Ep 11. Midwestern Favorites

In the eleventh episode of Cook's Country season 1, the focus is on Midwestern cuisine. The episode kicks off with the test kitchen's take on a classic regional dish: Chicago-style Italian beef sandwiches. The team breaks down the science behind the ideal cuts of meat, the best spice blend, and how to achieve the perfect tenderness without sacrificing the intense beef flavor. For side dishes, the crew prepares creamy coleslaw and homemade giardiniera.

Next up is another Midwestern staple: cornbread. As the show's hosts explain, this comfort food comes in many varieties, each with its own unique texture and flavor. This episode demonstrates two markedly different approaches: a traditional buttermilk cornbread recipe featuring a yellow cornmeal base, and a unique twist using blue cornmeal and honey to create a sweet, nutty flavor. To accompany these two options, the team also shares their favorite cornbread toppings, including honey butter and jalapeno jelly.

Throughout the episode, Cook's Country emphasizes the importance of using locally sourced, high-quality ingredients where possible. To illustrate this principle, the crew pays a visit to a farm in rural Minnesota, where they select the freshest ingredients for their next recipe: pork and sauerkraut. This dish, a German-inspired favorite common in Midwestern kitchens, relies on the sour and savory flavors of fermented cabbage alongside tender, herb-infused pork. The crew shows viewers how to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures, as well as giving tips on selecting the best cuts of pork for the dish.

Rounding out the episode is a dessert recipe showcasing another Midwestern favorite ingredient: cherries. The Cook's Country team shares their take on a classic cherry clafoutis, a French custard tart bursting with fresh fruit. The hosts explain how to choose the right cherries, how to make a silky, custard base, and how to avoid common mistakes like overbaking or under-seasoning.

Throughout the episode, the team at Cook's Country emphasizes the importance of tradition and community in Midwestern cooking. From the classic recipes passed down through generations of family gatherings to the local ingredients available at farmers' markets and small-town grocers, this style of cooking is all about supporting and celebrating the communities that make it possible. As the team shows viewers how to create delicious and authentic Midwestern dishes from scratch, they offer a window into a rich and vibrant culinary culture.