Rachael Ray is perky, original, fun, and always ready to try something new and exciting. She can cook you a meal in 30 minutes and travel the world on $40 a day, and host her new talk show on the ABC Network, but what does Rachael Ray listen to when she wants to rock out?

The Food Network's diva took time out of her super busy schedule to give Delaware County Magazine some snacking tips, challenging an Iron Chef, and talks about her new show!

Delaware County Magazine: What’s your number one splurge food?

Rachael Ray: I eat all the time. I don’t consider it splurging or not. I mean, I eat pasta when I want pasta; risotto when I want risotto; pizza when I want pizza.

Delaware County Magazine: What about sweet things - do you eat cookies?

Ray: I don’t like cookies. I don’t bake cookies. I don’t like to bake anything. I don’t eat sweets that much. I guess peanut butter cookies are good. I like any kind of spice cake, gingerbread, that kind of thing.

Delaware County Magazine: Are there one or two hints you can give for cooking a quick meal?

Ray: Set the bar low. Don’t try to make the cover of Gourmet magazine the first time out. Cook with meats that are off the bone; they are always quick-cooking. Start with things that are readily available to everybody - anybody can make pastas, and the ingredients are very simple.

Delaware County Magazine: Do you have particular cravings?

Ray: I cook and eat all the time, so it doesn’t really enter into my life. I don’t deny myself.

Delaware County Magazine: You own a dog but have said you don’t have time for children. Will that always be the case?

Ray: Yeah, I love working with children and they’re going to be a big part of the show, but I have no immediate plans to slow down my workload. It would be a hugely selfish thing and a bad idea to try to have a kid anytime soon. I feel like a bad mom to my dog!

Delaware County Magazine: How does your husband feel about being part of the show?

Ray: He’s good. He’s an easy guy. We don’t watch the show. It’s easy to be on TV when you don’t watch. You know, it freaks the dog out to hear me on TV. She doesn’t like my voice coming from somewhere when she can’t find me.

Delaware County Magazine: What would you eat if you only had $5 a day?

Ray: I would buy a bloody mary at happy hour -- gazpacho with a kick.

Delaware County Magazine: What would you buy if your food budget were unlimited?

Ray: I'd take 50 homeless people to dinner at Ducasse for a $500.00 a head meal.

Delaware County Magazine: Do you prefer eating out to cooking a meal when you're off the clock?

Ray: No. John and I make dinner at home. I like to cook so I don’t get tired of it.

Delaware County Magazine: Do you like to listen to music while you cook? What do you listen to?

Ray: Always. Music makes good food rock! I like a new band, MUSE, Queens of the Stone Age, Foo Fighters, U2 and my husband's band The Cringe. I also like Pavarotti and jazz/swing...Chet Baker, Bud Powell, Louis Prima and Keeley Smith. Eclectic mix, I guess.

Delaware County Magazine: When you go on a road trip, eating is always tricky. You get fast food at rest stops and no exercise. What's the best diet for a road trip?

Ray: I like raw nuts, fruit, and baby carrots for crunchy car snacks. Gum keeps my jaws busy as well. I drive into town off exits that look promising, rather than eating at rest areas. Restaurants in town will have healthier choices too.

Delaware County Magazine: Have you ever thought about challenging an Iron Chef? And if so, which one?

Ray: I like to buy my ingredients at the market, rather than making fresh-kills in my kitchen. I don't have Marimoto's stomach -- I can't chop the head off an eel to make my dinner. These guys are amazing and well beyond my area of cook-spertise. I have no beef or eel with them and I will not be challenging any Iron Chefs any time soon. On the other hand, they say never say never...

Delaware County Magazine: Do you have a favorite junk food for when you're depressed?

Ray: I eat everything in any mood. If I am depressed, I just eat more of it all.

Delaware County Magazine: Now that being cheap has made you a superstar do people think you're cheap?

Ray: They think I am a lousy tipper. I am not. I grossly over-tip. I was a waitress for a long time. P.S. I do not think I qualify as a superstar. Please check the guidelines and official handbook.

Delaware County Magazine: Do you really eat at Burger King, and if so, how often? And whose fries are better, BK's or McDonald's?

Ray: Fries are very tasty at both, but I prefer BK. Yes, I do grab an occasional sandwich there if I am out and about and it's there. The chicken sandwich with mustard is good. Also, I like a Whopper Jr., no mayo and add mustard.

Delaware County Magazine: What advice do you have for aspiring television personalities?

Ray: None. I got my job by a series of accidents. I guess, don't plan out your life too much and take any and every opportunity that comes your way, no matter how surprising the idea may be to you...with the exception of the trip x industry, that is.