awhile to learn she doesn't say "evooooo" like she spells it, she spells out E-V-O-O.

I have to take 30-minute-meals with a grain of salt (or a dash of EVOO). At my elevation - 8500 feet - the chicken is still clucking after only 30 minutes.

I know I've made a couple of these recipes but I didn't mark which ones. I never plan on having a dinner party where I cook the whole menu but this book is still a lot of fun to read. I'd like to go to a dinner party where the menu is:

A Get Away for Any Day Baja Blowout: Mussels in Mexican Beer, Heck of a Jicama Salad, and Chorizo and Shrimp Quesadillas with Smoky Guacamole. Or how about Thanksgiving for Everyday: Herb Smashed Potatoes with Goat Cheese, Turkey and Wild Mushroom Meatloaf Patties with Pan Gravy, and Green Beans with Lemon and Toasted Almonds.

Invite me over!

[GoldenjoyBazyll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE TO ENTERTAIN the girls! I alwaysnjoyd themed parties where everyone makes something wonderful to share. It really works because all of my friends are great cooks! :)

This book inspires everything from holiday gatherings to small themed brunches! Check out page 85 for polenta crackers with roasted red pepers!!!!! That's one thing I will e making for the crew real soon!!!!!

Reading cookbooks is sooooooo much FUN!!!!!!

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've actually made a couple of recipes from here that were okay, but she really doesn't take into account the cost of individual ingredients. Yes, they may be quick, but I don't need to spend $15 on ingredients for a home-cooked meal in the middle of the week.

[Samantha (Nicky's Mom) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Her recipes are a little out there for my taste, but very creative!

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book! Although I do prefer to watch her on tv lol

[Xyra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did someone call and say they were on their way over? Need to make something quick for their visit? This is the book for you (depending on what you keep in your pantry). The timing on these recipes is right on, so you don't need to work all day to make a fabulous meal for your visitors.

This book contains a great variety of dishes and menus to choose from. I have not tried all of them, but the recipes are easy to follow and read. The ones I have tried are flavorful.

I mentioned in a previous review that in many cases EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) should be just olive oil.

A nice feature of many Rachel Ray cookbooks is the cover flaps. The books are paperback and the front and back are extra long and folded in to resemble a dust jacket. These cover extensions can be used like bookmarks.

[Ruddy · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK, I know a lot of people hate Rachel ray, BUT i have to say this is a very handy book. I like to have people over all the time and this book is not only simple to understand, but also simple to make. Everything was laid out very well and the food i came up with was yum-o to say the least. Haters, keep hating, but i'll be eating while you do that.
:-)

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this one, Rachael Ray plans out your party menus for you. I like to plan my own menus so the book can be a bit constraining. Definitely try her recipe for Mexican Ice Cream Pie. You will get mad props.

[Kristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good receipes with varying number of servings. The largest, though is 12, and for parties I often have more like 20 or more. She has a menu for a wraps party and I did those and I thought they were great. It has some unique ideas.

[Travis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know it's popular to hate Rachael, and she is pretty annoying, but at the same time this book has some good recipes that work for regular folks.

There's no food snobbery here, just actual food you can make with stuff you most likely have in your house.

[Tanya Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mmmm, this recipe book is filled with delicious easy to make meals too. There is a really good Valentines Day ravioli meal that I made my sweetie one year that was so easy but so scrumptious too! It also has a few meals for grilling out too. I love it that she chooses a lot of low carb meals too.

[Fostergrants · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is great if you want it spelled out for you menu-wise. no nonsense recipes, easy, quick, inexpensive.

[Miabia20 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Made two recipes from this book and it is very easy to follow.The dishes are great.

[Kd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love her recipes. Most are simple, or can be rearranged according to one's cupboard.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Rachel Ray's writing and type of cooking. I didn't particularly care for most of the recipes in this book.

[Melissa]

I'm not sure I've actually cooked anything out of here yet. I know I registered for it, when I got married and wanted to try a ton of the recipes in it.

[Benjamin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Recipes are OK, but nothing special. I am unlikely to make any of the "complete" menus and would more likely pick and choose single dishes.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun suggestions.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Guess I'm just not a 30 minute kind of gal. I think it's one of those things, either you get it or you don't.

I don't. May just pass these books on to someone who will use them.

[Mindi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am really disappointed in Rachel Ray cookbooks. I have yet to find a recipe that is good. They are all just average.

[Catherine Woodman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abe loves this cookbook tho' about all wecook regularly out of it is chili--which is outstanding, versatile and we have made it completely our own, which I think would make Rachel happy

[Catie · Rating 4 out of 5]

very very yummy!

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really my style, though I did find a handful of recipes to try.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

i learned how to make 20 cookies in less than 3o minutes and all kinds of cookies

[Artina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rachael Ray just makes me excited. The combination of food she puts together is so creative yet simple. She makes everything seem within reach. This book is full of nothing but themed meals for gatherings big and small. As we head into the warmer months, I know I will be using this cookbook many times as I gather with friends and family.

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not a huge fan of Rachael Ray cookbooks. There are never any pictures and some of the ingredient combinations are just odd...like she's just randomly throwing things together to come up with a new recipe.

[Patricia Atkinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

a lot of recipes that require foods you would not normally have at home....

[Dray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rachael takes us through a bevy of holiday and special gatherings with quick and relatively easy meals. I found her use of spices and herbs to be just right.