Ep 2. Day TWO of Our Big Italy Premiere + Rach's Cheese-Stuffed Eggplant Rolls

Day TWO of Our Big Italy Premiere + Rach's Cheese-Stuffed Eggplant Rolls is the second episode of Rachel Ray's 18th season and promises to be an exciting and delicious installment in her popular cooking show. As the title suggests, this episode is the continuation of her "Big Italy Premiere" episodes, and Ray is back with even more tasty Italian-inspired dishes.

The show opens with Ray sharing her recipe for cheese-stuffed eggplant rolls, a delicious and simple dish that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Ray walks viewers through the preparation process, emphasizing the importance of properly salting the eggplant to remove any bitterness before baking it to a tender perfection. The stuffing is a combination of ricotta, parmesan, and mozzarella cheese, seasoned with garlic, parsley, and a touch of red pepper flakes. Once assembled, the rolls are baked until bubbly and golden brown, and served with a delicious marinara sauce.

After demonstrating the eggplant rolls, Ray takes viewers on a culinary tour of Italy, showcasing delicious regional dishes from across the country. She visits a small bakery in Naples, where she learns the secrets of making the perfect Neapolitan pizza. She then travels to Tuscany to learn about the region's famous olive oil, and to sample a traditional steak Florentine. Ray also visits a family-run vineyard in the Emilia-Romagna region to explore the history and production of some of Italy's finest wines.

Back in the studio, Ray is joined by special guest Tony Danza, who helps her prepare another Italian classic, spaghetti alle vongole, or spaghetti with clams. Danza and Ray chat as they cook, discussing their shared love of Italian food and culture. The dish itself is simple and flavorful, made with garlic, red pepper flakes, white wine, and fresh clams. Once cooked, the spaghetti is tossed with the clam sauce and a sprinkle of parsley, and served hot with a glass of crisp white wine.

In addition to the delicious food, this episode also features an appearance by fashion expert Gretta Monahan, who shares her tips for creating a chic Italian-inspired outfit. Monahan shows viewers how to put together an outfit that combines comfortable and classic pieces, such as a pair of high-waisted trousers with a bold, colorful blouse and a pair of comfortable loafers. She emphasizes the importance of accessorizing with bold, statement pieces, and shows viewers how to incorporate traditional Italian textiles, such as silk scarves and leather bags, into their look.

Overall, Day TWO of Our Big Italy Premiere + Rach's Cheese-Stuffed Eggplant Rolls is a fun and informative episode that will leave viewers hungry for more. With delicious recipes, stunning scenery, and fun guest appearances, this episode is a must-watch for anyone who loves Italian food, culture, and style.