Ep 6. All-American Picnic
- October 11, 2008
In Cook's Country season 1 episode 6, titled "All-American Picnic," the hosts take on all-American favorites perfect for a summer picnic. The episode begins with a segment on making the perfect deviled egg, as the hosts discuss how this classic dish is a crowd-pleaser and an essential picnic item. They walk through the recipe step-by-step, showing how to cook the eggs to the perfect degree of doneness and highlighting the importance of seasoning to taste.
Next up, the hosts tackle fried chicken, another popular picnic food. To get the perfect crispy coating and juicy meat, they use a double-coating technique and season the chicken with a blend of spices and herbs. They also try out different cooking methods, comparing the results of deep-frying, oven-frying, and pan-frying. Throughout the segment, the hosts offer tips and tricks for avoiding common pitfalls, such as rubbery chicken skin or undercooked meat.
The third segment of the episode is all about potato salad, another essential picnic dish. The hosts discuss the different types of potatoes that work best for this dish, and demonstrate how to cook them to the perfect texture. They also explore different dressing variations, from a classic mayonnaise-based dressing to a tangy vinaigrette. The key to a great potato salad, according to the hosts, is balancing the flavors and finding the right level of creaminess.
The fourth and final segment of the episode focuses on pie, specifically blueberry pie. The hosts discuss how to make a foolproof crust, explaining the importance of keeping the dough cold and not overworking it. They also explore the different filling options for blueberry pie, from a simple syrup-based filling to a more complex recipe that includes cornstarch and lemon juice. Throughout the segment, the hosts offer tips for achieving the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, as well as advice for preventing soggy crusts.
Overall, "All-American Picnic" is a great episode for anyone who loves classic American picnic foods and wants to learn how to make them at home. With expert tips and techniques, as well as plenty of tasty recipes, this episode is sure to inspire viewers to host their own summertime picnics.
