Ep 4. Great American Meat and Potatoes

In season 6, episode 4 of Cook's Country, titled "Great American Meat and Potatoes," the cast and crew explore classic American dishes featuring two staples of American cuisine: meat and potatoes.

The episode kicks off with an in-depth look at Salisbury steak with mushroom gravy. This classic comfort food is often overlooked or dismissed as a TV dinner staple, but the Cook's Country team is determined to give it the respect it deserves. They start by making their own ground beef mix using a combination of sirloin, chuck, and pork shoulder, which gives the patties a juicy and flavorful consistency. They also add Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard to the mix to enhance its savory flavor. Then, they cook the patties on a hot griddle until they develop a nice crust and are cooked through. The mushroom gravy is made from scratch using cremini mushrooms, beef broth, flour, and cream. The final result is a delicious, homemade Salisbury steak with a rich and meaty gravy that will make you forget all about those frozen dinners.

The next dish on the menu is potato gratin, a French-inspired dish that has become a beloved American classic. The Cook's Country team opts for a twist on the classic recipe by adding sweet potatoes to the mix. They begin by thinly slicing both Yukon Gold and sweet potatoes and layering them in a baking dish. They then make a creamy sauce using heavy cream, garlic, nutmeg, and a combination of Gruyere and Parmesan cheese. The sauce is poured over the layered potatoes, and the dish is baked until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and crispy. The result is a decadent and delicious side dish that is perfect for any occasion.

No episode about American meat and potatoes would be complete without a burger, and the Cook's Country team has a few tricks up their sleeves to make the ultimate burger. They start by grinding their own beef mixture, which includes sirloin, chuck, and short rib. They also add a surprise ingredient, which is grated onion, to the mix, which keeps the burgers moist and adds a subtle but delicious onion flavor. They cook the burgers on a hot grill, and then top them with melted American cheese, bacon, and a homemade secret sauce that includes ketchup, mayo, and pickle relish. The result is a burger that is juicy, flavorful, and sure to satisfy any burger craving.

Finally, the Cook's Country team tackles a classic American dessert: apple crisp. They start by making a delicious and crumbly topping using flour, brown sugar, oats, and a touch of cinnamon. Then, they slice apples and toss them with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice before arranging them in a baking dish and topping them with the crumble topping. The dish is baked until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbly. The result is a deliciously sweet and comforting dessert that is perfect for any occasion.

Throughout the episode, the Cook's Country team emphasizes the importance of using high-quality ingredients, cooking with care and attention to detail, and not being afraid to put their own spin on classic American dishes. They also share some helpful techniques and tips for making each dish, making this episode a must-watch for anyone who loves American cuisine.