Ep 2. Ahead of the Game

In Rachael Ray's Week in A Day season 7 episode 2, "Ahead of the Game," Rachael demonstrates how to prepare meals in advance to save time and make the week go more smoothly. She showcases a variety of recipes that are easy to make ahead of time, including fridge-to-oven dishes, freezer meals, and slow cooker recipes.

The episode begins with Rachael sharing her tips for prepping ingredients in advance. She shows how to chop vegetables, cook grains, and marinate meats to make meal prep a breeze. She then demonstrates how to make a savory slow cooker chicken dish with root vegetables and herbs. This recipe can be made ahead of time and reheated throughout the week for an easy and hearty meal.

Next, Rachael shows how to prepare a three-bean chili that can be made in advance and stored in the freezer for up to a month. She explains how to make a large batch of chili and divide it into smaller portions for quick and easy meals. She also suggests serving the chili with a variety of toppings, such as cheese, sour cream, and diced avocado.

For a quick and easy fridge-to-oven meal, Rachael prepares a pasta bake with sausage and tomatoes. She shows how to cook the pasta and sausage in advance, then assemble the dish in a baking dish with tomato sauce, cheese, and herbs. This dish can be stored in the fridge for up to two days before baking, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

Rachael also demonstrates how to make a baked ziti with spinach and ricotta that can be made in advance and stored in the freezer. She shows how to prepare the pasta dish with a creamy spinach and ricotta filling, then freeze it for up to a month. She suggests serving the ziti with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

To finish the episode, Rachael shares a recipe for slow cooker pulled pork with barbecue sauce. She demonstrates how to prepare the pork in advance with a homemade spice rub, then slow cook it with barbecue sauce for a tender and flavorful meal. She suggests serving the pulled pork on buns with coleslaw and pickles for a classic barbecue sandwich.

Throughout the episode, Rachael emphasizes the importance of meal prep to save time and make the week go more smoothly. She shows how easy and delicious it can be to make meals in advance, whether in the slow cooker, freezer, or fridge. With her helpful tips and delicious recipes, Rachael Ray's Week in A Day season 7 episode 2 is a must-watch for anyone looking to simplify their meal planning and prep.