Read the perky TV show host's answers to your questions about her favorite recipes, staying in shape, and the one food she hates — mayo.

With all the delicious foods you prepare, how do you manage to stay in shape?
Bart Bunkoci
Stratford, CT

RACHAEL RAY: My favorite home morning routine is 100 butt lifts and at least 20 push-ups. I don't believe in counting calories, eat in moderation and you wont have to worry about the numbers.

I have been a huge fan of your show since the beginning (I totally remember being exposed to the garbage bowl in the first episode). I rarely copy a recipe, but your hints and ideas have fed myself and friends throughout college and beyond.
I am curious how to submit new recipe ideas to you. I also am a personal trainer and health aficionado so I will lighten up many ideas you present (black bean burgers with roasted cumin carrot fries or fajita salad with baked tortilla chips). I would love to give you more ideas, but I don't know how to submit recipes, etc. to you or the food network. Thanks!
Katie Simmons
Chicago, IL

RACHAEL RAY: We love getting new recipes. You just go to www.rachaelrayshow.com and submit them there.

Is there an adequate substitute for brown sugar? I have an oatmeal cake recipe which calls for a topping made with coconut, evaporated milk, pecans and brown sugar. I want to send this recipe to a friend in Belarus but they do not have brown sugar available there? Can they make a substitution and still get the "caramel" flavoring for this topping? Or any other suggestion for the topping? Thanks.
Ron Feeback
Littleton, CO

RACHAEL RAY: Yes...you can make homemade brown sugar by combining molasses and sugar.

We have started getting back into cooking, but not too sure about buying a good knife. I know a good chef's knife is #1, but how about one that's within the budget of fixed income?
John Baker
Oracle, AZ

RACHAEL RAY: You should never skimp on a knife. Furi makes great knives for around $50.00. Check out www.furitechnics.com.

If you could only have one meal the rest of your life, what would you have?
Christy
Peoria, IL

RACHAEL RAY: I would never pick one meal. I would rather die.

What types of recipes do you suggest for college students who are pressed for time?
Vicki
Cypress, CA

RACHAEL RAY: On the weekend, make a huge pot of simple chili, or an easy stew or a sauce that you can save and eat all week.

What is your all-time favorite recipe? What is your favorite ingredient to have on hand (besides EVOO)?
Holly Sechrest
Frisco, TX

RACHAEL RAY: Agilo Olio (it's an Italian pasta dish with anchovies). Favorite ingredient besides EVOO is V-I-N-O

I think you're great, and I'm glad Oprah does, too! How do I get tickets for your show?
Bernadette C. Randis
Watertown, MA

RACHAEL RAY: Simple go to www.rachaelrayshow.com

Is there ANY food you DON'T like? Do you ever eat fast food?
Terri
North Saint Paul, MN

RACHAEL RAY: I hate mayo. As for fast food I will grab something in a pinch. A whopper, no mayo add mustard.

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