• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Indian Cooking 101
  • Recipes
  • Media
  • Work with Me

Hooked on Heat logo

YOU ARE HERE: HOME » Cookbook Reviews » Cookbook Review: Rachael Ray’s 365: No Repeats, Express Lane Meals & Just in Time

May 29, 2008

Cookbook Review: Rachael Ray’s 365: No Repeats, Express Lane Meals & Just in Time

A couple of weeks ago, I received a stack of Rachael Ray’s cookbooks for review, including, 365: No Repeats, Express Lane Meals and Just in Time. As someone who devours a cookbook akin to the latest bestselling bedtime read, I was ecstatic. But on the other hand, as someone who can’t resist the urge to flip the channel whenever RR has one of her umpteen show on, I was a bit skeptical. You see, like many out there, I too find her a bit too jumpy to be had with my morning cuppa – which is why I try and tune in to her during lunch time.

One thing I have to hand out to her however – she’s one helluva creative cook! And I mean that in the most nicest way I can. A quick glance through her list of recipes can’t help but pique your interest and tempt you to flip over to the particular page. If you thought she could only get creative with naming her dishes, wait till you actually read through the recipe itself! How many times have you found yourself cooking your tried-and-tested favourites week after week – not because you enjoy them that much, but because you’re stumped for ideas! I know I’m guilty of doing so. If anything, these books have taught me to throw caution to the wind and get even more creative with my cooking. Her recipes encourage you to think outside the box and opt for unconventional ideas. While she does pair many classic flavour combinations together, her way planning a meal around these flavours is what most appeals to me. It’s fun, fast, and makes for a great evening cooking!


Rachael Ray certainly knows her way around the kitchen. If you’ve ever watched an episode of her 30-minute meals cooking show, you’d notice how Rachael always put a stress on having a well stocked fridge, freezer and pantry. That, equipped with simple fast cooking tricks enables her to create a whole meal in a matter of minutes. The same goes for the recipes in her books as well. Many of her recipes combine stove-top cooking with a final few minutes of finishing in the oven to get that baked goodness. She uses ready-made stocks and sauces as a starter and flavours them as she goes along, cutting down on cooking time and adding a personal touch as well.

Going through the three books, I couldn’t get myself to find many distinctions between them. Which is why I’ve opted to review them as a batch instead. My honest assumption would be: if you’ve read one, you’ve read them all, and unless you’re a die-hard fan of Rachael, and want to own everything with her name on it, you might just be happy with owning only one.

Filed Under: Cookbook Reviews

Previous Post: « Rajasthani Kadhi
Next Post: Tamarind Fish »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kingfish says

    July 30, 2008 at

    hmm..i like to watch her show. i got few of her book not bad! 🙂
    like the way she does variations on some of the meals, because that’s how I cook sometimes, especially with soups.

    Reply
  2. Julie says

    June 4, 2008 at

    Tag – you’re it!
    Visit my website for the list of questions – we want to know more about you.

    The rules:
    Each player answers the questions about themselves. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answers.

    Reply
  3. Mary Beth says

    June 1, 2008 at

    While I use 365 No Repeats 4-5 times a week, I agree that the others have basically the same recipes. I got really excited about receiving Express Lane Meals as a gift, but I then passed it on to another friend because there was nothing new in it. However, I may have to get a new copy of 365 N R because the binding’s broken and some of the recipes have serious spillage on them:)

    Reply
  4. Cynthia says

    May 30, 2008 at

    Though I don’t own any of her books, there are quite a few times that I’ve watched her show and got exactly what you talked about in your review – she does come up with some clever ways of jazzing up the regulars we make. That said, I don’t think I can watch the show daily 🙂

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

LET’S CONNECT

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Get to know me

I would love to show you how simple, delicious and quick family-friendly meals can be created in a heart beat. Read more about me here ...

Never miss a recipe!

Share your email address to be notified of new posts and tons of delicious inspiration!

* indicates required

New to Indian Cooking?

Looking for something?

Some of my Clients

Need Inspiration?

Need More Dinner Ideas? Try these!

Ginger Shrimp Stir-fry
Ginger Shrimp Stir-fry
Mushroom & Peas Pulao
Mushroom & Peas Pulao
Sweet Potato & Chicken Coconut Curry
Sweet Potato & Chicken Coconut Curry
Alu Chana
Alu Chana
Everyday Instant-Pot Dal
Everyday Instant-Pot Dal
Tofu Garlic Noodles
Tofu Garlic Noodles

hookedonheat

Meena | Indian-inspired Food
All throughout high school, whenever I was asked w All throughout high school, whenever I was asked what I wanted to do when I got older, I always said “Write a Book!”. Not knowing how, when or even what it was going to be about, I just knew that was something I truly wanted. Little did I know that about a decade later I would have my very first cookbook in my hands. Then, exactly 9 years ago to this day I announced that I began working on my 2nd one. Today, I’m excited to let you know that I just signed my 3rd cookbook deal -  Vegan Indian Instant Pot, coming out later this Fall! #hookedonheat #HOHkitchen #foodblogger #cookbookauthor #foodwriter #indiancooking #veganfood #instantpot #cookbook
I love making a one-pot meal that combines my prot I love making a one-pot meal that combines my protein, grains and veggies on busy weeknights. This Keema Matar Pulao recipe is what I often fall back on when I need a quick, nutritious and tasty meal that the whole family will enjoy. Serve it with some Raita or a Salad on the side. Recipe linked in profile. @ontariovealappeal #sponsored #vealathome #ontarioveal #hookedonheat #HOHkitchen #homecooked #indianfood #foodblogger #inmykitchen #homecooking #indiancooking #recipeontheblog #whatsfordinner #pantrychallenge #pantrycooking #quickrecipes #indianrecipes #gharkakhana #desifood #simplerecipes #keemapulao
Do you have a secret recipe that's always a hit wi Do you have a secret recipe that's always a hit with everyone that you can make at the drop of a hat? These Spinach and Cheese Croissants are super easy and quick, and hardly requires any work at all! Head to the post for some fun ideas on how you can make this New Year’s Eve extra special for you family! Recipe linked in profile. #hookedonheat #HOHkitchen #homecooked #indianfood #foodblogger #inmykitchen #homecooking #indiancooking #recipeontheblog #whatsfordinner #pantrychallenge #pantrycooking #quickrecipes #indianrecipes #gharkakhana #desifood #simplerecipes #sponsored #hellofresh #spinachcroissants
It’s mid-week... which just means that the energ It’s mid-week... which just means that the energy levels for most of us are slowly dying out. It’s also snowing outside, which means that a warm comfort meal ranks high on the wishlist! My simple solution – a one-pot meal like this Instant Pot Tomato Rice warming enough to drive away those heebee-jeebees! Recipe linked in profile. #hookedonheat #HOHkitchen #homecooked #indianfood #foodblogger #inmykitchen #homecooking #indiancooking #recipeontheblog #whatsfordinner #pantrychallenge #pantrycooking #quickrecipes #indianrecipes #gharkakhana #desifood #simplerecipes #pantrycooking #instantpotrecipes #tomatorice #ricerecipes
This is my go-to Chicken Curry recipe for a quick This is my go-to Chicken Curry recipe for a quick and hearty weeknight meal... perfect to drive away the Monday blues. And it hits the spot every time! Dahiwali Chicken Curry, recipe linked in profile. #hookedonheat #HOHkitchen #homecooked #indianfood #foodblogger #inmykitchen #homecooking #indiancooking #recipeontheblog #whatsfordinner #pantrychallenge #pantrycooking #quickrecipes #indianrecipes #gharkakhana #desifood #simplerecipes #chickencurry
Here’s a big bowl full of crispy homemade Gujiya Here’s a big bowl full of crispy homemade Gujiya to make your Diwali even sweeter this year. A very happy Diwali from us to you all! 😃
Here's wishing each and every one of you a very ha Here's wishing each and every one of you a very happy Diwali! :)

This Paneer Biryani recipe is perfect for your family meal this Diwali. The recipe does require a bit of prep work in advance, but it can all be done simultaneously and I promise you, that little extra effort is well worth it in the end. Trust me! Recipe linked in profile. #hookedonheat #HOHkitchen #homecooked #indianfood #foodblogger #inmykitchen #homecooking #indiancooking #recipeontheblog #whatsfordinner #pantrychallenge #pantrycooking #quickrecipes #indianrecipes #gharkakhana #desifood #simplerecipes #diwalifood #diwalirecipes #paneerrecipes #biryani
One special request from Hubby Dear for Diwali thi One special request from Hubby Dear for Diwali this year was Masala Mathri – crisp fried spicy cookies. They’re absolutely addicting and no one can really stop at one! These lovely treats can be stored in an air-tight container for about 2-3 weeks. That is if you resist them that long! Recipe linked in profile. #hookedonheat #HOHkitchen #homecooked #indianfood #foodblogger #inmykitchen #homecooking #indiancooking #recipeontheblog #whatsfordinner #pantrychallenge #pantrycooking #quickrecipes #indianrecipes #gharkakhana #desifood #simplerecipes #diwalifood #diwalirecipes #mathri
Samosas are my weakness, and I grew up having them Samosas are my weakness, and I grew up having them almost every weekend. They’re also a crowd pleaser and a must-have on my Diwali menu. If you’d like to try your hand at making them, then I have a few simple and really tasty recipes on the blog. It was an absolute treat to have these with my coffee over the weekend! Mint-Potato Samosas, #recipe linked in profile. What’s on your Diwali menu this year? #hookedonheat #HOHkitchen #homecooked #indianfood #foodblogger #inmykitchen #homecooking #indiancooking #recipeontheblog #whatsfordinner #pantrychallenge #pantrycooking #quickrecipes #indianrecipes #gharkakhana #desifood #simplerecipes #diwalifood #diwalirecipes #samosas
Follow ME on Instagram

ALL CONTENT INCLUDING IMAGES © 2020 · HOOKED ON HEAT by MEENA AGARWAL.