Rachael Ray: Space Invader

By JULIETTE ROSSANT While the European Space Agency turned more than two years ago to the likes of super chef Alain Ducasse to feed European astronauts (see previous article), what do American astronauts get from NASA? Well, last August they got Food Network king Emeril Lagasse (see previous article). This month they get that Queen of Quickie Cuisine, that Midwife of 30-Minute Meals, Rachael Ray, according to reports from The Houston Chronicle and USA Today. Space Shuttle Discovery, leaving Earth on December 7, will carry three dishes made by Rachael. She'll be sending Thai Chicken and and two other dishes for the astronaut's fresh food tray, all prepared by NASA's kitchens. She even had Discovery commander Mark Polansky, an avid cook, on an October 4 episode. (Dont worry: if you missed the episode, Rach will let you buy it! Or watch "how science creeps in" as Rachael prepares one of the dishes in this video.) Hey, since Americans as a nation are still feasting on fast food like McDonald's, then why not enjoy a Rachael Ray rapid recipe in Space? After all, last month she began a second invasion -- into the inner space of our supermarkets. This invasion resulted from a celebrity endorsement deal with Nabisco for brands such as Ritz, Wheat Thins, Sociables, Premium, and Triscuit. In fact, she is Nabisco's custodian for the 2006 holiday season. (Keep your eye on Sociables: see if Rach doesn't make this her pet treat -- so to speak.) Come on! No doubt you've been accosted by this shiny, happy person? : Rachael Ray is invading not only outer but inner space: Rachael Ray is fast becoming a space invader. It's enough to drive some people to form a Rachael Ray Sucks Community or something! How does Rach's space invasion impact on the bottom line -- on food? Will Triscuits taste any better with her face on the box? Will astronauts really eat Rach's food while in space? The meals may make "a nice … psychological twist for our crewmembers," says NASA food systems manager Vickie Kloeris... Then again, is Rachael actually writing many if any of these recipes anymore...? Press releases: NASA Event News NASA Features NASA Humans in Space Subsequent news: Chicago Sun Times Related news: Houston Chronicle Entertainment USA Today Arizona Republic WZZM ABC TV 13 (Grand Rapids) WTSP CBS TV 10 (Tampa) USA Today AOL News Yahoo! News In-Store Marketer Richmond Times-Dispatch Previous articles: Emeril Leads Space Race? Forbes Celebrity 100 Chefs 2006: Cute? Rachael Ray: Media Empire Rachael Ray: A Few Days Later Rachael Ray Every Day from Readers Digest Alaine Ducasse: Hyperchef –– Now Serving Mars [Food Television - complete] [Chefs & Branding - complete] Technorati Tags: superchefblog, Juliette Rossant, super chef, celebrities, chefs, food, restaurants, cooking, branding, cuisine, blogging, food blogging --> back to superchefblog