Ray says accessibility key to her success

NEW YORK, Jan. 13 (UPI) -- U.S. culinary superstar Rachel Ray attributes her success and popularity to the fact the average person can easily replicate her cooking style.

Ray said her TV series "Tasty Travels" and her numerous cookbooks have universal appeal, the New York Post reported Sunday.

"I think the brand and the shows are successful because they're very accessible," Ray said in a recent interview with the Post. "Everyone can look at anything in the magazines or books or TV shows and know that they can do it themselves. So it's that level of comfort."

Along with her books and Food Network series, Ray has started the magazine "Every Day with Rachael Ray" and has her own line of bedding and cookware.

The 39-year-old, who has had no formal culinary training, told the Post her favorite thing about food is the limitless knowledge the culinary world can offer.

"Food is a wonderful hobby because you're always learning, every time you eat out, travel or talk to someone in a grocery store," the talk show host said.