Ep 7. All-American Sweet Dough Desserts

In season 8 episode 7 of Cook's Country, entitled "All-American Sweet Dough Desserts," the hosts explore the delicious world of classic American sweet dough recipes. From donuts to coffee cakes, this episode is sure to satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth.

First up on the menu is a classic breakfast treat: the cinnamon roll. The hosts demonstrate how to make a soft, pillowy dough enriched with eggs and milk, which is then rolled out and filled with a cinnamony-brown sugar mixture. They also share a helpful tip for keeping the rolls evenly sized and spaced in the pan. After baking, the rolls are drizzled with a simple powdered sugar glaze that perfectly complements the warmth and spice of the cinnamon.

Next, the focus shifts to one of the most beloved desserts of all time: apple pie. The hosts walk viewers through each step of making a from-scratch pie crust, from mixing the flour and butter to rolling out the dough and crimping the edges. They also share a technique for arranging the apples so that they're evenly distributed and won't collapse during baking. Lastly, they reveal a secret ingredient that adds an extra layer of flavor to the filling and sets this apple pie apart from the rest.

Moving on to something a bit more unconventional, the hosts turn their attention to monkey bread, a fun and playful dessert that's perfect for sharing. They start by making a simple dough and then dividing it into small balls, which are rolled in a cinnamon sugar mixture and stacked into a bundt pan. The finished product is a pull-apart treat that's irresistible to kids and adults alike.

The final recipe of the episode takes us back to the breakfast table with a classic dish that's often overlooked: the sticky bun. The hosts share a recipe for making a gooey, caramel-y sauce that's poured into a baking dish and topped with pecans. Then they roll out a sweet dough, fill it with brown sugar and butter, and cut it into individual buns which are arranged on top of the sauce and left to proof overnight. In the morning, these buns are baked to golden perfection and flipped out onto a serving platter, revealing a gooey, sticky topping that's fit for royalty.

Throughout the episode, the hosts share tips and techniques for making each recipe a success, from kneading the dough properly to using parchment paper to prevent sticking. They also dive into the history and origin of each dessert, giving viewers a deeper appreciation for the long and delicious history of American sweet dough recipes.

In conclusion, Cook's Country season 8 episode 7 is a delightful exploration of classic American sweet dough desserts, featuring recipes for cinnamon rolls, apple pie, monkey bread, and sticky buns. With easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips from the hosts, this episode is sure to inspire viewers to try their hand at making these beloved treats at home.