Watch Cooking Across the Ages

Cooking is an age-old tradition and a consistently evolving art that impacts every part of life. Ken Albala explores the recipe of culinary history through the renowned series, Cooking Across the Ages from The Great Courses Signature Collection. In this television show, Ken Albala, a celebrated professor and food historian, takes his viewers on an eye-opening journey through the ages of food. By delving deeply into history, he unearths how different cultures and cuisines evolved and how dishes that we enjoy today came into being. With an exceptional knack for storytelling, Albala blends tales of culture and custom with innovative cooking techniques and recipes.

The series airs over several installments, with each episode exploring an era in history, starting from ancient Egypt to the modern era. Through the show, we gain a compelling insight into the significance of food throughout human existence. We observe the changes in production, technology, and preferences through the years, providing a much-needed perspective on how the culinary arts progressed.

In Cooking Across the Ages, Albala takes an interdisciplinary approach to exploring history through food. He explores the impact of natural phenomena such as weather, counteracts the impact of the diseases, politics, and economics of certain periods and portrays how these scientific, social and cultural factors have affected the cuisine. The host employs his vast knowledge of anthropology, history, and molecular biology to provide a comprehensive understanding of how the human civilization has shaped its diet over time.

Not surprisingly, Albala also donned the hat of an accomplished chef to give invaluable cooking tips to all home cooks. With his knowledge of ancient and modern cooking methods, he shares secrets for making mouth-watering meals from the past – like bread made ancient Egyptian sourdough – and modern favorites too, like macaroni and cheese. He simplistically demystifies confusing culinary terminologies and techniques, making it easy to execute complex dishes.

Albala's enthusiasm for food is infectious, and it is contagious through each episode. His in-depth knowledge of food history is evident through the series, and he brings his passion for the subject to the forefront in every episode. He not only explores the different eras but also the variation of cuisine throughout the world. From the gastronomic diversity of the Mediterranean and the Middle East to the intricate flavor profiles of Asian cuisine, the series serves up plenty of inspiration for home cooks looking to expand their repertoire of recipes.

The show’s attention to detail is remarkable, from the beautifully filmed cooking segments to the tremendous graphics that accommodate the history discussed. The theme's apt as it iterates throughout, giving it a well-thought-out experience that follows through its entire 36 episodes.

Overall, Cooking Across the Ages from The Great Courses Signature Collection is a fantastic series that brings out the best of food history, provides valuable insights into the evolution of human diet and culture, and offers plenty of innovative cooking techniques and recipes that viewers can put into practice. Ken Albala's passion and knowledge make the series a fascinating journey into the past and present. Already a memorable series, Cooking Across the Ages is destined to be a classic in food history for years to come.

Cooking Across the Ages is a series that ran for 1 seasons (24 episodes) between April 24, 2020 and on The Great Courses Signature Collection