Ep 8. Irish Country Cooking

In Cook's Country season 6 episode 8, viewers are taken on a journey through the countryside of Ireland to discover traditional Irish cooking. The host, Christopher Kimball, is joined by Bridget Lancaster and Erin McMurrer of America's Test Kitchen as they explore the flavors and techniques of Irish cuisine.

The episode starts with a visit to Glenilen Farm, where the team meets Valerie and Alan Kingston, who run a dairy farm and produce their own yogurt and cheesecake. The team learns about the traditional Irish breakfast, which includes black and white pudding, rashers, and soda bread. They then cook a breakfast dish with these ingredients, incorporating the farm-fresh yogurt into a creamy sauce.

Next, the team visits a pub in Cork to sample some classic Irish pub food. They try a stew made with lamb and Guinness, as well as a hearty seafood chowder. Back in the kitchen, they recreate these dishes, using tips from the pub's chef, including how to properly cook mussels.

The team then heads to a family-owned bakery that has been making Irish soda bread for three generations. They learn about the history and technique of this traditional bread, which is made with only four ingredients. They also discover the secret to making perfect scones, which are a staple of any Irish afternoon tea.

At a local farmer's market, the team picks up some fresh produce and meats to make a traditional Irish meal. They make colcannon, a side dish made with potatoes and kale or cabbage, as well as bangers and mash, which is sausage served with mashed potatoes and gravy. The team also tries their hand at making Irish whiskey cake, which is made with dried fruit and soaked in whiskey.

Finally, the team visits a small village where they meet Mairead and Maura, two sisters who teach them how to make Irish brown bread. They also learn how to properly pour and serve a pint of Guinness, before enjoying a traditional Irish music session in a local pub.

Throughout the episode, the team discusses the history and cultural significance of each dish, as well as the ingredients and techniques used to make them. The show is not just a celebration of Irish cuisine, but a celebration of the vibrant and welcoming culture of Ireland.