Ep 12. Great American Cookout

In season 5 episode 12 of Cook's Country, titled "Great American Cookout," the team heads to Nashville to explore the techniques and flavors of traditional Southern barbecue. Hosts Bridget Lancaster and Julia Collin Davison set out to create the ultimate backyard cookout, featuring classic dishes like pulled pork, brisket, and mac and cheese.

First up, the team tackles one of the most iconic Southern dishes: pulled pork. They start by brining a pork shoulder overnight in a mixture of water, salt, sugar, and aromatics. The next day, they smoke the pork low and slow over hickory wood until it's tender and flavorful. To serve, they pile the pulled pork high on toasted buns and top it off with a tangy vinegar-based barbecue sauce.

Next, the team turns their attention to one of the most challenging cuts of meat to cook: brisket. They start by rubbing a large brisket with a blend of spices, then smoke it for several hours until it reaches the perfect level of tenderness. To finish, they brush the brisket with a sweet and spicy barbecue sauce and let it cook a bit longer until the sauce has caramelized.

No Southern barbecue would be complete without a side of mac and cheese, so the team sets out to create a version that's creamy and decadent, with a crispy breadcrumb topping. To start, they cook pasta until it's al dente, then mix in a blend of cheeses and a creamy béchamel sauce. They top the mac and cheese with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and melted butter, then bake it until it's golden and bubbly.

But a great cookout isn't just about the main dishes – it's also about the sides and the desserts. The team creates a refreshing coleslaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing, as well as a tangy potato salad that's loaded with herbs. For dessert, they whip up a crowd-pleasing peach cobbler, featuring sweet, juicy peaches and a buttery, spiced crumble topping.

Throughout the episode, Bridget and Julia share tips and techniques for getting the most out of your barbecue, from choosing the right wood for smoking to achieving the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity in your barbecue sauce. They also explore the rich history and cultural significance of Southern barbecue, highlighting the regional variations and traditions that make it such an important part of American cuisine.

In the end, the team proves that with a little know-how and a lot of love, you can create a backyard cookout that's sure to impress all your friends and family. Whether you're a longtime barbecue aficionado or a newbie looking to master the art of smoking meat, this episode of Cook's Country is sure to inspire you to fire up the grill and get cooking.