Ep 1. What's Cooking?

In Rachael Ray's Week in a Day season 1 episode 1, titled "What's Cooking?", viewers are introduced to the concept of cooking once a week and having meals prepared for the entire week. Rachael Ray demonstrates how to prepare five different meals in just one day, allowing viewers to save time and money while still enjoying home-cooked meals.

The episode begins with Rachael introducing herself and the "week in a day" concept, explaining that she will be preparing five meals that can be eaten throughout the week. She emphasizes the importance of planning ahead and making a grocery list before beginning to cook.

The first meal Rachael prepares is a chicken and broccoli casserole which is easy to make and can be reheated throughout the week. She also offers some tips for freezing leftovers and reheating them effectively.

Next up is a hearty beef stew which can be served over mashed potatoes or rice. Rachael explains how to properly brown the meat and shares some flavor-boosting tips for the stew.

For the third meal, Rachael opts for a vegetarian option: stuffed portobello mushrooms. She shows viewers how to remove the gills of the mushroom and stuff it with a mixture of spinach, onions, and feta cheese.

The fourth meal is a classic Italian dish - baked ziti. Rachael cooks the pasta and sauce separately before layering them in a casserole dish and baking in the oven. She also shows viewers how to make a simple garlic bread to go with the dish.

Last but not least is a recipe for turkey chili, which is packed with protein and spices. Rachael uses ground turkey instead of beef and explains how to build layers of flavor in the chili.

Throughout the episode, Rachael offers helpful tips for cooking in bulk and making the most of leftovers. She also emphasizes the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients to make meals that are not only delicious but also healthy.

Overall, "What's Cooking?" is a great introduction to the "week in a day" concept and offers practical tips and recipe ideas for anyone looking to save time and still enjoy home-cooked meals throughout the week.