Ep 6. Johnnycake Cobblers with Johanne Killeen

In season 3 episode 6 of Baking with Julia, viewers are taken into the kitchen with guest Johanne Killeen to learn how to make Johnnycake Cobblers. Johnnycakes are a type of cornmeal flatbread that are typically fried on a griddle, but in this episode, Killeen shows how they can be transformed into a delicious cobbler.

The episode begins with Julia introducing Killeen and asking her about her experience as a baker and restauranteur. Killeen speaks about her background in cooking and baking and shares her love for experimenting with different food combinations.

Killeen then begins to walk viewers through the process of making the Johnnycake Cobblers. She starts by mixing together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder and salt in a bowl. She then adds in cold butter and uses her fingers to mix everything together until it resembles coarse crumbs. She notes that making sure the butter is cold is the key to making a flaky crust.

Next, Killeen adds in buttermilk and combines everything until a dough forms. She then turns the dough out onto a floured surface and rolls it into a rectangle shape. She then folds the dough into thirds, like a letter, and rolls it out again into a rectangle shape. She repeats this process a few more times until the dough is smooth.

Killeen then uses a biscuit cutter to cut the dough into circles and places them in a lined baking dish. She then mixes together blueberries, raspberries, sugar and lemon zest to create the filling for the cobbler. She tops the dough circles with the berry filling and then adds more circles on top to create mini cobbler pies.

After placing the cobbler pies in the oven to bake, Killeen explains that this recipe can be easily adapted to use different types of fruit or even savory ingredients, like tomatoes and cheese. She explains that the versatility of this recipe is what makes it so fun to experiment with.

As the cobbler pies bake, Killeen and Julia chat about the importance of supporting local farmers and the impact it has on the ingredients used in cooking and baking. Killeen emphasizes that using fresh, locally sourced ingredients is key to creating delicious and flavorful dishes.

Once the cobbler pies are finished baking, Killeen removes them from the oven and lets them cool. Julia and Killeen then taste a bite and discuss the texture and flavors. Julia exclaims, "This is what home cooking is all about!"

Viewers of this episode of Baking with Julia are treated to a fun and informative baking experience. With Killeen's guidance, they learn how to transform a traditional cornmeal flatbread into a delectable cobbler that can be enjoyed any time of year. The episode also touches on important topics like using locally sourced ingredients and supporting local farmers, making it a truly well-rounded and educational viewing experience.