Ep 13. Historical Cakes

In season 2 episode 13 of Cook's Country, viewers are taken on a journey through time to explore some of America's most iconic historical cakes. Hosts Bridget Lancaster and Julia Collin Davison start the episode by visiting a historical kitchen in Virginia to learn about the origins and significance of these cakes.

The first cake on the list is an American classic, the Boston Cream Pie. The hosts explore the cake's history and its close association with the city of Boston. They demonstrate step-by-step how to make this classic cake from scratch, including the sweet pastry cream and the tempting chocolate glaze. Their version of the Boston Cream Pie updates the classic with a lighter, fluffier sponge cake and homemade vanilla bean pastry cream.

Next up is the Black Forest Cake, a traditional German cake that gained popularity in America during the mid-20th century. The hosts share the history of this cake, its signature ingredients, and its dark, earthy flavor. To make this cake as authentic as possible, Bridget and Julia use authentic German cherry brandy, or kirsch, to add a distinct flavor to the moist chocolate cake layers. They also make homemade whipped cream and garnish the cake with more cherries and chocolate shavings.

Moving on, the hosts explore the world of frontier cooking with the Applesauce Cake. This cake originated in the late 1800s and early 1900s, when applesauce was a common ingredient in American kitchens. Bridget and Julia show how to make a traditional Applesauce Cake with a moist, dense texture and a spicy, fruit-filled flavor. They use just the right mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice to give the cake its distinctive flavor profile. To enhance the fruitiness of the cake, they add homemade toasted pecans, which lend a delicious nutty flavor.

The final cake on the list is the Pineapple Upside-Down Cake, a classic dessert that has been popular since the 1930s. The hosts take viewers through the history of this cake and how it became a staple of American family dinners. They prepare a delicious version of this beloved cake, complete with caramelized pineapple rings and a tender, vanilla-scented cake that is moist and fluffy. Bridget and Julia also show how to improve the classic recipe by incorporating a technique called a "cake mix doctor," which elevates the cake's texture and flavor.

Throughout the episode, Bridget and Julia draw on their extensive cooking experience to share tips and tricks for making each cake, from preparing the perfect batter to achieving a smooth glaze. They also provide insight into the history and cultural significance of each cake and how they have evolved over time.

Overall, this episode of Cook's Country showcases the diversity and richness of America's culinary history through the lens of iconic cakes. From classic German flavors to frontier cooking, each cake tells a story of its time and place in American history. The episode is sure to leave viewers with newfound appreciation for the role that desserts have played in shaping American culture and tradition.