Rachel Ray signs new deal with Food Network

Rachael Ray has signed a new two-year deal with Food Network. Under the pact, she will host a new primetime series, "Rachael's Vacation."

She also will continue doing "30 Minute Meals," but will shoot 60 episodes a year, down from the current 80.

"Rachel's Vacation," which will premiere January 12, chronicles Ray's foreign sorties, during which she explores foods and lifestyles, visiting everything from street festivals to farmers' markets to shoe shops.

Ray, who got her start with "30 Minute Meals" in 2001, also landed a two-year renewal for her daytime syndicated talk show this year.

With the new deal at Food Network, Ray has emerged as the cable network's biggest star, following the network's recent cancellation of Emeril Lagasse's long-running series "Emeril Live." Lagasse remains under a development deal at the network and is hosting "The Essence of Emeril."
[source]