Rachael Ray (born August 25, 1968 in Glen Falls, New York) is an Emmy Award-winning television personality and author. Her family roots are from Sicily, Italy. Her TV shows include 30 minute Meals, $40 a Day, Rachael Ray's Tasty Travels and The Rachael Ray Show in September 2006 First Episode in Rachael Ray. In September 2010, Rachael Ray's Week In a Day began airing on the Cooking Channel. She has written 12 cookbooks. Plus Stay Home & More Episodes in Season 14/Season 15 Make Room For Season 16. Her family was from Italy, and she helped her family in the kitchen at a young age in Cape Cod at her family owned restaurant. In her early 20's she pursued her culinary aspirations in New York City, where she started out behind Macy's candy counter before managing its fresh foods department.