When Dorit Kemsley sits down at the table, she always makes a memorable impression. From her exquisite fashion to her spirited conversation, the food needs to be as bold as the other elements. During a recent conversation, Dorit shared her secret shortcut to a flavorful meal. Ready to open the Rao’s Homemade jar and enjoy her winning dish?
As one of the favorite Bravo Housewives, Dorit has had a big season on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Her willingness to stand up for herself, speak her mind, and point out when others have been less than forthcoming has made this current season a standout.
While RHOBH has heightened the Bravo drama, other popular Bravo shows have made their play for top billing. The uber popular Top Chef headed to Canada with a new group of cheftestants who are ready to win the coveted title.
Although Dorit is more commonly seen dining in a restaurant rather than stepping into the kitchen, her partnership with Rao’s Homemade has her taking on a version of the iconic Top Chef Quickfire. With Nini Nguyen as judge and Cynthia Bailey as fellow contestant, the battle in the Top Chef Destination Canada kitchen brings the heat.
Unlike the traditional Top Chef Quickfire, everyone is a winner in this competition. The Real Housewives franchise might be aspirational, but the Top Chef cooking aspect turns the promotion into a new taste of shoppable television.
Dorit Kemsley discusses her Rao’s Homemade commercial and RHOBH.
Through her partnership with Rao’s Homemade, Dorit graciously shared her thoughts on her pasta recipe, cooking at home, and the current RHOBH season. Just like fans of The Real Housewives appreciate, she is never at a loss for words.
Cristine Struble: Finding a recipe that appeals to both kids and parents can be a struggle for some moms. What makes your Rao’s Homemade Fusilli recipe a great choice that will appeal to everyone at the table?
Dorit Kemsley: As a busy mom, I love that Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce makes it easy to create authentic Italian meals at home. It’s my secret shortcut in the kitchen, so I always keep it stocked in my pantry. My Rao’s Homemade Fusilli with Marinara recipe is perfect for everyone – the sauce and pasta are both made with high quality ingredients that taste like they came fresh from Italy.
While I like to keep the dish chic and on the simple side for the kids, it tastes absolutely delicious that even the fanciest of eaters would enjoy it! I learned how to make fresh marinara sauce from my family when I was living in Italy and I swear, the taste brings me right back to being in Europe.
CS: Getting kids engaged in the kitchen can often make them more willing to try new recipes and/or foods. Do your children help you make and/or plan meals? Does that help them engage to be more engaged with the meal?
DK: I love getting my kids in the kitchen. Some of my fondest childhood memories are times my mom and I spent spending time making meals together. She really taught me to cook and I hope my children will look back on the times we spend in the kitchen and feel the same!
CS: Do you have any tricks or tips for making that pasta dish feel like an elevated, restaurant quality meal? Do you try to include any seasonal ingredients to change a favorite dish?
DK: Rao’s Homemade is genuinely the easiest way to make a restaurant-quality meal at home. The authentic ingredients make it taste straight from Nonna’s kitchen. I swear, it’s the only thing that compares to homemade sauce! It elevates every meal, even the simple ones like Fusilli and Marinara Sauce. Sometimes, I like to add a seasonal twist, usually a protein like fish or marinated chicken, but for the most part, you can’t mess with a classic.
CS: Culinary storytelling is not only important in a commercial, like yours for Rao’s Homemade, but also it sets the tone for any meal. How do you think that people will respond to your Rao’s Homemade storytelling and do you think it will get people hungry to cook some pasta at home?
DK: I think people who see the ad will be inspired to use Rao’s Homemade because it proves just how much it can make any meal special. In the ad, Cynthia and I take very different approaches to the dish, but they both turn out equally as good! I definitely think viewers of the commercial will be hungry, who can say no to a delicious pasta dish that only takes 10 minutes?!
CS: In this season of RHOBH, you have been vocal about finding your personal strength, power, and voice. As woman, mother, and entrepreneur, why do you think that it is vital for RHOBH fans to see you take control of your future?
DK: I think stepping into this era of personal strength is important in inspiring all women to be themselves and stand up for their beliefs! As a mother, I want my children to feel confident in being who they are and to not be afraid of having an opinion. As an entrepreneur, I want to empower others to be fearless and take leaps because it can lead you to places you never thought possible. I hope having the opportunity to show this side of myself during this season of Beverly Hills will inspire fans to believe in themselves to do the same.
Dorit Kemsley’s Fusilli with Marinara can be found on Rao’s Homemade website. The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills airs new episodes Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo. Episodes can be streamed on Peacock. Top Chef Destination Canada airs Thursday nights at 9 p.m. and episodes can be streamed on Peacock.