Ep 13. St. Louis Cooking

In Cook's Country season 4 episode 13, titled "St. Louis Cooking," the hosts take viewers on a journey through the culinary traditions of the Midwestern city of St. Louis. Known for its unique combination of German, French, and Southern cuisine, St. Louis has a deep culinary history that is showcased throughout the episode.

The first recipe featured is for St. Louis-style pizza, which is known for its ultra-thin crust and use of Provel cheese, a processed combination of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone. The hosts visit local pizzerias to learn more about the history of this unique pizza and then head back to the test kitchen to develop their own version.

Next up is a recipe for gooey butter cake, a beloved St. Louis dessert that originated in the 1930s. Made with a cake mix base and a rich cream cheese filling, this dessert is topped with a dusting of powdered sugar and is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

The hosts then tackle a classic St. Louis comfort food: toasted ravioli. This appetizer consists of breaded and fried meat-filled ravioli served with marinara sauce. The recipe is inspired by one of the hosts' favorite St. Louis restaurants and they share their tips for getting the perfect crispy texture on the ravioli.

To round out the episode, the hosts visit a local barbecue joint to learn about St. Louis-style barbecue. This style of barbecue is known for its use of dry rubs instead of sauce and for its focus on pork ribs. Back in the test kitchen, the hosts develop their own recipe for St. Louis-style ribs that features a dry rub with paprika, brown sugar, and other spices.

Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the importance of preserving culinary traditions and celebrating local cuisine. Viewers are treated to a delicious tour of St. Louis and its unique blend of flavors and influences.