Ep 8. Thrill of the Grill

In Cook's Country season 5 episode 8, titled "Thrill of the Grill," the series focuses entirely on outdoor grilling. Host Christopher Kimball takes viewers on a journey through the history of grilling and barbecue in the United States, highlighting regional differences and popular techniques for cooking with fire.

The episode begins with a demonstration of how to make one of the most classic American backyard favorites -- burgers. The Cook's Country team starts with a custom blend of ground beef that includes sirloin and chuck. They then shape the patties and season them simply with salt and pepper before grilling them to perfection. Along the way, they offer tips for achieving the ultimate crust on the outside of the burger while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful.

Next, viewers are treated to a recipe for a staple of Southern barbecue -- pulled pork. The Cook's Country team shows how to prepare a pork butt for smoking, which includes a dry rub of spices and a wait of several hours for the meat to soak up the flavor. They then demonstrate how to set up a grill for low-and-slow cooking, using a combination of charcoal and wood chips, and how to monitor the temperature to achieve ideal results. The resulting pulled pork is flavorful, tender, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Moving on to a lighter option, the Cook's Country team presents a grilled vegetable salad that is colorful, nutritious, and bursting with flavors. They grill a variety of vegetables, including asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini, and then chop them up and combine them with a tangy dressing made from lemon juice, garlic, and mustard. The salad is a beautiful addition to any outdoor meal and is a great way to get more vegetables into your diet.

The episode then takes a quick detour to talk about grilling safety, emphasizing the importance of using the appropriate tools and always keeping an eye on the grill while it is in use. They also offer tips for cleaning and maintaining your grill to ensure it lasts for many seasons of outdoor cooking.

Returning to the recipes, the Cook's Country team introduces viewers to a new take on the classic hot dog. They start with high-quality sausages, grill them until they are nicely browned, and then top them with a homemade mustard that is both sweet and tangy. The result is a gourmet dog that will be sure to impress any guests at your next summer barbecue.

Finally, the episode wraps up with a recipe for a classic American dessert that is perfect for grilling -- peach cobbler. The Cook's Country team starts with fresh peaches, which they grill to bring out their natural sweetness and enhance their flavor. They then combine the peaches with a simple mixture of flour, butter, sugar, and spices to create a luscious cobbler filling. Once assembled, the cobbler is then grilled until the crust is golden brown and crispy. It's a perfect ending to a meal cooked entirely outside.

"Thrill of the Grill" is a fun and informative episode that celebrates the joys of grilling and offers plenty of recipes and tips for aspiring outdoor cooks. Whether you're an experienced grill master or just starting out, this episode is sure to inspire you to get outside and start cooking with fire.